If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances nutty, sweet, and chocolatey flavors, you are going to adore this Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the richness of peanut butter with the melt-in-your-mouth delight of chocolate kisses, baked into soft, chewy rounds that are utterly irresistible. It’s a cozy, comforting classic that’s easy to make but feels so special — the kind of cookie you’ll want to bake again and again for family gatherings, celebrations, or a simple afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success, and this Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe uses straightforward pantry staples that are familiar yet come together to create something magical. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the peanut butter lending that creamy nuttiness to the chocolate kisses adding the perfect sweet finish.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, tender crumb to the cookies and helps bind the dough.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: The star flavor that brings creaminess and a deliciously nutty taste.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and a slight crunch to the cookie’s texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Introduces moisture and deep caramel notes for a chewy bite.
- 1 large egg: Helps hold everything together and adds richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that creates the cookie’s structure and tenderness.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Leavens the dough to create just the right amount of rise and softness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts the peanut butter flavor.
- 24 chocolate kisses: The iconic finishing touch that melts gently into the warm cookie.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is perfectly ready to bake your cookies evenly. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial because it builds the base for your cookie’s tender texture and helps achieve that perfect chewy edge.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until everything is fully combined. This brings moisture and richness, while the vanilla extract enriches the flavor profile with a warm, sweet aroma.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout the dough. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently mix until just combined — avoiding overmixing helps keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into small balls about one inch in diameter and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Then bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a lovely light golden brown, signaling they’re perfectly baked but still soft in the center.
Step 6: Press in the Chocolate Kisses
Right after pulling the baking sheet from the oven, immediately press one chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat gently melts the chocolate kiss, creating a beautiful, glossy crown on each cookie.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets the cookies firm up enough for handling while keeping the chocolate perfectly melty.
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To add a touch of flair, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate kisses once they’re slightly melted. This contrast heightens the sweet and salty balance and creates a gourmet touch that will wow everyone.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate. The smoothness of the drink or ice cream balances the cookies’ nutty sweetness wonderfully, making the experience feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or a party, arrange your Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe treats in a pretty tin or on a decorative platter lined with colorful parchment paper. You can also stack them in alternating layers with parchment between each cookie to keep them pristine and add visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their softness and flavor for up to a week — perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth all week long.
Freezing
The dough balls freeze beautifully! If you want to bake later, portion the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm again, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This brings back the fresh-from-the-oven softness and brings the chocolate kiss back to its gooey glory.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture to your cookies with little peanut bits. It’s a great way to customize the cookie to your taste.
Do I have to use chocolate kisses?
Not at all. While chocolate kisses are traditional, you can substitute them with chocolate chips, chunks, or even other candies like peanut butter cups for a fun twist.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help keep the texture similar while making the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling works perfectly. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets or bake in batches to maintain that perfect bake without overcrowding the oven.
Why do the cookies need to be soft when pressing in the chocolate kisses?
Pressing the kisses into warm cookies allows the chocolate to melt slightly and stick beautifully, giving you that signature gooey center. Doing it when the cookies are cold won’t have the same effect.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe is one of those special treats that brings joy with each bite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a bake sale, or just because, these cookies never fail to impress with their nostalgic charm and satisfying flavors. Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked peanut butter and chocolate kisses. You’re going to love sharing this beloved classic!
Print
Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the sweet touch of chocolate kisses on top, creating a classic, nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion. Soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge, these cookies are easy to make and delightfully satisfying.
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time the dough is ready.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined to add richness and flavor to the dough.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.
- Form the cookie dough balls: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on a lined baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are baked through but still soft inside.
- Add chocolate kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie so it slightly melts and adheres.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set the shape, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- Use softened butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Press the chocolate kisses onto warm cookies so they melt slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a festive look, use colored or flavored chocolate kisses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
