If you have a soft spot for cookies that combine the rich, comforting flavor of peanut butter with pockets of melty chocolate, then this Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine biting into a chewy peanut butter base that’s perfectly sweet and tender, only to find a warm Hershey’s Kiss right in the center, oozing just the right amount of chocolatey goodness. It’s a simple yet irresistible treat that turns a nostalgic classic into a show-stopping cookie, ideal for sharing or savoring any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of various baking ingredients arranged on a worn, rusty metal baking sheet placed on a white marbled surface. There is a clear glass bowl filled with large milk chocolate drops in the top left, next to a white round bowl full of granulated white sugar. In the center, a fluted white small dish holds several pale yellow butter cubes. To the right of it, a small white bowl contains a dark amber liquid, likely vanilla extract. Below, a white ramekin has creamy light brown peanut butter with swirls. An uncooked white egg sits next to a small wooden bowl filled with white baking soda or powder. Near the lower edge, a clear bowl is heaped with white flour, while a smaller clear bowl beside it contains brown sugar. A pale green spatula with a wooden handle rests on the left side on the baking sheet. A blue and white striped cloth is partially visible at the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create an incredible texture and flavor. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, richness, and that trademark peanut butter chewiness.

½ cup salted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture, helping the cookies stay perfectly chewy.
½ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar brings deep caramel notes and keeps the cookies moist.
½ cup white granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch on the cookie exterior when rolled.
1 egg: Acts as a binder and adds softness to the cookie dough.
½ cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, delivering that unmistakable nutty flavor and creamy texture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
1½ cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookie while keeping the crumb tender.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft bite.
24 Hershey Kisses, unwrapped: The magical chocolate center that makes these cookies unforgettable.

How to Make Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Preheating your oven to 350 degrees F ensures it’s ready to bake your cookies to perfection the moment your dough is set.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it dissolves the sugar into the butter, giving your cookies a tender texture and that perfect chewiness you’re craving.

Step 3: Add Egg, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla

Once the sugar and butter are perfectly blended, add the egg and continue beating until fluffy. Then mix in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract, which infuse the dough with deep, rich flavor and a smooth texture that’s simply divine.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda separately, then gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and there are no more pockets of flour hiding around. This creates the ideal balance for cookies that are soft but plentiful.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Roll the Dough

Use a 1½ tablespoon scoop to portion out roughly 24 balls of cookie dough. Roll each ball generously in granulated sugar to give them a delicate crunch and a sparkling appearance once baked.

Step 6: Bake and Add the Hershey’s Kiss

Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until just set but still soft. Immediately after removing them from the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This warm chocolate center is the signature move that makes the Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe irresistible.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or serve them warm if you adore melty chocolate. Either way, you’re in for a delightful treat.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe

The image shows round, light brown cookies with a cracked sugar-coated texture on the outside. Each cookie has a small dark brown, smooth dollop of chocolate in the center, shaped like a small peak. One cookie is broken in half, showing a soft, crumbly inside and the chocolate dollop continuing into its center. The cookies are arranged on a scratched metal surface that contrasts their soft texture. The focus is on the front cookies, with the others blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an added touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt atop the freshly pressed Hershey’s Kisses while they’re still warm to heighten the sweet and salty contrast. A dusting of finely chopped roasted peanuts or a drizzle of white chocolate can add sophistication and texture.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cozy cup of black coffee, offering a perfect balance between creamy sweetness and a refreshing drink. They also complement vanilla ice cream if you want to turn them into a simple yet indulgent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a colorful plate to brighten your dessert spread. You can also stack them up like a cookie tower tied with a ribbon as a charming gift idea. For parties, place each cookie inside decorative paper liners to add a festive flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain soft and flavorful for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy these treats throughout the week without a fuss.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you want fresh cookies, bake them straight from the freezer with an extra minute or two added to the baking time for perfect results.

Reheating

To revive the cookie’s warm, gooey center, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the chocolate kiss inside, giving you that just-baked experience without reheating the whole batch.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a nice crunch and extra texture to your cookies, making the Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe even more interesting. Just keep in mind it might change the consistency slightly.

Do I have to use Hershey’s Kisses?

Hershey’s Kisses are traditional and melt perfectly, but feel free to get creative! Mini peanut butter cups or your favorite chocolate candy can work well too, just make sure they’re small enough to fit inside the cookie.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. The texture might differ a bit but the flavor will still shine in this Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe.

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?

Be careful not to overbake them. Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They will continue to cook a bit as they cool, giving you that tender, chewy texture.

Is there a way to make these cookies vegan?

You can experiment with vegan butter, a flax egg, and dairy-free chocolate kisses. The cookie texture might change somewhat, but with some tweaks, you can create a vegan-friendly version of this beloved Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the simplicity and comfort of a good cookie, and this Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe delivers exactly that with every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy afternoon, a festive gathering, or just a moment of sweet indulgence for yourself. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these warm, chewy, chocolate-centered delights as much as I do!