3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms: The Easiest Gluten-Free Cookie Recipe

Get ready to simplify your baking with these incredibly easy 3-ingredient peanut butter blossoms! Made with just creamy peanut butter, pure maple syrup, and a classic chocolate kiss, these delightful cookies require absolutely no flour or eggs, making them naturally gluten-free. Forget complicated recipes and long ingredient lists; these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a testament to how simple and delicious homemade treats can be. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch of these soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible peanut butter wonders.

Imagine a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie that practically dissolves in your mouth, topped with a rich, melty chocolate kiss. That’s exactly what you get with these simple yet satisfying peanut butter kiss cookies. They are an absolute dream for anyone looking for a quick dessert solution, especially when time is of the essence or you simply want to avoid a mountain of dirty dishes. Perfect for holiday cookie platters, school bake sales, or just a cozy night in, these blossoms are a sweet treat that everyone will adore. If you love discovering genius shortcut desserts like these, be sure to explore my cake mix cookies for more effortless baking inspiration.

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Recipe Highlights: Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These 3-ingredient peanut butter blossom cookies aren’t just easy; they’re packed with reasons to become your new go-to dessert. Here’s what makes them truly special:

• Effortlessly Delicious: With only three core ingredients, this recipe proves that you don’t need a pantry full of items to create an incredible sweet treat.
• A Family Favorite: The classic combination of rich peanut butter and smooth chocolate is a timeless pairing that appeals to almost everyone, from young children to adults. These cookies are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
• Perfectly Gluten-Free: Because there’s no flour, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a lighter alternative. Original milk chocolate kisses are also gluten-free, ensuring the entire cookie is safe and delicious.
• No Eggs Required: This recipe simplifies things even further by omitting eggs, which means fewer ingredients to worry about and a straightforward baking process.
• Ideal for Holidays: Their festive appearance and irresistible flavor make them a staple for the holiday season, perfect for Christmas cookie platters or delightful cookie exchanges.
• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, these cookies come together with minimal effort, making them ideal for last-minute cravings or busy schedules.

The Magic of Minimal Ingredients: How 3 Ingredients Work

The simplicity of these 3-ingredient peanut butter blossoms is truly remarkable. You might wonder how a cookie can hold together and taste so good with so few components. The secret lies in the unique properties of peanut butter and maple syrup. Peanut butter is naturally rich in fats and acts as a fantastic binder, eliminating the need for traditional butter or eggs. Its creamy texture provides the perfect base for a soft cookie. Maple syrup, on the other hand, does double duty as both a sweetener and a liquid component that helps to hydrate the peanut butter, contributing to the dough’s workability and the cookie’s signature tender chewiness. This ingenious combination creates a perfectly balanced dough that bakes up into a delightfully soft and flavorful cookie, proving that sometimes, less truly is more in the world of baking.

Naturally Gluten-Free & Allergy Considerations

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its inherent gluten-free nature. Since no flour is used, these cookies are a fantastic option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Always double-check your peanut butter and chocolate kiss labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free, as some brands may have cross-contamination warnings. For those with dairy allergies, you can easily adapt this recipe by using a dairy-free chocolate alternative, such as vegan chocolate chips or dairy-free chocolate candies, making this a wonderfully versatile treat for various dietary needs.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Blossoms

Gathering your ingredients for these simple peanut butter blossoms is quick and easy. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

• Peanut Butter: For this recipe, creamy peanut butter works best, providing a smooth texture. You can experiment with chunky peanut butter for added crunch or natural peanut butter (the kind that separates oil) for a less processed option, though the texture might vary slightly. Just make sure to stir natural peanut butter very well before measuring. Avoid “peanut butter spreads” that contain extra oils or sugars, as they can alter the consistency.
• Maple Syrup: This is not the place for your pancake syrup! You need 100% pure maple syrup. Its rich flavor and natural sweetness are key to the cookie’s taste and its ability to bind the ingredients without extra flour. Pancake syrup typically contains high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors, which will not yield the same delicious results or proper dough consistency.
• Hershey’s Kisses: These iconic chocolate candies are what transform a simple peanut butter cookie into a “blossom.” While classic milk chocolate kisses are traditional, don’t hesitate to get creative. Consider using special dark (dark chocolate) kisses for a richer, less sweet flavor, or even other flavored Kisses like cookies ‘n’ cream, almond, or Hershey’s HUGS & Kisses for an extra touch.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Making these 3-ingredient peanut butter blossoms is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

