If there is one cookie that instantly brings a nostalgic smile and cozy warmth, it’s this Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats blend the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet, melty surprise of a chocolate kiss nestled right in the center. The texture is just perfect—soft and tender with a little golden edge and a smooth, chocolatey finish that makes every bite a little moment of pure joy. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual get-together, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to make your kitchen smell irresistible and your guests keep coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty goodness in the Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe. Each item plays a unique role, from buttery softness to that special peanut flavor, culminating in the famous chocolate kiss that steals the show.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This provides creaminess and richness to the dough while keeping the flavor mellow and smooth.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: The star ingredient that brings a deep, nutty taste and moist texture to every bite.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that lightly crisp edge on the cookies.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Aside from sweetness, it contributes a subtle caramel flavor and moisture that keeps the cookies tender.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness for a soft, uniform dough.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cookie structure, ensuring they hold their shape perfectly.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to get a tender chew without puffing up too much.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the savory notes of peanut butter.
- 24 chocolate kisses: The iconic finishing touch—melting into the soft cookie to create that luscious chocolate center.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to achieve those perfectly baked, slightly golden edges without drying out the soft center that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and peanut butter with the granulated and brown sugars. Beat together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this aeration is what gives the cookie its tender crumb and delightful texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. This step enriches the dough and introduces that lovely vanilla warmth that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so be gentle here!
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Roll the cookie dough into approximately 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily without sticking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to pull them from the oven when the edges just begin to turn golden. This timing keeps the centers soft and chewy, the prized texture for these Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies.
Step 7: Add the Chocolate Kisses
While the cookies are still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth helps the chocolate soften just enough to meld with the cookie without completely losing its shape.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling phase is crucial as it allows the chocolate to set and the cookies to finish settling into their perfect texture.
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt atop the chocolate kisses just after pressing them in the warm cookies. The salty-sweet combo highlights the peanut butter’s richness and makes each bite pop with flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk for a classic combo, or try them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm, slightly bitter notes of brewed drinks cut through the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, arrange your Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe on a pretty plate lined with colorful parchment paper. Alternatively, stack them with wax paper between each to maintain freshness and present as a charming homemade gift box for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want them a bit firmer, letting them sit uncovered for an hour before serving works wonders.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay delicious for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop a few cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This melts the chocolate kiss just a little and softens the cookie for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of extra texture and nutty crunch that some people love. Just be sure to blend it well during the creaming stage so it integrates evenly.
Do I have to use chocolate kisses, or can I substitute?
You can definitely substitute chocolate kisses with chocolate chips or chunks if you prefer. Just place one in the center after baking as usual. The classic Hershey’s kiss shape adds a charming look but the taste will still be fantastic.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
If brown sugar isn’t available, you can replace it with an equal amount of granulated sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses if you have it. This helps mimic the moisture and flavor that brown sugar contributes.
Can this dough be refrigerated or frozen before baking?
Yes, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help the cookies maintain their shape better during baking. The dough can also be frozen in balls and baked directly from the freezer, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to help the cookies hold together properly.
Final Thoughts
The Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe is a classic that never goes out of style. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get to enjoy a batch of warm, nostalgic cookies that bring comfort and joy to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add it to your family’s favorite cookie rotation. Happy baking and even happier snacking!
Print
Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a delightful blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate kisses baked into soft, chewy cookies. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers, this easy recipe yields 24 cookies that are ideal for sharing or enjoying as a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping
- 24 chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy to create a smooth, well-incorporated base for your cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds moisture and enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined to form your cookie dough.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a lined baking sheet with some space between each to allow spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, which indicates the cookies are perfectly baked but still soft in the center.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: While the cookies are still warm, press one chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie, allowing it to soften slightly and adhere to the cookie.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
- You can substitute chocolate kisses with chocolate chips if preferred.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugars.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nuttier flavor, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth.
