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Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms Recipe

If you love peanut butter and adorable seasonal treats, you’re going to flip for this Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms Recipe. These little gems combine soft, buttery peanut butter cookies rolled in festive orange and yellow sugar, crowned with classic mellowcreme candy pumpkins. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — the cookies stay soft, and the pumpkin topper adds that perfect pop of color and nostalgia. Stick with me here and I’ll walk you through exactly how to nail these, even if you don’t consider yourself a baking pro!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive and Fun: The candy pumpkin on top makes it a standout seasonal snack everyone will ask about.
  • Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy — basic pantry staples transform into magic.
  • Perfect Texture: Soft around the edges and chewy in the middle, just the way a cookie should be.
  • Great for Gifting: These cookies are pretty enough to share and easy enough to make in big batches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms Recipe comes down to mixing classic peanut butter with a festive sugar coating and that iconic candy pumpkin. Each ingredient plays a key part, so make sure you pick fresh peanut butter and quality candy pumpkins to get that perfect flavor and look.

  • All-purpose flour: The foundation — it provides structure without heaviness.
  • Baking powder: Helps the cookies lift just enough to stay soft and chewy.
  • Baking soda: Adds subtle rise and helps the edges brown nicely.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
  • Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for creamy, rich dough.
  • Creamy peanut butter: Smooth texture keeps the dough tender and full of classic peanut flavor.
  • Granulated sugar: Adds crispness and sweetness.
  • Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar introduces moisture and that wonderful caramel undertone.
  • Egg: Helps bind everything and adds richness.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, giving warmth and depth.
  • Orange and yellow sanding sugar: Provides sparkle, color, and a bit of crunch.
  • Mellowcreme candy pumpkins: The signature sweet topper that turns these cookies into a fall celebration.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms Recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with a few twists that might just make the cookie your new favorite.

  • Salted peanut butter: If you like a little contrast, swapping creamy peanut butter for a salted version gives the cookies a nice hint of saltiness that balances sweetness perfectly.
  • Dark chocolate chips: For a twist, mix in a handful before scooping — my family goes crazy for this chocolate-peanut combo.
  • Nut-free version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for those with allergies — the texture and taste stay great!
  • Different candy toppers: If candy pumpkins aren’t your thing, try mini peanut butter cups or colored jelly beans for festive flair.

How to Make Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms Recipe

Step 1: Mix dry ingredients to perfection

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. I like to do this ahead of time and set it aside so everything’s ready when creaming the butter and sugars. It’s a simple step but crucial to even mixing later on.

Step 2: Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy — about 2-3 minutes. When I first tried this, I didn’t beat it long enough and the cookies came out dense, so take your time here! Add in the egg and vanilla, then mix until just combined.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Slowly add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed so the flour incorporates evenly without overworking the dough. If you’re like me, sometimes you just want to dump it in all at once — but trust me, slow and steady wins here for the best texture.

Step 4: Shape and coat the cookie dough balls

Here’s where the fun starts! Scoop the dough into 1-inch rounds — I use a #60 cookie scoop for uniformity. Then, roll each ball in vibrant orange and yellow sanding sugar. This gives your Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms Recipe that signature sparkle and makes the cookies feel extra special.

Step 5: Bake and add the pumpkin toppers

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes on an ungreased baking sheet or silicone mat, just until the edges start turning golden. Don’t worry if they look a bit soft or “undone” in the center — that’s exactly what you want. Right after pulling them out of the oven, gently press a mellowcreme candy pumpkin into the center of each cookie. It softens the cookie ever so slightly, melding the flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Cool and enjoy!

