Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies: A Deliciously Easy Recipe!

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a timeless classic, beloved for their simple ingredients, satisfyingly chewy texture, and the delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating these irresistible treats in your own kitchen, ensuring a batch of cookies that will be gone in minutes! Get ready to bake up some happiness!

Why These Cookies Are So Popular

These cookies hold a special place in many hearts, and for good reason:

* **Easy to Make:** The recipe uses readily available ingredients and requires minimal effort.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** They’re ideal for potlucks, bake sales, holiday gatherings, or simply a sweet treat for your family.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences, adding nuts, sprinkles, or different types of chocolate kisses.
* **Classic Flavor Combination:** The marriage of peanut butter and chocolate is a match made in heaven.
* **Fun to Make with Kids:** The simple steps and the joy of unwrapping the chocolate kisses make this a great baking project for children.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients. It’s always helpful to have everything measured out and ready to go.

* **1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened:** Make sure the butter is truly softened, but not melted. This is crucial for creating the right cookie texture.
* **1/2 cup granulated sugar:** Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
* **1/2 cup packed brown sugar:** Brown sugar provides a slightly molasses-like flavor and helps the cookies stay soft and chewy.
* **1/2 cup creamy peanut butter:** Use your favorite brand of creamy peanut butter. Avoid using natural peanut butter that separates, as it can affect the cookie’s texture.
* **1 large egg:** Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and chocolate.
* **1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour:** Provides structure to the cookies.
* **3/4 teaspoon baking soda:** Leavens the cookies, giving them a light and airy texture.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Approximately 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped:** The iconic chocolate topping that makes these cookies so special. You might want to buy extra, just in case!

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Mixing bowls:** You’ll need at least two mixing bowls – one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry ingredients.
* **Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer):** Makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier, but you can also do it by hand.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** Accurate measurements are key for successful baking.
* **Baking sheets:** You’ll need at least two baking sheets to bake the cookies in batches.
* **Parchment paper or silicone baking mats:** Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes cleanup a breeze.
* **Cookie scoop (optional):** Helps to ensure uniform cookie sizes.
* **Cooling rack:** Allows the cookies to cool completely without becoming soggy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of delicious Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies.

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
* Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

**Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars**

* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale in color and have a smooth texture.
* Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly combined.

**Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla Extract**

* Add the peanut butter to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and beat until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
* Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk visible.
* Stir in the vanilla extract.

**Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients**

* In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

**Step 5: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients**

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
* Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated, and then stop mixing.

**Step 6: Shape the Cookies**

* Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls. The size of the cookies is important for even baking.
* Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

**Step 7: Bake the Cookies**

* Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. The centers of the cookies will still look slightly soft.
* Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking to prevent them from burning.

**Step 8: Add the Hershey’s Kisses**

* Remove the baking sheets from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Gently but firmly press the Kiss into the cookie so it adheres well.
* The heat from the cookies will slightly melt the chocolate, creating a delicious and gooey topping.

**Step 9: Cool the Cookies**

* Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking.
* Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving or storing. The chocolate Kisses will firm up as they cool.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

* **Use Softened Butter:** Softened butter is key to creating a light and airy cookie dough. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar. If it’s too melted, the cookies may spread too much.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
* **Chill the Dough (Optional):** For thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.
* **Use a Cookie Scoop:** Using a cookie scoop will ensure that your cookies are all the same size, which will help them bake evenly.
* **Bake on the Center Rack:** Baking the cookies on the center rack of your oven will ensure that they bake evenly.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown, and the centers are still slightly soft.
* **Press the Kisses in Immediately:** Press the Hershey’s Kisses into the cookies immediately after removing them from the oven. This will ensure that the chocolate melts slightly and adheres well to the cookies.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving or storing. This will allow the chocolate Kisses to firm up and the cookies to set.

Variations and Add-Ins

* **Chocolate Kisses:** Use different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, such as dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or peppermint bark.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Sprinkles:** Decorate the cookies with sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips to the dough for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
* **Oatmeal:** Add rolled oats to the dough for a chewier texture.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Different Nut Butters:** Experiment with different nut butters, such as almond butter or cashew butter.
* **Salted Caramel:** Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for a decadent treat.

Storage Instructions

* **Store at Room Temperature:** Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh.
* **Freeze for Later:** To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

* **Enjoy with a Glass of Milk:** Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a cold glass of milk.
* **Serve with Coffee or Tea:** They also pair well with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
* **Add to a Dessert Platter:** Include them in a dessert platter with other cookies, brownies, and candies.
* **Give as a Gift:** Package the cookies in a decorative box or tin to give as a thoughtful gift.
* **Enjoy as a Snack:** Simply grab a cookie and enjoy it as a sweet and satisfying snack.

Troubleshooting

* **Cookies Spread Too Thin:** This can be caused by using melted butter, overmixing the dough, or not chilling the dough. Make sure to use softened butter, avoid overmixing, and chill the dough if necessary.
* **Cookies are Dry and Crumbly:** This can be caused by overbaking the cookies. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown, and the centers are still slightly soft.
* **Cookies are Tough:** This can be caused by overmixing the dough. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
* **Hershey’s Kisses Fall Off:** Make sure to press the Hershey’s Kisses firmly into the cookies immediately after removing them from the oven.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Calories:** Approximately 120-150 calories per cookie
* **Fat:** 6-8 grams
* **Saturated Fat:** 3-4 grams
* **Cholesterol:** 15-20 milligrams
* **Sodium:** 50-70 milligrams
* **Carbohydrates:** 15-20 grams
* **Sugar:** 10-12 grams
* **Protein:** 2-3 grams

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With their classic flavor combination and chewy texture, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of happiness! Enjoy!

Recipe Card

**Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies**

A classic cookie recipe featuring peanut butter cookies topped with Hershey’s Kisses.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 8-10 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Yield:** Approximately 36 cookies

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Approximately 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
9. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Notes:**

* For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
* Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.