Star of Bethlehem Cookies - Twist on a Classic - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2024)

Home » Cookies » Star of Bethlehem Cookies AKA Peanut Blossoms

posted by Liz Berg

on December 7, 2022 (updated 12/20/23)

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My Star of Bethlehem Cookies, more commonly known as Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies, are topped with chocolate stars instead of kisses!These are perfect for Christmas!

This Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe is made even better by adding chocolate! Reeses’ lovers can attest that this combination is irresistible!!!

Star of Bethlehem Cookies - Twist on a Classic - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (1)

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 Ingredient Notes

3 Expert Tips

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 You May Also Like:

6 Star of Bethlehem Cookies (Peanut Blossoms)

Why You Must Make

If you are a fan of peanut blossoms, this recipe is a simple twist that makes them perfect for Christmas.
The iconic pairing of peanut butter and chocolate is always a hit!

My version of peanut butter blossoms cookies has been dubbed Star of Bethlehem cookies and is always on my Christmas baking list. I adore Dorie Greenspan’s classic peanut butter cookieor those always popularOld-fashioned 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, but those doughs don’t translate well when making these treats!

When December arrives, I hunt down some Brach’s Chocolate Stars to use instead of the traditional Hershey’s Kisses, just to make these cookies more festive for Christmas. These Star of Bethlehem Cookies would be irresistible topped with Rolos, too, if you’re game to mix peanut butter with gooey caramel! Or how about mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?

Ingredient Notes

Kitchen Staples – Sugar, Brown Sugar, Flour, Baking Soda
Butter – At room temperature for easier incorporation. I used salted butter.
Creamy Peanut Butter – I use Jif.
Eggs – At room temperature for easier incorporation.
Milk – We keep 2% milk on hand so that’s what I use. Whole milk is fine, too.
Vanilla Extract – Always use pure vanilla extract, never artificially flavored. Check the label before purchasing. I keep the Nielson-Massey brand on hand.
Brach’s or Dove’s Milk Chocolate Stars – You can use Hershey’s Kisses, Rolos, or any favorite chocolate candy if you can’t find chocolate stars. You can also check local candy stores to check for chocolate stars.

Star of Bethlehem Cookies - Twist on a Classic - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2)

Expert Tips

I used to be able to find Brach’s Chocolate Stars (affiliate link) in the grocery store, but I’ve had to resort to Amazon of late. I hope they’ll start reappearing on the shelves soon! You might also check your local mall’s candy store as I’ve seen them there in the past, too.
If you can’t find chocolate stars, you can use any kind of Hershey’s Kiss though I wouldn’t recommend peppermint.
If you know you will be baking these Star of Bethlehem Cookies on a certain day, pull your butter and eggs out of the refrigerator about two hours before mixing.Room-temperature butter will be much easier to cream.
Use creamy peanut butter so you can make nice rounds of dough.
Press in the chocolate star when the cookies come out of the oven, not before you bake.
But, if you’re worried about your chocolates not sticking, you can pull the cookies out of the oven 1-2 minutes before they are fully baked, add the chocolates, and place them back in the oven to finish baking. I did not find this to be necessary.
PRO-Tip: Spray your measuring cup with Pam before measuring the peanut butter. It will release like a charm.
If you’re short on bowls or time, instead of sifting or whisking all the dry ingredients, sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet ingredients and mix well. Then add the flour. Nothing worse than biting into a bit of undissolved baking soda!
Always check your peanut butter blossoms cookies a minute or so before the baking time listed in the recipe. All ovens bake a little differently.

I’ve tried a few Blossom Cookies and this is my favorite. Cook’s Illustrated also has a terrific version, but it involves grinding peanuts which is an extra step that I’d rather avoid during the busy holidays. There are a couple of recipes that have you pull out the cookies a minute or two before they’re finished baking to add the chocolate star. I haven’t had any trouble with the chocolate not sticking so I nixed that idea, too. Simplicity is the name of the game this time of year!!

This Twist on Hershey’s Kiss Cookies made it into my holiday recipe binder, where only the best of the best candy and cookie recipes are stored. My two oldest wouldn’t complain if the cookie jar had a never-ending supply! I hope these peanut butter kisses will become one of your favorites, too.

Star of Bethlehem Cookies - Twist on a Classic - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (3)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Peanut Blossoms Dry?

If you use too much flour or not enough liquid, your peanut blossoms can turn out dry and/or hard. Overbaking will also result in dry cookies.
Make sure you use large eggs. Also, when measuring your flour, scoop it out of a flour bin or container so it does not compress. Use the flat side of a knife or an offset spatula to sweep the excess flour from the top of the measuring cup.