Step 1: Combine Ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, add the creamy peanut butter and pure maple syrup. Use a sturdy silicone spatula to stir them together until they are thoroughly combined. Keep stirring until no streaks of peanut butter or syrup remain and you have a uniform, sticky dough.

Step 2: Chill the Dough. Once combined, cover the bowl and place it in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for the dough to firm up, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and makes them easier to handle. A hand mixer isn’t necessary for this simple dough, but if you prefer, you can use it on low speed for mixing.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking. While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 4: Scoop and Roll. Once the dough is chilled, use a small cookie scoop (about one tablespoon in size) to portion out rounded spoonfuls of the peanut butter cookie dough. Work quickly with your hands to roll each portion into smooth, uniform balls, about 1 inch in diameter. The peanut butter will soften as it warms in your hands, so speed is key! Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. You should get approximately 13 cookies from this recipe. Do NOT flatten the cookie balls before baking, as they will naturally spread a little as they bake.

Step 5: Bake and Add Kisses. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden brown. As soon as you take the hot cookies out of the oven, immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each one. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, creating that iconic “blossom” look.

Step 6: Cool Completely. Carefully transfer the cookies (with the kisses) to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to fully set and the chocolate to harden slightly. Resist the urge to eat them all while they’re still warm and gooey – patience will be rewarded!

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting for Success

Even with a simple recipe, a few tricks can make all the difference. Here are some expert tips to ensure your 3-ingredient peanut butter blossoms turn out perfectly every time, along with solutions to common issues:

• Chilling is Key: Do not skip the 30-45 minute freezer time. This step solidifies the fats in the peanut butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and becoming flat. A properly chilled dough yields a beautifully shaped, chewy cookie.
• Work Quickly When Rolling: Peanut butter dough softens rapidly with the warmth of your hands. Roll the dough balls as fast as possible to maintain their shape and prevent them from becoming too sticky. If the dough gets too soft, pop it back into the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
• No Flattening Needed: Unlike many traditional peanut butter cookies, these do not need to be flattened with a fork. They will naturally spread slightly in the oven, and the Hershey’s Kiss will create the perfect indent. Flattening them can lead to overly thin and crispy cookies.
• Doneness Check: The cookies are done when their edges are slightly golden brown. The center might still look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can make them dry.
• Timing the Kiss: It’s crucial to press the chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie *immediately* after they come out of the oven. The residual heat from the cookie will gently melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere beautifully and create that iconic soft, luscious center.
• Troubleshooting a “Liquidy” Kiss: If, after pressing the kiss, the cookie around it seems overly liquidy or doesn’t hold its shape well, it likely needed another minute or two in the oven. Next time, try baking for the full 12 minutes or slightly longer until the edges are a bit firmer.
• Consistent Sizing: Using a cookie scoop helps ensure all your cookies are the same size, which promotes even baking.

Serving Suggestions

These peanut butter blossoms are delightful on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• Classic Treat: Serve them alongside a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic comfort.
• Dessert Platter: Include them on a holiday cookie platter or a dessert buffet. Their classic look and flavor make them a welcome addition.
• Coffee or Tea Break: Pair them with your favorite hot beverage for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a cooled cookie over vanilla ice cream for a delicious deconstructed dessert.

Easy Substitutions

Flexibility in baking means you can often adapt a recipe to what you have on hand or specific dietary needs. Here are some simple substitutions for these peanut butter blossoms:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: If you prefer a bit of texture, you can absolutely try chunky peanut butter. For a more natural option, use natural peanut butter (the kind where oil separates), but ensure it’s stirred very well to a consistent paste before measuring. The texture of the final cookie may be slightly different.
• Maple Syrup: If maple syrup isn’t available or you prefer a different sweetener, you can substitute it with ½ cup of powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar). This will still provide sweetness and help with the dough’s consistency. Note that this change might alter the cookie’s moisture content slightly, so you might need to adjust the chilling time.
• Chocolate Kisses: While Hershey’s Kisses are iconic, any small, individually wrapped chocolate candy or even chocolate chips can work. Just be sure to press them in while the cookies are hot so they melt.

