Irresistible High Altitude Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

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If you’re baking cookies at high altitude and tired of the dry, flat results, these irresistible peanut butter blossom cookies are a game-changer. They’re soft, chewy in the center, perfectly puffed, and topped with that iconic chocolate kiss that melts just enough to make each bite heavenly. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just because you need a cozy treat, these blossoms won’t disappoint.

High altitude baking can often lead to frustration, but this recipe was crafted specifically for success in mountainous regions. With a balanced blend of moisture, structure, and sweetness, you get a cookie that’s rich with peanut butter flavor, beautifully golden, and holds its shape without spreading too thin. The sugar-dusted crackled surface paired with the silky chocolate center makes this a cookie that begs to be made year-round.

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What Kind of Peanut Butter Works Best for Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) is ideal for this recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can create oily, inconsistent dough. Using a creamy, shelf-stable variety gives the cookies their signature texture and flavor. If you’re aiming for a nutty crunch, a chunky version can work, but expect a slightly different structure.

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Ingredients for the Irresistible High Altitude Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Peanut Butter: The star of the show! It gives the cookies their signature flavor. Use creamy for best consistency.

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create that soft, tender bite. Let it come to room temperature before using.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combo of both sugars delivers depth and that iconic chewy-crisp contrast.

Egg: Just one, to bind the dough and add moisture.

Milk: A small amount keeps the dough soft and pliable, especially important at high altitudes.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warm aromatic flavor to complement the peanut butter.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the cookie structure. For high altitude, a touch more than usual helps with lift.

Baking Soda & Salt: Essential for leavening and balancing flavors.

Chocolate Kisses: The finishing touch. Press them into the cookies right after baking while still warm.

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How To Make the Irresistible High Altitude Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps aerate the dough and ensures even texture throughout.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated. This will create a creamy and cohesive dough base.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix, or the cookies can turn tough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate and the dough to firm up, making it easier to shape and roll.

Step 5: Shape and Roll

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar for that classic blossom sparkle.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes. The cookies should be puffed and slightly golden but not browned.

Step 7: Press in the Chocolate Kisses

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each one. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Serving and Storing These Cookies

These peanut butter blossoms are best served slightly warm, when the chocolate kiss is still just a little soft. They also make perfect additions to dessert platters and holiday cookie exchanges.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, toss a slice of bread into the container with the cookies. They also freeze beautifully—both baked and unbaked.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this recipe high altitude friendly?

This version includes slight adjustments to flour, leavening, and liquid to account for quicker evaporation and rising issues typical at elevations above 3,500 feet.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

It’s not recommended, as the oil separation can make the cookies too greasy or cause them to spread unpredictably.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Mini peanut butter cups, chocolate squares, or even caramel-filled chocolates make fun alternatives to traditional kisses.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

They should look puffed and just set around the edges. Avoid overbaking, as the cookies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be chilled overnight or frozen for up to 3 months. Just allow it to soften slightly before rolling and baking.

What if I live below 3,500 ft elevation?

You can still make this recipe—just slightly reduce the flour by 2 tablespoons and bake at sea level temperature as usual.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these peanut butter blossom cookies, you’ll definitely want to try more creative cookie treats from the blog:

• Cotton Candy Cookies for a whimsical, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies with buttery crunch.
• Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies for cherry lovers.
• Cheesecake-Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies when you’re in the mood for fall comfort.
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies if you’re looking for something melt-in-your-mouth delicate.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic with the kiss, or switch it up with peanut butter cups?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Follow more delicious ideas on my Pinterest: Life with Nina

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