No-Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter with the classic charm of chocolate kisses, this No-Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a charming, fuss-free dessert that doesn’t require an oven but delivers delicious results every single time. Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or need a last-minute holiday treat to impress friends and family, these little bites are soft, creamy, and perfectly chocolatey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right flavors and textures in this recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays an important role, from the creamy base to the sweet, chocolaty finish.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: This forms the luscious, nutty backbone of the dessert and keeps the cookies so soft and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a buttery smoothness, helping bind everything together perfectly.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and a slightly silky texture, balancing the nutty peanut butter.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Adds a gentle crunch and subtle sweetness, giving the cookies a sturdy yet tender bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, elevating the overall flavor to a cozy level.
- 24 chocolate kiss candies (unwrapped): The iconic finish that melts slightly when pressed into the peanut butter dough, creating that classic “blossom” look.
How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Base
Start by combining the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or electric mixer to blend the two until they create a smooth, luscious mixture. This step is crucial for ensuring your blossoms have the perfect creamy texture.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Balance
Next, stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Vanilla brings a lovely warmth, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor. Mix well until everything is incorporated evenly.
Step 3: Build the Dough
Gradually fold in the powdered sugar along with the graham cracker crumbs. The powdered sugar sweetens and slightly firms the mixture, while the graham cracker crumbs give structure without making the dough dry. You’re looking for a dough that holds together nicely and can be rolled into balls easily.
Step 4: Shape the Blossoms
Once your dough is perfectly combined, scoop out about a tablespoon at a time and roll each portion into a smooth ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them comfortably apart to maintain their shape.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Kiss
Now the fun part: gently press an unwrapped chocolate kiss candy right into the center of each peanut butter ball. The warmth of the dough will slightly soften the chocolate, securing it in place and creating the signature blossom look.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Pop the tray into the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the cookies to firm up so they hold their shape beautifully when served. After chilling, your No-Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Garnishes
Although these cookies are stunning on their own, you can add a little extra flair by sprinkling a pinch of crushed peanuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. A tiny drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the kiss adds an elegant touch and a pop of contrasting flavor.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for those cozy afternoons. If you want to serve them at a party, consider offering alongside fresh fruit slices or a bowl of mixed nuts for a fun, balanced dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive look, arrange these Peanut Butter Blossoms on a decorative platter lined with colorful parchment or holiday-themed napkins. You can also stack them in clear jars tied with ribbon for cute edible gifts. Mini cupcake liners give each cookie its own little nest and make serving even easier.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, these no-bake cookies store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delightfully soft for up to one week. Just make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any absorption of other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to prepare them in advance or save some for later, these peanut butter blossoms freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Since these treats are no-bake and best enjoyed chilled, reheating is not necessary and isn’t recommended as it may soften the chocolate kisses excessively. Simply enjoy them straight from the fridge once thawed if frozen.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture to your peanut butter blossoms, making each bite even more interesting. Just be aware it might change the consistency of the dough slightly.
Are there any good substitutions for graham cracker crumbs?
Yes! You can swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. For those avoiding gluten, gluten-free graham crackers work perfectly and keep the flavors just right.
Do these cookies melt if left out at room temperature?
Because of the butter and peanut butter base, these cookies are best kept refrigerated, especially in warm weather. The chocolate kiss may soften or melt if left out too long, so chilling helps them hold their shape and texture.
Can kids help make the No-Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe?
Definitely! The steps are simple and safe enough for kids to get involved—mixing, rolling dough balls, and pressing the chocolate kisses make for a fun and hands-on activity that little ones will love.
How do I prevent the chocolate kisses from cracking when pressed?
To avoid cracking, press the chocolate kiss gently into the dough balls right after shaping them, while the dough is still soft and pliable. If the kisses break, try warming them slightly in your hands before pressing to make them more flexible.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a recipe that comes together so quickly with simple ingredients yet delivers such a charming and scrumptious treat. The No-Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is my go-to whenever I want to share a burst of classic flavor with minimal effort—perfectly sweet, creamy, and of course, chocolate-topped. Give it a try and watch these little delights disappear faster than you expect!
Print
No-Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No-Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms are delectable, easy-to-make cookies featuring creamy peanut butter and buttery graham cracker crumbs, topped with iconic chocolate kiss candies. Perfect for holiday treats or any time you want a quick, no-bake dessert that’s rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
Base Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 24 chocolate kiss candies (such as Hershey’s Kisses), unwrapped
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavors and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and the 1/4 teaspoon salt to enhance the dough’s flavor profile.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs to the wet mixture, mixing continuously until the dough becomes fully combined and holds its shape for rolling.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop out approximately 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Gently press one unwrapped chocolate kiss candy into the center of each dough ball, slightly flattening the cookie but keeping the kiss intact.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the prepared cookies for at least 30 minutes or until firm to ensure they hold their shape and texture.
- Storage: Once chilled, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the chocolate from melting.
Notes
- Substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers if desired.
- For those needing gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham crackers to keep the recipe compliant.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