Why Are My Peanut Blossoms Flat?

If the butter or dough gets too warm, the cookie dough will bake up flat. To remedy this, just chill your dough, covered, in the refrigerator until it gets firm, but not hard. It should be scoopable

Is there Vanilla in Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Yes, there is both vanilla and salt in this peanut blossoms recipe. They each enhance the flavor of these cookies.

How Do You Store Peanut Blossoms?

Once the cookies have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can You Freeze Peanut Blossoms?

Yes, peanut blossoms freeze well as long as they are completely cooled. I don’t freeze them for more than a month to keep the chocolate pristine. If you’re not giving the cookies as gifts, you can freeze up to 3 months.
Defrost in the refrigerator to minimize condensation from developing in the container and dripping on the chocolate.

How Long Have Peanut Butter Blossoms Been Around?

Peanut Blossoms were the winner of the 9th Pillsbury Bake-Off in 1949. The recipe immediately gained popularity after being awarded this honor.

Star of Bethlehem Cookies (Peanut Blossoms)

Prep Time20 minutes

Cook Time12 minutes

Total Time32 minutes

Yield60 cookies

A twist on peanut butter blossoms using a chocolate star to make a Christmas cookie!

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 eggs
¼ cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 ½ cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 package Brach's Milk Chocolate Stars (9.2 ounces)
Sugar, to coat dough balls

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment and set aside.
Cream sugar, brown sugar, butter, and peanut butter. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir into egg mixture until incorporated.
Shape tablespoons of dough into balls and roll in additional granulated sugar. Place onto prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately press a chocolate star[ into the center of each cookie.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to allow the chocolate to solidify.

Notes

Feel free to substitute Hershey's Kisses, Rolos, or mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups for the chocolate stars if desired.

I spray my measuring cup with non-stick cooking spray before measuring the peanut butter, for easier release and clean up.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

2 cookies
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 256Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 284mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 4g

Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results.To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.

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Chocolate Cookies Desserts Holidays

posted by Liz Berg on December 7, 2022
55 Comments // Leave a Comment »

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55 Comments on “Star of Bethlehem Cookies AKA Peanut Blossoms”

Vanesa — December 3, 2023 @ 3:59 pm Reply

Hi-
Has anyone found a good substitute for the chocolate stars? Brachs seems to have discontinued them……I don’t like Hershey kisses and wanted a plain milk chocolate as opposed to a peanut butter cup etc. I guess I could just chop up a good candy Bar!
Thank you & happy holidays!!
- Liz Berg — December 3, 2023 @ 5:04 pm Reply
  
  I’ve ordered them online in the past, but I don’t see that they’re available anymore. I did see that Dollar General carries chocolate stars—it might be worth a phone call if you have one in your area. Otherwise, your idea would work, too. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, too!!
JULIE BORKENHAGEN — March 25, 2023 @ 12:10 pm Reply

I’ve been wanting to try this recipe and didn’t have the chance to make them at Christmastime so I made them now, in March! I love this recipe. The cookies are soft and chewy. I never liked the Hershey kiss used in traditional peanut blossoms just due to the size, too big for the cookie. The chocolate stars are perfect! I did chill the dough for about 2 hours before forming the cookies, as it was a very soft dough. I used a cookie scoop (1 Tablespoon size) and dropped them right from the scoop into a bowl of granulated sugar. Ten minutes bake time was perfect for my oven. As soon as the cookies came out of the oven, I pressed the chocolate star into the center. They adhered well to the cookie. They take some time to cool, to solidify the chocolate. Using my 1 T. scoop, I got 92 cookies from the recipe. My husband and son love them. I’ll be making this recipe every Christmas! That is, if I can find the darn chocolate stars that seem to be so difficult to locate! Great recipe!
- Liz Berg — March 25, 2023 @ 1:06 pm Reply
  
  Thanks so much, Julie! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, too. Yeah, I have had to resort to Amazon for the chocolate stars and I was so glad I had an extra bag left over to use for Christmas last year. They are elusive. I think you might be able to find them at one of those mall candy stores, but I haven’t had to go that route yet.
Ben | Havocinthekitchen — December 9, 2022 @ 7:41 am Reply

Peanut butter is not the first thing that comes to my mind when I think about holiday recipes, but these cookies would definitely be the star on a cookie plate. And Santa will approve, too!
2pots2cook — December 9, 2022 @ 5:40 am Reply

So amazing! You got me with the name: Star of Bethlehem; added to my list!
Lynn@Happier than a pig in mud — December 8, 2022 @ 4:28 am Reply

