The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies: A Timeless Classic Recipe

Mark your calendars and preheat your ovens, because January 24th is a day dedicated to one of America’s most beloved pantry staples: National Peanut Butter Day! For anyone who adores that creamy, nutty goodness, this day is a perfect excuse to dive headfirst into the world of peanut butter confections. And what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, irresistible homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies? These iconic treats, with their distinctive chocolate centers, are a nostalgic favorite that evoke comfort and joy with every bite.

There’s an undeniable magic in homemade cookies, isn’t there? The comforting aroma that fills your kitchen, the anticipation of that first perfect bite, and the cherished memories they create. For me, the gold standard for cookies has always been the ones my Mom bakes, particularly her Peanut Butter Cookies. They are, without a doubt, culinary perfection. Each cookie offers that incredible textural symphony: a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth crispness around the edges, perfectly complementing a soft, lusciously chewy interior. It’s truly the best of both worlds, a harmonious blend that makes these cookies utterly unforgettable.

From a Family Secret to Your Kitchen: The Story Behind the Best Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

For many years, especially during the festive Christmas season, I relied on a generic cookbook recipe for my Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. While they were certainly enjoyable, they never quite reached the sublime deliciousness of my Mom’s foundational peanut butter cookie. Then, a few years ago, a lightbulb moment struck – a delightful “Aha!” that felt a bit like a “blonde moment” for taking so long to realize! Why on earth wasn’t I using Mom’s perfectly crafted peanut butter cookie recipe as the base for my Kiss Cookies? The answer was so simple, yet profoundly impactful.

The moment I made that crucial switch, the outcome was nothing short of a revelation. The cookies transformed from good to absolutely phenomenal. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary heritage passed down, a testament to the simple, heartwarming power of traditional home baking. The ingenious addition of a Hershey’s Chocolate Kiss elevates an already flawless peanut butter cookie into an iconic treat, cherished by generations. It’s the kind of cookie that effortlessly evokes fond childhood memories, creates new heartwarming moments, and consistently stands out as a beloved crowd-pleaser for any gathering or a comforting indulgence during a quiet afternoon.

I passionately urge you to give this particular recipe a try the next time you decide to bake a batch of Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. Experience firsthand the remarkable difference that an exceptional base cookie recipe can make. Compare it to any other recipe you’ve used, and I am genuinely confident that you’ll understand precisely why this recipe holds such a profound and special place in my heart. I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and discover how these homemade delights measure up against your own cherished family favorites!

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{Homemade} Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Using what is, in my own opinion, the VERY BEST Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe (my Mom’s!), I have made these Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies many times. They are perfect in EVERY way: crispy edges, soft chewy centers, and a delightful chocolate kiss!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

Course: Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, homemade cookies, classic dessert, chocolate peanut butter

Servings: 3 dozen

Calories: 170 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (approx. 9-10 oz) Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Cream Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the shortening, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs & Dry Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated into the mixture before adding the next. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Shape & Sugar Coat Dough: Form the dough into small, rounded balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Roll each cookie dough ball generously in extra granulated sugar to create a sparkling, crispy exterior. Place the sugar-coated balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving a couple of inches between each to allow for spreading.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes. It’s crucial not to overbake these cookies if you want them to remain soft and chewy! Keep a close eye on them; they are ready when the edges are lightly golden brown, but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
5. Press in Chocolate Kisses: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Chocolate Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat from the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere perfectly and create that signature soft chocolate top.
6. Cool Before Serving: Leave the cookies on the hot cookie sheet for a minute or two to allow them to firm up slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and ensures the chocolate kiss sets properly.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per cookie)

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 170 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 14mg
• Sodium: 135mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 11g

*Nutrition facts are an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients, brand choices, and preparation methods.

Mastering the Peanut Butter Kiss: Essential Baking Tips & Tricks

Baking the perfect batch of Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies goes beyond simply following a recipe; it’s about understanding the subtle nuances that transform a good cookie into an extraordinary one. Here are some indispensable tips to ensure your homemade treats are consistently spectacular and utterly delicious:

• Avoid Overmixing the Dough: This is a golden rule for most cookies. Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until they are just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
• Choose the Right Peanut Butter: For the best texture and consistent results, use a standard creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter, with its varying oil separation and often firmer texture, can sometimes alter the cookie’s consistency and may require slight adjustments to the recipe.
• The Importance of the Sugar Roll: Do not skip rolling your dough balls in granulated sugar! This crucial step contributes significantly to that delightful crispness around the edges and adds a beautiful, sparkling finish that enhances both the texture and visual appeal of your cookies.
• Precise Baking Time is Key: Ovens can vary widely, so the 8-10 minute bake time serves as a general guideline. Watch your cookies closely. They are perfectly baked when the edges are lightly golden brown, but the centers still appear slightly soft or even a little underbaked. They will continue to cook and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Timely Chocolate Kiss Placement: The moment you press the chocolate kiss into the cookie is vital. Do it immediately after the cookies come out of the oven. The residual warmth from the freshly baked cookie allows the chocolate to soften and adhere beautifully, creating that iconic, slightly melted center without completely dissolving the kiss.
• Allow for Proper Cooling: After pressing in the kisses, let the cookies remain on the hot baking sheet for a minute or two. This brief resting period allows them to firm up just enough, making them easier to transfer without breaking and ensuring the chocolate kiss sets nicely.
• Optimal Storage for Freshness: Once completely cooled, store your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for about 5-7 days. For longer enjoyment, you can freeze them for up to 3 months; simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Beyond the Classic: Delicious Variations to Explore

While the traditional Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kiss is an undeniable icon, feel free to unleash your creativity and experiment with different variations for your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• White Chocolate Kisses: For a sweeter, creamier, and distinctly different flavor profile, try using white chocolate Kisses. They add a lovely contrast to the peanut butter.
• Dark Chocolate Kisses: If you prefer a richer, less sweet chocolate experience that beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookie, opt for dark chocolate Kisses.
• Caramel-Filled Kisses: Keep an eye out for seasonal caramel-filled Kisses from Hershey’s. These would add a wonderfully gooey, surprising center to each cookie.
• Peppermint Kisses: During the holiday season, peppermint Kisses can infuse your peanut butter cookies with a festive, minty twist that’s absolutely delightful.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: For an extra dose of peanut butter goodness, press mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the warm cookies instead of Kisses. It’s a double peanut butter dream!

More Peanut Butter Delights to Satisfy Your Cravings

Since we’re deep in the celebration of all things peanut butter, why stop at just one delicious treat? Here are some other cherished recipes featuring that irresistible nutty flavor, perfect for expanding your repertoire of peanut butter favorites. From timeless classics to irresistible modern delights, these recipes are fantastic for any occasion, big or small.

Grandma Jane’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Puppy Chow

Peanut Butter and M&M Pie

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies