13 Blossom Cookie Ideas for Anyone Who Wants To Riff on Classic Peanut Butter

Peanut butter blossoms have earned their spot in the cookie hall of fame, now and forever. Maybe it’s from nostalgic holiday baking, maybe it’s the perfect peanut-butter-meets-chocolate combo, or maybe it’s just that they’re impossible to resist straight off the cooling rack. Whatever your reason, you’ll find classic peanut butter blossoms (and the variations that follow) are always the right choice for curing a sweet tooth or winning the bake sale.

This is the classic peanut butter blossom you dream about all year long (although you could easily improvise and use any type of chocolate kiss candy you like). Each warm peanut butter cookie hugs a chocolate kiss right in the center. Press the candy into the just-baked cookie and let them cool, if you can wait that long.

The classic cookie gets a festive twist with the cozy, creamy flavor of eggnog. Sprinkle of nutmeg, a dash of cream and a cheeky splash of rum help to infuse the cookie dough with that special holiday flavor. Opt for the striped chocolate-white chocolate drops to make these even more festive.

This clever mashup fuses a peanut butter blossom with a s’more, because why stop at one perfect cookie when you can combine two? The marshmallow and chocolate center melts into the peanut butter cookie like a campfire treat. A quick trip under the broiler toasts the marshmallows into gooey perfection.

Shiny chocolate gelt makes the classic blossom cookie into a fun Hanukkah treat. The soft peanut butter base plays perfectly with the smooth snap of a chocolate coin. Instead of rolling the balls of dough in sugar, use colored nonpareil sprinkles to set the theme.

Imagine one giant peanut butter blossom the size of a cake. This oversized cookie has the same chewy texture as the smaller versions thanks to a hefty scoop of smooth peanut butter. Check the candy aisle for a 7-ounce chocolate kiss-shaped candy to crown the center.

For a gluten-free twist, try these macaroon-inspired blossoms. Instead of peanut butter cookie, the base is a round of sweet shredded coconut flavored with vanilla and sweetened condensed milk. The chocolate topper stays the same, pressed into the still-warm dough right after it comes out of the oven.

Ground macadamia nuts and almond extract give these cookies a toasty nuttiness that’s different than the typical peanut butter. Mixed into the dough you’ll find scoops of white chocolate chips, chopped pistachios and dried cranberries add texture and sweetness that will rule the cookie swap. If you’re sharing these around the holidays, choose red- and white-striped chocolate candies to press into the top.

If almond butter is your love language, these giant blossoms might be your soulmate. They deliver the same soft bite as the classic but with a deeper, toastier nut flavor. Instead of a chocolate kiss, use a square of whichever chocolate you prefer, whether that’s simple milk chocolate or a complex dark.

Instead of a chocolate kiss, these cookies hold a mini peanut butter cup to double-down on nuttiness. The warm cookie slightly softens the candy for an ultra-gooey bite. Top with a sprinkle of chopped honey-roasted peanuts for added crunch.

A few tweaks take the classic blossom and turn it into a truly next-level cookie. A tender hazelnut shortbread forms the base cookie, which bakes wrapped around a luxe Ferrero Rocher. Each bite is crunchy, chocolate, hazelnutty perfection.

Bring chocolate to the forefront with a rich cocoa base and a gooey center. They might not be classic blossoms, but they fit the vibe with their overall look. Instead of a kiss, press sprinkles, mini marshmallows or dried fruit into the center.

These thumbprints balance creamy peanut butter cookie with warm chocolate center. A few chopped peanuts added into the dough creates a nice texture contrast that you’ll love to sink your teeth into. A bit of peanut butter and corn syrup mixed into the melted chocolate center makes sure that the middle stays soft but not messy.