Nothing captures the magic of Christmas baking quite like the warm aroma of cookies fresh from the oven. Among all holiday treats, Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies hold a special place—they’re nostalgic, comforting, and loved by all ages. This festive version takes the classic recipe and transforms it into adorable Christmas Tree Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, family baking days, and holiday dessert tables.
In this expanded guide, you’ll find everything you need:
✔ A detailed, foolproof recipe
✔ Decorating ideas to make them look extra festive
✔ Storage and make-ahead tips
✔ Variations for different diets
✔ Baking tips for perfect texture
✔ FAQs for beginners
Let’s bake some Christmas magic ✨
🎅 Why Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Are a Christmas Classic
Peanut butter blossom cookies became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century and quickly turned into a holiday staple. The combination of soft peanut butter cookies and chocolate kisses makes them instantly recognizable on any Christmas cookie tray.
Why they’re perfect for Christmas:
- The cracked top gives them a rustic holiday look
- Chocolate kisses resemble ornaments or tree toppers
- They’re easy enough for kids to help make
- The flavors are universally loved
- They travel and store well
By shaping them into Christmas trees and adding festive sprinkles, you elevate a classic cookie into a show-stopping holiday treat.
⭐ What Makes These Christmas Tree Cookies Special?
These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re festive, fun, and visually stunning.
✔ Soft & Chewy Texture
Perfect balance between tender centers and lightly crisp edges.
✔ Classic Flavor Combo
Peanut butter + chocolate = holiday perfection.
✔ Customizable Decoration
Use sprinkles, colored sugar, edible glitter, or drizzle chocolate.
✔ Perfect for Gifting
They hold their shape well and look adorable in gift boxes.
🛒 Ingredients Breakdown (Why Each One Matters)
🧈 Unsalted Butter
Provides richness and helps create a soft cookie base.
🥜 Creamy Peanut Butter
Adds flavor and structure. Use regular creamy peanut butter, not natural.
🍬 Granulated + Brown Sugar
- Granulated sugar adds sweetness and crisp edges
- Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness
🥚 Egg
Binds everything together and adds softness.
🌼 Vanilla Extract
Enhances the peanut butter flavor.
🌾 All-Purpose Flour
Gives structure without making cookies dense.
🧂 Baking Soda & Salt
- Baking soda helps cookies rise
- Salt balances sweetness
🍫 Chocolate Kisses
The signature “blossom” center and focal point of the cookie.
Grandma’s Peanut Butter Cookies, 2.5 Ounce (Pack of 60)
🎄 Full Recipe: Christmas Tree Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 24–30 Cookies)
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Decoration
- 24–30 chocolate kisses (milk, dark, or white)
- Green sanding sugar or green colored sugar
- Red, white, and gold sprinkles
- Powdered sugar (optional snow effect)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Detailed & Beginner-Friendly)
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together:
- Butter
- Peanut butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
Mix for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for soft cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg & Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Shape into Christmas Trees
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough
- Roll into a ball
- Gently shape into a cone or triangle
- Roll in green sanding sugar
This gives the cookie its festive tree color.
Step 6: Bake
Place cookies 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Kiss
Immediately after baking:
- Press a chocolate kiss gently into the center/top
- Cookie will crack slightly—this is normal and beautiful
Step 8: Decorate
While cookies are warm:
- Add sprinkle “ornaments”
- Optional: dust lightly with powdered sugar
Cool completely before storing.
🎨 Creative Decorating Ideas
Make each cookie unique:
- ⭐ Star sprinkle on top of the kiss
- 🎀 White chocolate drizzle for garland
- ❄ Powdered sugar snowfall
- ✨ Edible glitter for sparkle
- ❤️ Red and green mini M&Ms
🎁 Perfect for Gifting & Cookie Swaps
These cookies are ideal for holiday gifting:
- Stack in clear cookie bags
- Place in festive tins
- Add handwritten tags
- Include with cocoa mix or candy canes
They hold up well and stay soft for days.
❄ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature
Store in airtight container for 4–5 days.
Freezing Dough
Freeze shaped dough (no kiss) for up to 2 months.
Freezing Baked Cookies
Freeze fully cooled cookies (without powdered sugar) for up to 3 months.
🔄 Recipe Variations
🍫 Chocolate Peanut Butter Trees
Use chocolate peanut butter dough.
🤍 White Chocolate Blossoms
Use white chocolate kisses for a snowy look.
🌾 Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
🌱 Vegan Version
Use vegan butter, flax egg, and dairy-free chocolate.
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🍪 Troubleshooting Tips
Cookies spreading too much?
→ Chill dough for 15 minutes.
Cookies too dry?
→ Slightly underbake next batch.
Kisses melting?
→ Press them in gently and don’t return cookies to oven.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Christmas dessert table
- Cookie exchange
- Santa cookie plate
- Holiday brunch spread
- After-dinner coffee treat
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Dough and baked cookies freeze well.
Why did my cookies crack?
That’s classic for blossom cookies and adds charm.
Can kids help make these?
Absolutely—shaping and decorating is kid-friendly.
What peanut butter works best?
Regular creamy peanut butter (not natural).
🎄 Why These Cookies Belong on Every Christmas Table
Festive Christmas Tree Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies combine tradition, creativity, and irresistible flavor. They’re easy enough for beginners, fun for families, and beautiful enough for holiday displays.
Whether you’re baking for loved ones, gifting neighbors, or creating content for your food blog or Pinterest, this recipe delivers on taste, presentation, and holiday joy.