Let your Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms cool on a wire rack completely so they set just right before digging in. When they’re fresh out of the oven, the pumpkin candies are gloriously melty, and the cookie softness underneath is pure happiness with every bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms Recipe

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, or the texture can get off.
  • Don’t Overbake: Cookies will look slightly underdone but will firm up as they cool — that’s the secret to chewy softness.
  • Press Pumpkin While Warm: Put the candy pumpkin on immediately after baking so it sticks without cracking the cookie.
  • Use a Cookie Scoop: For even baking and beautiful uniform cookies, I swear by a consistent scoop size.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms Recipe

The image shows a white plate full of round cookies with rough texture, coated in orange and yellow sugar crystals. Each cookie has a small candy shaped like a pumpkin with orange body and green top placed in the center, slightly sunk into the cookie. The cookies are stacked and overlapped on the plate, making the pumpkin candies stand out with their smooth, shiny surface. The background is a white marbled texture with a blurred dark area behind the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple because the sanding sugar and candy pumpkin already jazz these cookies up beautifully. But if you want to add a little extra, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can be delightful. I once added a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on a batch — trust me, it’s surprisingly addictive!

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect for fall parties alongside hot apple cider or a creamy pumpkin spice latte. I also like pairing them with a simple fruit platter — the fresh brightness balances the richness of the peanut butter beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween or Thanksgiving gatherings, arrange your Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms on a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini pumpkins, autumn leaves, or even sprigs of rosemary. I once wrapped a few in cellophane tied with orange twine as little party favors — they were a huge hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature. They last beautifully for about 3 days, staying soft and flavorful without drying out — perfect for a snack stash during a busy week.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or keep some for later, these cookies freeze like a dream. I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When thawed at room temp, they regain their soft texture almost perfectly.

Reheating

To freshen frozen Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and plays up the warm peanut butter aroma.

FAQs

  1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

    You can, absolutely! Just keep in mind the texture of the cookies will have a bit more crunch from the peanut bits, which some folks really enjoy. If you prefer a smooth, uniform cookie, then stick with creamy peanut butter.

  2. What if I can’t find mellowcreme candy pumpkins?

    If candy pumpkins are hard to come by, you can swap them for mini peanut butter cups, candy corns, or seasonal gummies. Just press them into the cookie right after baking the same way for that festive touch.

  3. How do I stop the cookies from spreading too much?

    Make sure your butter isn’t melted and your dough is chilled for about 10-15 minutes if it seems too soft before shaping. Also, rolling in sanding sugar helps create a slight crust that keeps the shape nice.

  4. Can I make these gluten-free?

    Yes! Substitute your all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor remains wonderful.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms Recipe is one of those delightful treats that instantly puts me in a cozy, autumnal mood. It’s a recipe I reach for not only because it’s delicious but because it brings such fun and festive cheer to any gathering. If you’re looking for a no-fail, crowd-pleasing cookie with a seasonal twist, give this a try — I promise you’ll be hooked just like my family. Let me know how yours turn out!

Print
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Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 48 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms are delightful fall cookies featuring a soft peanut butter base topped with colorful sanding sugar and a classic mellowcreme candy pumpkin. Perfect for Halloween or autumn celebrations, these treats combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with a fun seasonal candy centerpiece.


Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 and ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

  • orange and yellow sanding sugar
  • 48 mellowcreme candy pumpkins


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, blending until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to form a cohesive dough.
  6. Scoop and Roll Dough: Use a #60 disher or scoop dough into 1-inch rounds. Roll each dough ball in a mixture of orange and yellow sanding sugar for a festive look. Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on a silicone baking mat or an ungreased baking sheet.
  7. Bake Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are barely golden. Do not overbake—the centers will appear soft but will set upon cooling.
  8. Add Candy Pumpkins: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one mellowcreme candy pumpkin into the center top of each warm cookie to create the signature blossom appearance.
  9. Cool and Serve: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms are ready to enjoy!

Notes

  • Store Peanut Butter Candy Pumpkin Blossoms in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
  • For uniform cookie sizes, using a #60 disher or cookie scoop is recommended.
  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Do not overbake cookies; they should remain slightly soft to maintain a chewy texture after cooling.
  • These cookies can be made a day ahead and decorated just before serving to keep candy pumpkins intact.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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