Creative Variations to Try

While the classic peanut butter blossom is a timeless favorite, don’t hesitate to get creative with your chocolate choices and other additions to truly make these cookies your own.

While a classic peanut butter blossom recipe typically uses a milk chocolate candy, this simplified 3-ingredient version opens up a world of possibilities for customization. Here are some fun ideas:

• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Opt for Hershey’s Special Dark Kisses for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that beautifully contrasts with the sweet peanut butter.
• White Chocolate Swirls: Use Hershey’s HUGS & Kisses for a delightful milk chocolate and white creme swirl.
• Minty Fresh: During the holidays, try pressing in Peppermint Kisses for a festive twist.
• Caramel Delight: Hershey’s Caramels Kisses would add a wonderfully gooey, sweet caramel center.
• Nutty Crunch (without chunky PB): For added texture, roll the peanut butter cookie dough balls in finely chopped peanuts or sprinkles before baking.
• Powdered Sugar Coating: For a more traditional look, roll the baked cookies (after the kiss is pressed) in powdered sugar once they’ve cooled slightly.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

One of the beauties of this easy recipe is that it doesn’t require any fancy kitchen gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:

• Mixing bowls: A medium-sized bowl is perfect for combining the peanut butter and maple syrup.
• Silicone spatula: Ideal for stirring and scraping down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper: Essential for lining your baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure easy release of the cookies.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking pan or cookie sheet is needed for baking your cookies evenly.
• Small cookie scoop or a tablespoon: For portioning out the dough, ensuring uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies completely, allowing them to set properly.

Storage and Freshness Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your 3-ingredient peanut butter blossom cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Follow these simple guidelines:

• Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the cookies are completely cool. Storing warm cookies in an airtight container can create condensation, leading to soggy cookies.
• Airtight Container: Store peanut butter blossom cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will protect them from drying out and keep them soft.
• Single Layer (or wax paper): If possible, arrange the cookies in a single layer to prevent the chocolate kisses from sticking to each other or to the cookies. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers.
• Shelf Life: Stored correctly, these cookies will stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days at room temperature. They tend to disappear much faster than that, though!
• Freezing for Longer Storage: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled and the chocolate kisses are set, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick treat whenever a craving strikes.

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3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms

These 3-ingredient peanut butter blossoms are made with creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, and a chocolate kiss. No flour needed for these easy, gluten-free cookies!

5 from 2 votes

Recipe by: Kelsey Smith

Prep time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes minutes

Freezer time: 30 minutes minutes

Total time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 13 cookies

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Silicone spatula
• Silicone baking mat
• Baking sheet
• Small cookie scoop

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ⅓ cup maple syrup 100% pure, not pancake syrup
• 13 Hershey’s Kisses milk chocolate, special dark, or your favorite flavor

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, stir the creamy peanut butter and maple syrup together with a silicone spatula until well combined and no streaks remain. Cover the bowl and freeze for 30 to 45 minutes until the dough is firm.
2. When the dough is chilled, preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to scoop out rounded portions of peanut butter cookie dough. Quickly use your hands to roll each portion into smooth balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. You will get about 13 cookies. Do NOT flatten the cookie dough balls, as they will spread naturally during baking.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Immediately after removing the hot cookies from the oven, gently press one chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. If the cookie appears too liquidy when the kiss is pressed, it might need an extra minute or two in the oven next time.

Video

Notes

Storage: Peanut butter blossom cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. Place the cookies in a single layer in the container, making sure that they are not touching each other. These cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Adapted from The Big Man’s World.

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 1mg
Sodium: 90mg
Potassium: 131mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Calcium: 28mg
Iron: 0.4mg

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate, cookies, peanut butter

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