Easy Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe – A Festive Hanukkah Treat

Soft, chewy, and kissed with chocolate, Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms bring a Hanukkah twist to the classic cookie everyone loves. Coated in festive blue and white sprinkles and topped with rich chocolate gelt, these cookies perfectly blend nostalgia and tradition. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a cozy family evening, these sweet peanut butter cookies are a crowd-pleaser that look as good as they taste.

Why You’ll Love These Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms

These Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms aren’t just delicious — they’re easy, festive, and deeply satisfying. The rich peanut butter base gives a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the gelt adds a smooth chocolate finish. Perfect for beginner bakers, this recipe uses pantry staples and can be made ahead for stress-free holiday baking. The cheerful sprinkles make every cookie sparkle with Hanukkah spirit.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies, keeping them soft yet chewy.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay tender.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a buttery aroma.
• Granulated sugar: Contributes to crisp edges and balanced sweetness.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
• Creamy peanut butter: The star of the recipe, giving that classic nutty taste and smooth texture.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s overall flavor profile.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
• Blue and white sprinkles: Give festive Hanukkah flair and a fun crunch.
• Chocolate gelt candies: Create the signature blossom look and decadent chocolate center.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures easy cookie removal and even baking.

Smart Ingredient Swaps and Variations

If you’re short on something or need to adjust for dietary preferences, try these substitutions:

• Peanut-free version: Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter for a similar texture.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these cookies suitable for everyone.
• Dark chocolate gelt: For a richer, more intense flavor, use dark chocolate gelt instead of milk chocolate.
• Vegan adaptation: Replace butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg for binding.
• Natural sweetener twist: Substitute part of the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a hint of toffee.

How to Make Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms Step-by-Step

1. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a stand mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the peanut butter: Beat in creamy peanut butter until smooth and fluffy.
4. Incorporate wet ingredients: Mix in vanilla and egg until fully blended.
5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed. Mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to make the dough easier to shape.
7. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
8. Shape and coat: Scoop dough into 1 ½ tablespoon balls. Roll in blue and white sprinkles until fully coated.
9. Bake: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes, rotating halfway through.
10. Add the gelt: Immediately press a chocolate gelt coin into each cookie center while warm.
11. Cool: Let cookies rest for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
12. Repeat: Re-spray the baking sheet and continue with remaining dough.

Expert Tips for Perfect Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Use creamy commercial peanut butter — natural versions can cause oily or crumbly dough.
• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
• Freeze your gelt coins before baking so they don’t melt too quickly when pressed into the warm cookies.
• Avoid overbaking — the cookies should look puffed and lightly golden, not brown.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Fun Variations and Pairing Ideas

• Chocolate drizzle: Melt extra gelt or chocolate chips to drizzle over cooled cookies.
• Nutty crunch: Add chopped roasted peanuts to the dough for texture.
• Seasonal twist: Swap blue and white sprinkles for red and green during Christmas, or pastel for spring celebrations.
• Serve with: A warm cup of cocoa, coffee, or milk for the perfect cookie-and-drink combo.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare and refrigerate dough balls up to 2 days ahead or freeze them for future baking sessions.

The Joy of Baking Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms

Baking Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms is more than just a sweet treat — it’s a celebration of Hanukkah tradition and togetherness. The cookies bring smiles, color, and warmth to any dessert table. From the first whiff of peanut butter dough to the final gleam of melted gelt, each step is pure holiday magic. Whether you’re sharing them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies embody comfort, tradition, and joy — the true flavors of the season.

Bringing It All Together: The Sweet Celebration of Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms

Every bite of Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms captures the warmth and joy of Hanukkah. The creamy peanut butter base paired with smooth chocolate gelt coins makes each cookie both nostalgic and elegant. Whether shared with loved ones or gifted as part of your holiday dessert spread, these cookies symbolize connection, celebration, and comfort. Their simple preparation and irresistible flavor make them a must-bake for the season — proof that tradition can be as sweet as it is meaningful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms

1. Can I make Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms ahead of time?
Yes! The dough for Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms can be made up to two days in advance and refrigerated. You can also freeze the shaped dough balls for up to two months — just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is key. Cold dough helps the cookies hold their shape and gives you the perfect soft-and-chewy center. Using creamy peanut butter instead of natural or oily types also helps maintain structure.

3. Can I use other toppings instead of chocolate gelt?
Definitely. If gelt isn’t available, try chocolate kisses, squares of dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled chocolates. Each adds a different twist while keeping the festive spirit alive.

4. How should I store leftover Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, refrigerate them or freeze in layers separated by parchment paper. Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

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