I always see the stars at the store, but have never seen them on an actual cookie… Very pretty! Happy Holiday Baking LIz-enjoy:@)
angiesrecipes — December 7, 2022 @ 11:24 pm Reply

They look so beautifully done and we LOVE peanut butter. They would disappear in no time in our house. angiesrecipes
http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com
Judee — December 7, 2022 @ 5:48 pm Reply

I always love this type of cookie and the star of Bethlehem in the middle is such a nice touch for Christmas. Visiting from http://www.realfoodblogger.com
wilhelmina — November 9, 2020 @ 2:41 pm Reply

Fabulous cookies! We have to have these every holiday season! I love that you used the chocolate stars, they look super pretty.
Julie Eschen — December 27, 2017 @ 4:47 pm Reply

When I wad a little girl this is how peanut butter blossoms were made. No Hershey kisses back then just chocolate stars. So this isn’t a new thing. But thanks for letting people know about them.
- Liz Berg — December 27, 2017 @ 5:16 pm Reply
  
  Great to know, Julie. Thanks!
Claudia Lamascolo — December 22, 2017 @ 8:24 am Reply

What a delightful cookie! I even love the name of it! That is my all time favorite chocolate those stars were the best childhood memory!
Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking — February 4, 2013 @ 9:07 pm Reply

I had no idea these are called Star of Bethlehem also. Hubby would munch on peanut butter blossoms year round, will have to try this version next time. Thanks Liz
Jennifer Eloff — February 2, 2013 @ 8:10 pm Reply

Love the name. They are lovely.
Sara — February 2, 2013 @ 5:47 pm Reply

Ah, Amy makes these. These are one of my favorite cookies at Christmas time.
- admin — February 3, 2013 @ 1:55 pm Reply
  
  Amy told me the same thing! I think they are a specialty of the Midwest 🙂
Elaine — February 2, 2013 @ 11:19 am Reply

They look perfect! I am going to try these. The extra salted peanuts sound delicious.
Kathy — February 1, 2013 @ 4:11 pm Reply

They are just gorgeous looking…I used to make a peanut butter cookie that was similar…yum!
Joyti — February 1, 2013 @ 3:28 pm Reply

Such beautiful cookies! They sound delicious too.
Angie@Angie's Recipes — February 1, 2013 @ 5:46 am Reply

Who could ever resist these blossom cookies!
Nami | Just One Cookbook — February 1, 2013 @ 3:20 am Reply

Whether it’s for Christmas or not, it’s good to have more cookie recipes on your site, especially when they look this delicious! Beautiful shapes and I could eat several with hot tea…Hmmm I’m about to go to bed. 🙂
Jenn and Seth — January 31, 2013 @ 11:33 pm Reply

your cookies look fantastic!! those star shaped candies were such an inspired touch!
Words Of Deliciousness — January 31, 2013 @ 11:00 pm Reply

I can see why this recipe made into your holiday recipe folder, they really sound and look yummy!
Pam — January 31, 2013 @ 8:38 pm Reply

Anything with peanut butter, works any time for me! I love these and would love to have a few right now!
Beth — January 31, 2013 @ 3:12 pm Reply

What pretty cookies! And I think you could serve those any time of the year.
By the way, I made and LOVED your Heath Bar blondies. Amazing!!!
Anita at Hungry Couple — January 31, 2013 @ 2:12 pm Reply

I love, love, love the ground up peanuts. And, unfortunately, I can think of an excuse to eat “Christmas” cookies any time of the year. 🙂
Cucina49 — January 31, 2013 @ 2:00 pm Reply

I will always associate these with childhood in the Midwest–where I recall their being served year round. They look wonderful!
Eva Taylor — January 31, 2013 @ 12:55 pm Reply

This cookie combines a real favourite for our house, PB and Chocolate. I tend to shy away from Shortening too, although I have one in my fridge, though I use about 1/8th of it and then after a year or so, in the trash it goes.
Balvinder — January 31, 2013 @ 10:54 am Reply

I see so many cookie recipes on different blogs but you present and decorate them so well. I am saving this in my recipe book as well 🙂
gloria — January 31, 2013 @ 10:50 am Reply

Lizzy these look amazing and tempting of course!!
anne — January 31, 2013 @ 9:52 am Reply

You can never go wrong with Cook’s Illustrated recipe 😀 …. Those cookies look pretty yummy ! Perfectly-baked as well ;D
Ella-Home Cooking Adventure — January 31, 2013 @ 9:41 am Reply

