Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

My kitchen still carries the warm, comforting scent of roasted peanuts and melted chocolate, a signature aroma that can only mean one thing: I’ve just baked a fresh batch of classic Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. These delightful treats are a timeless favorite, marrying the rich, buttery flavor of peanut butter with a sweet, melty milk chocolate kiss nestled right in the center.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

• Nostalgic Comfort: Every bite transports you back to childhood, reminiscent of grandma’s baking.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy soft, chewy peanut butter cookies with a delightful, slightly firm chocolate center.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: A fantastic recipe for baking with little helpers, especially the “kiss-pressing” step!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holiday platters, potlucks, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth.
• Quick & Easy: Ready from start to finish in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.

Ingredients Needed for Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

To create these irresistible bites, you’ll need a handful of accessible ingredients. Opt for a creamy peanut butter, not natural, for the best consistency. Additionally, ensure your butter is properly softened; this makes creaming a breeze!

• 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 48 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

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Essential Equipment for Baking Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Achieving perfect Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies is easier with the right tools. A stand mixer or hand mixer will make light work of creaming the butter and sugars, ensuring a consistently smooth dough.

• • Large Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
  • Electric Mixer (Stand or Handheld): Essential for thoroughly creaming butter and sugars.
  • Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the bowl and gently folding ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
  • Baking Sheets: You’ll need at least two, or plan to bake in batches.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air circulation for even cooling.
  • Cookie Scoop (optional): For consistently sized cookie balls, ensuring even baking.

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Recipe Overview: Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 48 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a perfect batch every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, retrieve your baking sheets and line them generously with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients

2. In a large mixing bowl, energetically cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Continue beating until the mixture becomes wonderfully smooth and light, about 2-3 minutes. This aeration is key to soft cookies!

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. The mixture might look slightly curdled, but don’t worry, it will come together.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Form and Bake the Cookies

5. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. You can use a small cookie scoop for uniformity or simply roll them by hand. Place these delightful dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set. Keep a close eye on them; cookies can go from perfectly golden to overdone very quickly!

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Kisses

7. As soon as you pull the baking sheets from the oven, immediately press a milk chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat will gently melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere beautifully. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. If a kiss falls off, simply press it back on while the cookie is still warm and pliable.

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Tips for Success with Your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Achieve bakery-quality results with these expert tips:

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your unsalted butter is genuinely softened, not melted. It should give slightly when pressed, allowing it to cream perfectly with the sugars.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the flour can develop gluten, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If your kitchen is warm and the dough feels too sticky to roll, chilling it for 15-30 minutes can make handling much easier.
• Perfect Kisses: Press the chocolate kisses firmly and immediately after baking. This ensures they melt and set beautifully into the cookie.
• Space Them Out: Give your cookies enough room on the baking sheet (2 inches apart) to spread without touching.

Variations & Substitutions for Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Feel free to get creative with these classic cookies!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
• Nut-Free: For a delicious nut-free alternative, swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter (SunButter).
• Chocolate Swap: Experiment with dark chocolate kisses, white chocolate kisses, or even caramel-filled chocolates.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny bit of almond extract to the dough for a unique twist.
• Add-ins: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts into the dough for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments.

• Milk & Coffee: A tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee makes a perfect companion.
• Ice Cream: Crumble a cookie over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an instant dessert upgrade.
• Hot Cocoa: Serve alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat.
• Dessert Platter: Arrange them beautifully on a platter with other cookies and treats for parties.

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

While an indulgent treat, these cookies offer a few surprising nutritional highlights:

• Protein: Peanut butter provides a good source of plant-based protein, contributing to satiety.
• Fiber: Contains dietary fiber from the peanut butter, aiding digestion.
• Healthy Fats: Peanut butter includes monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Energy Boost: Carbohydrates and sugars offer a quick energy source.

Storage & Reheating

Keep your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies fresh and delicious with these storage tips.

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing Dough: Roll dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Fully cooled cookies can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Reheating: If you desire that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, briefly microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds, or warm in a low oven (250°F / 120°C) for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

How do I prevent the chocolate kisses from melting completely?

Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven, but allow the cookies to cool for at least 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them. This slight cooling helps the cookie structure set and prevents the chocolate from becoming too soft.

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

It’s generally recommended to use creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for baking, as natural peanut butter can alter the texture due to its varying oil content and consistency. If you use natural, make sure it’s very well stirred.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if your butter was too soft or melted, or if you didn’t measure your flour accurately. Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Let it come closer to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and baking.

What if I don’t have milk chocolate kisses?

You can use other small chocolate candies, like mini peanut butter cups, or simply press a square of your favorite chocolate bar into the center. The “kiss” shape is iconic, but the taste will still be delicious!

More Delicious Dishes

Craving more sweet treats and delightful bakes? Explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat – A moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for any season.
• Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – A seasonal twist on a classic, with rich brown butter notes.
• Caramel Brownie Cheesecake – Layers of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and luscious caramel.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a bite of happiness, perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply indulging. Their simple charm and irresistible flavor make them a staple in any home baker’s repertoire. Happy baking, and enjoy every single delightful bite! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.

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