There is a certain magic in a soft, peanut butter cookie. Now imagine that tender, golden base finished with a melted chocolate kiss. This timeless peanut butter kiss cookie recipe truly captures holiday nostalgia. The sweet, salty balance simply sings on your palate every single time you bake. I find these cookies are pure comfort food for the soul.
Frankly, these always disappear fast from my cookie platter. Actually, assembling this Peanut butter kiss cookie recipe is quite simple for busy afternoons. Moreover, they store beautifully, which is a lifesaver during the hectic holiday season.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this cookie greatly. Frankly, it checks every box I have. It offers unbeatable comfort in just thirty minutes of active work. Here is why this peanut butter kiss cookie recipe remains my go-to choice:
- Speedy Assembly: The dough comes together so fast, which is wonderful.
- Crowd-Pleaser Flavor: Who can say no to peanut butter and chocolate togetherness?
- Perfect Texture: They bake up soft, never dry or crumbly, I promise you.
Peanut butter kiss cookie recipe Ingredients
The alchemy happening here involves rich peanut flavor meeting sweet, dark chocolate decadence. Truly, this magical combination is why this Peanut butter kiss cookie recipe withstands every passing baking trend. We use simple pantry staples to achieve that irresistible softness.
Consider the key players in this delicious drama. We use softened butter for that necessary creamy base structure. Granulated and brown sugar work together for tenderness and deep caramel notes. The peanut butter, of course, brings the star flavor profile. Then, flour gives us the body we need. Baking soda helps them lift just right. Finally, the iconic chocolate Hershey’s Kisses become the crowning glory after baking.
Remember, you will find precise measurements waiting for you on the recipe card below. Still, a few smart modifications can really elevate your baking game.
Substitutions and Tips
- If you prefer a deeper flavor, switch your creamy peanut butter for a natural, slightly drier style. Just know you might need a tiny splash more vanilla extract.
- For an extra hint of richness, try using half dark brown sugar instead of all light brown sugar. This deepens the molasses flavor wonderfully.
- We rely on creamy peanut butter for the best texture here. However, chunky peanut butter works if you enjoy textural surprises in your cookie.
- Do not skip the sugar coating! Rolling the dough balls in sugar gives the cookies their signature crackle finish. This is essential for classic Peanut butter kiss cookie recipe perfection.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A sturdy large mixing bowl for creaming butter and sugar efficiently.
- Standard baking sheets; use silicone mats if you lack parchment paper.
- An electric mixer makes the creaming process much faster.
- A small cookie scoop ensures uniform size for even baking success.
- Wire racks are necessary for proper cooling after handling the hot Peanut butter kiss cookie recipe treats.
How to Make Peanut butter kiss cookie recipe
Making these iconic cookies is really quite straightforward. We are building layers of flavor here, step by simple step. Follow these directions closely for the best results. This process will yield those famously soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate kisses cookies. Remember, timing is everything for that perfect chocolate melt. Understanding the mixing order prevents a tough final cookie texture.
Preparing the Dough Base
First, turn your oven onto 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper first. This stops any sticking issue later on. In a large bowl, begin creaming your softened butter. Add the white sugar and brown sugar too. Beat them until the mix looks light and fluffy. This aeration step is quite important for texture. Next, beat in one large egg completely. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined well. Finally, incorporate the creamy peanut butter thoroughly. In a separate dish, whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients. Mix these until they just come together in a soft dough. Do not overmix the dough ever.
Shaping and Coating the Cookie Balls
Now it is time for the sugary exterior coating. Pour the remaining granulated sugar into a shallow dish. You want about a half cup for this part. Use a small spoon or scoop the dough. Roll each piece into a one-inch uniform ball size. Next, roll each ball well in the sugar coating. Ensure every side gets a nice, thick layer. Place these sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared sheets. Leave about two inches between each cookie ball. They need space as they spread gently during baking.
Baking and Adding the Chocolate Center
Bake these beautiful sugar orbs for only eight to ten minutes. Watch the edges closely for a light golden color. The cookie tops should show small cracks appearing. Do not overbake them at all. Slightly soft means they are perfect right now. Immediately remove the sheets from the hot oven. Quickly press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss right into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat melts it perfectly. Allow them to sit on the hot sheets for five full minutes. Then, gently move them to a wire rack to finish cooling down completely. This lets the chocolate solidify nicely.
How to Store Peanut butter kiss cookie recipe
Keeping these cherished cookies fresh is easy, thankfully. Store your baked Peanut butter kiss cookie recipe treats in an airtight container. Room temperature storage works best for texture retention. They usually stay perfectly soft for about five days this way. If you plan ahead, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls instead. Just pop them on a tray before freezing completely. Then, bake them straight from frozen; add a minute or two to the baking time. Enjoy your delicious homemade cookies all season long!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This affects the creaming process greatly.
- Peanut butter choice matters for the best texture in this Peanut butter kiss cookie recipe.
- Always chill the dough for twenty minutes if your kitchen feels warm. Cold dough spreads less!
- Take the cookies out right when edges turn lightly golden. This keeps the center soft.
- Press the chocolate Kiss immediately upon removing the hot cookies from the oven. This is non-negotiable for setting properly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these wonderful cookies warm with a tall glass of cold milk.
- A strong cup of black coffee pairs beautifully with the chocolate richness.
- For presentation, arrange them on a simple white platter.
- Consider dusting lightly with powdered sugar before serving them up.
- They look lovely alongside fresh raspberries for a pop of color.
Peanut butter kiss cookie recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: Approx. 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and beloved holiday cookie recipe featuring soft, peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Approx. 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Approx. 40 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the peanut butter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- Place the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat.
- Place the sugar-coated balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are slightly cracked (do not overbake).
- Immediately upon removing from the oven, press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each hot cookie.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will soften, then set.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies, as they should still be slightly soft when the Kiss is pressed in.
- The chocolate Kiss will soften immediately from the residual heat and set as the cookie cools.
- These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature.











