The Ultimate Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie Recipe

Peanut butter kiss cookies are a classic for a reason. Their melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter base paired with the sweet chocolate kiss is pure holiday magic. But achieving that perfect texture and flavor can be tricky. This Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie Recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring your cookies are bakery-worthy, whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned pro. This guide covers everything from ingredient selection to troubleshooting tips, so get ready to bake the best peanut butter kiss cookies you’ve ever tasted!

Similar to this jam cookies recipe, these peanut butter kiss cookies are a great choice for holiday baking.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie Recipe

The key to a perfect peanut butter kiss cookie lies in the quality of your ingredients. While substitutions are possible, understanding the role of each ingredient will help you make informed decisions.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is the star of the show! I prefer using a classic, smooth peanut butter without added sugar for these cookies. Natural peanut butter can sometimes be a bit dry, so stick with the creamy kind for optimal results.
• Sugars: Granulated and brown sugar work together to create the perfect sweetness and texture. Brown sugar adds a touch of molasses flavor and helps keep the cookies moist.
• Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile. Don’t underestimate its power!
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent gives the cookies a slight lift.
• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the structure of the cookie.
• Hershey’s Kisses: Of course, no peanut butter kiss cookie is complete without the iconic chocolate kiss! Milk chocolate is traditional, but feel free to experiment with dark or white chocolate.

Mixing the Perfect Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie Dough

Now that we have our ingredients assembled, let’s get mixing!

1. Cream Together Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, which helps create a tender cookie.
2. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. What does overmixing look like? Think of it like kneading bread dough – you don’t want to develop the gluten in your cookies.
4. Chill (Optional but Recommended): Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. I often chill my dough overnight for convenience.

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie Dough Ready to be Rolled and Baked

Baking and Decorating Your Peanut Butter Kisses

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll and Bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
3. The Kiss: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will soften the chocolate, creating that signature melt.

Troubleshooting Your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Sometimes, even with the best recipe, things can go wrong. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Cookies are too flat: This could be due to not chilling the dough, using too much butter, or an oven that’s not hot enough.
• Cookies are too crumbly: Too much flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly. Try adding a tablespoon of milk or cream to the dough.
• Kisses didn’t melt: Ensure you press the kisses onto the cookies immediately after removing them from the oven.

For those who prefer no-bake options, you might find this no bake cocoa cookies recipe interesting.

Variations on the Classic Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie Recipe

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas:

• Peanut Butter Blossoms: These are similar to peanut butter kiss cookies, but they’re rolled in sugar before baking and feature a powdered sugar coating after the kiss is added. Check out our dedicated peanut butter blossom cookie recipes for a deeper dive.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Kisses: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a double dose of chocolate.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Kisses: Place a small dollop of your favorite jelly on top of the cookie before adding the kiss.
• Holiday Kisses: Use festive-colored Hershey’s Kisses for a seasonal twist.

Variations of Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, Including Peanut Butter Blossoms and Chocolate Peanut Butter Kisses

Cookie bars offer another fun and easy baking experience. You can find inspiration in our collection of cookie bar recipes.

FAQs about Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate kiss?

A: Absolutely! While milk chocolate is traditional, you can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored kisses.

Q: How do I store peanut butter kiss cookies?

A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Conclusion: Baking Perfection with Your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie Recipe

This peanut butter kiss cookie recipe is your guide to creating a timeless treat that will delight everyone. With a little attention to detail and a dash of love, you’ll be baking batches of perfect peanut butter kiss cookies in no time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of baking these classic cookies! Remember to share your baking triumphs with us – we’d love to see your creations!

Making homemade treats for your furry friends can also be a rewarding experience. Consider exploring our dog cookie recipe for some inspiration.