Name: Irresistible High Altitude Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling); 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk; 30 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Baking cookies at high altitude can feel like trying to outsmart the wind. But these High Altitude Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies rise to the challenge with soft, chewy peanut butter dough and perfectly perched chocolate kisses. Each bite delivers that nostalgic flavor you grew up loving, only now it holds its shape, texture, and sweetness—even a mile above sea level.

There’s a magic to pulling these out of the oven and watching the chocolate slightly melt into the center, forming that glossy, gooey button. They’re everything a cookie should be: a little crisp on the edges, tender in the middle, and joyfully irresistible. And with a few adjustments to suit the altitude, you’ll find that these cookies don’t just survive the mountains—they thrive in them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are tried-and-true classics made high altitude-friendly with just the right balance of moisture, fat, and leavening. The peanut butter base stays moist and soft, while the added chocolate kiss creates that sweet contrast everyone craves. This recipe makes enough to share but is simple enough to whip up for a cozy weekend treat. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about that final press of the kiss into the warm cookie.

What Kind of Peanut Butter Works Best?

Creamy peanut butter is the gold standard here. You want a smooth texture that blends evenly into the dough, without the oil separation you get from natural varieties. If you’re at altitude, moisture is precious, and a more uniform peanut butter helps maintain consistency in every batch. Stick with shelf-stable favorites like Jif or Skippy to keep your dough manageable and your cookies tender.

Ingredients for the Irresistible High Altitude Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Getting your ingredients right is half the battle when baking at elevation. Each one plays a role in keeping your cookies fluffy, balanced, and beautiful.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and works better than cake flour at high altitude.
Baking soda: Leavening that gives lift, but we reduce it slightly to avoid over-puffing.
Salt: Enhances the peanut butter’s nuttiness and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Creamed with sugars to hold air and create a soft texture.
Creamy peanut butter: The heart of the flavor and the base of the cookie.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create slightly crisp edges.
Brown sugar: Keeps the center soft and moist with a hint of molasses.
Large egg: Binds the dough and helps with structure.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the peanut butter flavor with a subtle warm note.
Milk: Adds a touch of moisture, which is often lost at high elevations.
Hershey’s Kisses: The signature chocolate topper that melts just enough into the warm cookie.

How To Make the Irresistible High Altitude Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. High altitude baking needs even heat, so make sure your oven is properly preheated.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This adds air to the dough which helps it rise evenly.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Shape and Roll

Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in a small bowl of granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake and Press

Bake for 8–10 minutes until cookies are just beginning to crack. Remove from oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These cookies are best served once the chocolate has had a few minutes to set but is still soft to the bite. They make a wonderful addition to a holiday platter, after-school snack spread, or even an office party where everyone suddenly wants the recipe. This batch makes about 30 cookies, enough to feed 10–12 people depending on how many you claim for yourself.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies (without the kisses) for up to a month. Just remember to add the kisses fresh after reheating or baking.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies?

Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream

The richness of cocoa is the perfect match for these cookies’ nutty-sweet balance.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a couple of cookies with a scoop of vanilla for a fast and fancy dessert.

Chai Latte

The warm spices of chai bring out the roasted flavor of the peanut butter.

Salted Pretzels

The contrast of salty crunch with the soft, sweet cookie is addictive.

Apple Slices

A crisp apple makes a refreshing, juicy pairing that balances the richness.

Warmed Milk

Nothing says comfort like a warm glass of milk with a fresh peanut butter cookie.

Dark Roast Coffee

If you’re leaning adult with your pairing, a bold coffee cuts the sweetness nicely.

If these blossoms hit your sweet spot, you’ll fall for these other creative cookies too:

Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies for campfire flavor any time.
Lemon Truffles Recipe when you’re craving citrusy, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Chocolate Smores Cupcakes with a soft center of marshmallow goodness.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies if you’re into dreamy, cinnamon sugar swirls.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 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 switch up the chocolate? Maybe try a mini peanut butter cup instead of a kiss? I’d love to hear your spin.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, savory weeknight meals, and more on Janet Dishes on Pinterest. You might just discover your next favorite dessert.