I was actually reading an article today about the star of Bethlehem and now I ran over your cookies. These are looking lovely.
The Café Sucré Farine — January 31, 2013 @ 6:33 am Reply

I love Cook’s Illustrated, they come up with the best ideas! And you come up with the best of everything Lizzie! I love your star substitution, it makes the name far more intriguing and interesting than “Peanut Butter Kisses”! 🙂
shabs — January 31, 2013 @ 5:36 am Reply

You always make the best things Lizzy , these look so delish!!!! I have to try this 🙂
Hotly Spiced — January 31, 2013 @ 4:59 am Reply

I haven’t heard of these cookies before and they have a beautiful name. They really do look like stars. They’re gorgeous and I’d like to make these xx
Nina — January 31, 2013 @ 12:21 am Reply

Yup.. its never late for these cookies. I am love with these little cookies:)
CCU — January 31, 2013 @ 12:10 am Reply

I could eat a whole batch no no no problem 😀
Cheers
CCU
Zoe — January 30, 2013 @ 11:17 pm Reply

These cookies are so good that I wish that I can eat them everyday… Wait a minute, Is Christmas over? – Just kidding :p
john@kitchenriffs — January 30, 2013 @ 9:29 pm Reply

I’d eat these at any time of the year! Although you’re right: they do look like they make a terrific Christmas cookie. My wife (the cookie baker; my specialty is eating) eschews shortening whenever she can – butter has so much more flavor. Anyway, good stuff – thanks.
The Ninja Baker — January 30, 2013 @ 6:13 pm Reply

Very educational and yummy post, Liz.
A. I had no idea PB cookies were only for Christmas. Love PB and Almond Butter.
B. Interesting factoid re: PB having more water thereby producing less puffiness
C. You’ve got my mind and stomach musing over baking up a batch with almonds and almond butter =)
Sandra — January 30, 2013 @ 6:03 pm Reply

No shortening, extra peanuts plus a cute chocolate star. Yum, a cookie full of love.
Swathi — January 30, 2013 @ 5:46 pm Reply

Beautiful cookies, Lizz. It is easy Hershey’s Kisses make it awesome.
Ramona — January 30, 2013 @ 5:42 pm Reply

Isn’t if funny when you find a recipe you forgot to share? I did that recently with some cookies myself. 🙂 I guess we cook and bake so much… we can’t even remember everything we have going on. I would eat this any time of the year… I do love those star chocolates… I have never seen them before. 🙂
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz.com — January 30, 2013 @ 4:29 pm Reply

Wow that’s a lot of peanuts and pb, intense. they look great and glad they passed the in-house test.
thekitchenlioness — January 30, 2013 @ 3:39 pm Reply

Liz, these look like wonderful cookies – certainly a recipe that can be baked any month of the year. The ingredients sound wonderful – we too love peanut butter, ground peanuts and chocolate in our cookies but they do not look nearly as elegant as your Star of Jerusalem Cookies.
Gina — January 30, 2013 @ 3:26 pm Reply

Dear friend Liz.
I loved this recipe because it was looking for to use some Hershey’s Kisses left over. They were very cute and the way I like it. Thank you for your suggestion that will be copied already.
kisses
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) — January 30, 2013 @ 2:31 pm Reply

Oooh I love the addition of the ground peanuts!!! That sounds delicious! And the little star chocolates are super festive!
Geraldine Saucier — January 30, 2013 @ 10:54 am Reply

Yummy looking cookies:). A perfect cookie year round.
Ridwan — January 30, 2013 @ 9:51 am Reply

they looks perfect and yummy in any season 🙂
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time — January 30, 2013 @ 9:28 am Reply

They look fantastic. I can tell that they’d be Dudette’s favorite just from your description. I like the idea of using the stars instead of normal kisses….classes things up a lot.
Rosella — January 30, 2013 @ 9:28 am Reply

Oh Lizzy – these look perfect and I love the name. We are having an Israel tour group get-together next week and I think I just might have to make and take some of these……just printed the recipe! I love that you have a holiday recipe binder – such a great idea!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen — January 30, 2013 @ 7:42 am Reply

I get the same feeling of things not turning up quite as they should when I buy my 12-pound block of butter, which is not as good as the cute little packs from the market. But I don´t see how these cookies can puff up more, they´re wonderful! And since January is the wise men´s month, you still have a day left… jaja
Phong Hong — January 30, 2013 @ 2:21 am Reply

Ahah! Another cookie to add to the Chinese New Year baking list! Thank you, Lizzy 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci) — January 30, 2013 @ 12:49 am Reply

I love blossom cookies and would happily eat them year round! 🙂