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This small batch Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe gives you the perfect combination of soft, peanut buttery cookies topped with classic Hershey’s Kisses. Whether you’re making them for a small gathering or as a treat for yourself, these cookies come together quickly and easily, delivering the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter without leaving you with too many leftovers.
If you’re searching for more delicious small batch cookie recipes, try our buttery Shortbread Bites, colorful and chewy M&M Cookies, or rich and classic Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Portioned: This small batch peanut butter blossoms recipe makes just six cookies, so you can enjoy a treat without the temptation of too many extras.
- Quick and Easy: Simple instructions make these cookies easy to whip up, with no complicated steps or special equipment needed.
- Customizable: Whether you’re adding a festive twist or trying a new topping, this recipe is easy to adapt to your preferences.
- Scales Effortlessly: Need more than six cookies? Doubling or tripling the recipe is a breeze.
- Gift-Worthy: These cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a thoughtful gift for holidays, parties, or a simple “thinking of you.”
Peanut Butter Blossoms, also known as Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, are a timeless favorite with a story as sweet as their flavor. These iconic cookies were born in 1957 when Ohio baker Freda Smith entered them into the Grand National Pillsbury Bake-Off competition. Running out of chocolate chips while making peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, Freda placed a Hershey’s Kiss on each cookie instead. While her creation didn’t win first place, it captured hearts across the nation and quickly became a holiday staple.
Our small batch Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe is perfect for anyone cooking for one or two. It yields just six cookies, allowing you to enjoy this classic treat without being overwhelmed by leftovers. The recipe is scaled down to make it easy and approachable, with all the flavor and charm of the original. Whether you’re indulging in a nostalgic dessert or sharing a sweet moment, this small batch version is as practical as it is delicious.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch peanut butter blossoms recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Sugar: Use 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. These combine with butter to form the base of the cookie dough. Save an extra pinch of granulated sugar to roll the dough balls in before baking for that classic sparkle.
- Peanut Butter: Use 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. If you have extra, try it in a small batch of Peanut Butter Bars, a no-bake Peanut Butter Pie, Buckeyes, or even Puppy Chow.
- Butter: Use 2 tablespoons of slightly softened salted butter. The butter should feel cool to the touch but soft enough that it leaves a light indentation when pressed gently. This helps create a creamy base for the dough, making the cookies soft and flavorful.
- Egg Yolk: This small batch only needs one egg yolk. Save the egg white for one of our egg white recipes like a delicate mini Pavlova or two Vanilla Cupcakes.
- Flour: Use 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to give the cookies the right amount of structure and softness.
- Leavening Agents: Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder. These help the cookies rise slightly and give them a light, fluffy texture.
- Hershey’s Kisses: These milk chocolate candies are the signature touch that makes Peanut Butter Blossoms so special. Be sure to unwrap them ahead of time for easy assembly. If you have leftover Hershey’s Kisses, toss them into a gooey S’mores Dip for another sweet treat.
Recipe Variations
While classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are hard to beat, here are some fun ways to mix things up:
- White Chocolate Swap: Replace the traditional milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses with white chocolate ones for a creamy, vanilla twist that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter.
- Mocha Peanut Butter Blossoms: Add 1/4 teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the cookie dough for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate and peanut butter combination.
- Coconut Crunch: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the dough balls before baking for a tropical-inspired touch that adds flavor and texture.
- Jam-Filled Blossoms: Before pressing the Hershey’s Kiss into the baked cookie, add a small dollop of raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity pop that balances the chocolate and peanut butter.
- Cinnamon Sugar Blossoms: Mix a pinch of cinnamon into the dough, or roll the dough balls in a blend of cinnamon and sugar for a warm, spiced variation. This adds a cozy flavor perfect for fall or winter.
How To Make Peanut Butter Blossoms
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix all the ingredients together except for the Hershey’s Kisses.
- Shape and Sugar-Coat: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls, coat them in sugar, and place them 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet.
- Bake and Add Chocolate: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown. As soon as they come out of the oven, immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Expert Tips
- Try Different Candy Toppings: Hershey’s Kisses are a classic, but you can easily swap them out. Mini peanut butter cups or Rolos work wonderfully, and seasonal Hershey’s Kisses like peppermint or pumpkin spice add a festive twist.
- Dress Them Up: For a fun and colorful touch, roll the cookie dough balls in sanding sugar or colored sugar before baking. It adds sparkle and makes them stand out for special occasions.
- Give Them Space: Place the cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. These cookies spread as they bake, so spacing ensures they bake evenly without sticking together.
- Using Natural Peanut Butter: If you’re using natural peanut butter, stir it well to blend the oils before adding it to the dough. Keep in mind that using natural or other nut butters can alter the cookie’s texture and flavor slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 5-7 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Mini peanut butter cups, chocolate squares, or even chocolate chips can work as substitutes. Place them on the cookies while they’re still warm.
Absolutely! Double the ingredients to make more cookies.
Slight cracking is normal and gives the cookies their classic look. Press the Kiss gently into the center to avoid large cracks.
RELATED: Easy Dessert Recipes For One
More Small Batch Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making Peanut Butter Blossoms, you’ll want to try these other delicious small batch cookie recipes. They’re perfect for when you want just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth:
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this small batch peanut butter kiss cookies recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Small Batch Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar -divided
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons salted butter -softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
- 6 Hershey's Kisses -unwrapped
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, butter, and the egg yolk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and baking powder to the bowl. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined, forming a dough.
- Place the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in a small bowl and set it aside.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, roll each ball in the sugar, and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined or ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and immediately press 1 chocolate candy into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.
- Carefully transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.
Notes
- Try Different Candy Toppings: Hershey’s Kisses are a classic, but you can easily swap them out. Mini peanut butter cups or Rolos work wonderfully, and seasonal Hershey’s Kisses like peppermint or pumpkin spice add a festive twist. Dress Them Up: For a fun and colorful touch, roll the cookie dough balls in sanding sugar or colored sugar before baking. It adds sparkle and makes them stand out for special occasions. Give Them Space: Place the cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. These cookies spread as they bake, so spacing ensures they bake evenly without sticking together. Using Natural Peanut Butter: If you’re using natural peanut butter, stir it well to blend the oils before adding it to the dough. Keep in mind that using natural or other nut butters can alter the cookie’s texture and flavor slightly.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I love it. It is so rich and sweet but i did have a little problem with it i had to add some milk in it to make it so it actually turned into batter. But over all Loved It!
I am so excited about making this small batch recipe! I use butter flavored shortening to keep the cookies from baking up too flat in my temperamental oven. Can I use it in this recipe, too??
I haven’t tested this cookie recipe with shortening but it should work fine.
Hi there. I enjoy many of your recipes so much that I would like to make them in larger quantities to share with my extended families. How would I go about increasing them? Many thanks for keeping us sane with delicious variety.
Hi Lorraine, I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipes. Although our recipes are created and tested to be single servings or small batch, many of then can be successfully doubled to serve more. If we know a recipe can be doubled with success we will make note of it within the recipe post. Feel free to reach out to ask me about any specific recipes.