If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that perfectly balances the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter with the melt-in-your-mouth charm of a chocolate kiss, then this Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are irresistibly soft, coated in a sparkly sugar crust, and crowned with a classic Hershey’s Kiss that makes every bite a delightful surprise. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just because, this recipe never fails to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings with its combination of comforting flavors and simple homemade magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards cookie bliss. Each component in this Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role — from the creamy peanut butter that provides richness to the buttery softness and the sugar that adds just the right crunch and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and balances the peanut butter’s boldness.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, offering rich, nutty flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and creates the perfect sugar coating when rolling the dough balls.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Infuses the cookies with moistness and a subtle caramel undertone.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies rise just enough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to form the soft cookies without toughness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the dough gently to achieve lightness and spread.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter’s flavor.
- About 36 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped): The iconic finish that melts slightly into the cookie’s warm center.
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling: Gives the cookies a sparkling, delightful outer crunch.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, which makes cleanup a total breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it creates the fluffy base that gives your cookies their perfect soft texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until they’re fully combined with the creamy mixture. The vanilla brings out the best in the peanut butter, while the egg ensures the dough binds perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well before adding them helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, which is a little baking secret for perfectly risen cookies.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and light.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Then, generously roll each ball in granulated sugar — this creates that trademark sugary crust that adds crunch and sparkle to every bite.
Step 7: Bake and Add Hershey’s Kisses
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Immediately after removing from the oven, press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss firmly into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. This is where the magic happens — the chocolate gently softens and nestles right into the cookie’s heart.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they set properly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled, you’re ready to dive into the most delightful peanut butter kiss cookie experience.
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are perfect on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the Hershey’s Kiss before baking can add an exciting salty-sweet contrast that will amaze your taste buds. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar after cooling gives a festive, holiday-ready look that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cozy mug of hot chocolate to complement the rich peanut butter and silky chocolate flavors. They also pair wonderfully with a fruity smoothie or a simple cup of coffee when you want a quick, cheerful snack break.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, display the Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe on a tiered dessert stand surrounded by festive decorations or edible flowers. You can also package them in cute cellophane bags tied with twine as thoughtful gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the container has enough room so the Hershey’s Kisses don’t get squished — preserving their iconic shape is half the joy.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, freeze the bakery-cool cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm and melty, pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or briefly warm them in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 3–5 minutes. This little trick will refresh the chocolate kiss and make your cookie feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture and nutty crunch inside your cookies. Just be mindful that it may slightly change the smoothness of the dough, but the flavor will be just as amazing.
Do I have to unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses before pressing them onto the cookies?
Yes, unwrapping the Hershey’s Kisses beforehand is important because the wrappers are not safe for baking. Plus, pressing an unwrapped kiss into warm cookies allows the chocolate to melt perfectly into place.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in an equal amount. The texture might vary slightly, but the taste will remain delicious and satisfying.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?
You can freeze the dough balls before baking — simply place them on a lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for frozen dough.
What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter and peanut butter are softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15-30 minutes if you find your cookies are spreading too much. Also, using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat can help maintain their shape.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about homemade treats that bring back memories and create new ones, and this Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe does exactly that. It’s simple, scrumptious, and perfect for any occasion where you want to add a little extra joy. Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection — and a guaranteed hit with everyone lucky enough to try them.
Print
Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies that combine creamy peanut butter with soft, chewy texture and a sweet chocolate Hershey’s Kiss on top. Perfect for holiday treats or any time you crave a nostalgic, satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- about 36 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
- additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the wet mixture and continue mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring carefully until a soft cookie dough forms without overmixing.
- Shape and Roll: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in additional granulated sugar to give a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-rolled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Add Hershey’s Kiss: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie, allowing it to soften slightly without melting completely.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses before baking so they are ready to press into each warm cookie promptly.
- You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw before serving to enjoy freshness.
