Why You’ll Love Quick Valentine’s Day Peanut Blossom Cookies Recipe

They’re soft, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor.
Topped with chocolate heart candies for a festive Valentine’s Day vibe.
Fun and easy to make with kids or friends.
Great for parties, gifting, or just treating yourself.
Made with simple pantry staples—no need for complicated ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Creamy peanut butter
Vanilla extract
Extra granulated sugar (for rolling)
Chocolate heart candies (or chocolate kisses)
Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until smooth.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 1 hour to firm up.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops begin to crack.
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then gently press a chocolate heart into the center of each cookie.
To help the chocolate set, place the cookies in the refrigerator or freezer for about 10 minutes.
Serve once the chocolate is firm and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 28 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Bake time: 11–13 minutes per batch
Total time: About 90 minutes

Variations

Swap chocolate hearts for classic chocolate kisses or peanut butter cups.
Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free or allergy-friendly version.
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty finish.
Roll in red or pink sanding sugar before baking for a more decorative look.
Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies for added flair.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing dough: You can roll the dough into balls and freeze before baking. When ready to bake, roll in sugar and bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

How do I prevent the chocolate hearts from melting?

Let the cookies cool slightly before pressing in the chocolate hearts, then chill them to help the chocolate set without melting.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

It’s best to use creamy processed peanut butter for this recipe, as natural peanut butter can cause the dough to be too oily and lead to spreading.

Do I really need to chill the dough?

Yes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and improves texture.

Can I make these nut-free?

Yes, use sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread as a substitute for peanut butter.

What can I use if I don’t have chocolate heart candies?

Classic chocolate kisses, mini peanut butter cups, or any small chocolate candy will work just fine.

Why do I roll the dough balls in sugar?

Rolling in sugar adds a sweet, slightly crisp exterior and gives the cookies a classic look.

Can I skip the chocolate entirely?

Absolutely. You’ll be left with soft, chewy peanut butter cookies that are still delicious on their own.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the cookies a day or two ahead, or freeze the dough balls for baking fresh when needed.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating as it may dry them out.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just make sure to chill the dough and bake in batches as needed.

Conclusion

These Quick Valentine’s Day Peanut Blossom Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate love and friendship. With their soft peanut butter base and heart-shaped chocolate centers, they bring joy to every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, surprising a loved one, or enjoying a cozy afternoon in, this recipe delivers flavor, fun, and festive flair all in one.