Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the moment you pull a batch of Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies out of the oven—the warm, nutty aroma filling the kitchen and those glossy chocolate kisses perched on each golden cookie. This recipe has all the nostalgia of a beloved holiday treat, but you’ll want to enjoy them year-round. With their irresistibly chewy texture, sweet-meets-salty flavor, and a perfect centerpiece of rich chocolate, these cookies will put a smile on every face—whether you’re baking for a crowd or just need a quick weeknight dessert fix.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies lies in the simplicity of their pantry-friendly ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—creating a cookie that’s tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between salty peanut butter and sweet chocolate.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and moisture, helping create that classic chewy-soft texture.
• Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star of the show, lending nuttiness and that unmistakable flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies a beautiful crackled surface.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Offers a touch of molasses that deepens the cookies’ flavor and keeps them soft.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and provides structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances both the peanut butter and chocolate notes.
• All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The backbone of the dough for the perfect bite—neither too dry nor too cakey.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies puff up and create that signature tender crumb.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
• Chocolate kisses (about 24, unwrapped): That iconic topping—melty, rich, and oh-so-chocolatey.
• Additional granulated sugar (for rolling): Adds a sparkly finish and a slight crunch to every bite.

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This step ensures that your Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies bake evenly and slide right off the tray when they’re done.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat everything together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the secret to beautifully tender cookies, as it helps incorporate air into the dough and evenly distributes the sugars and fat.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully blended. This brings the dough together and infuses it with that warm, aromatic vanilla flavor that perfectly complements both peanut butter and chocolate.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until you have a soft, uniform dough. Take care not to overmix—this keeps your Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies tender, not tough!

Step 5: Shape and Roll the Dough

Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar for a delightfully crackled, sparkly finish. Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread and puff up in the oven.

Step 6: Bake and Add the Chocolate Kisses

Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look a little soft. Immediately—while they’re still warm—press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The kiss will slightly melt and settle in, creating the signature look (and taste) of a true Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without breaking apart. Once cooled, your peanut butter and chocolate dreams are ready for munching!

How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are stunning in their simplicity, you can dress them up with a pinch of flaky sea salt, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. These little extras not only look gorgeous, but also amplify all the sweet-salty flavors in every bite of your Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies.

Side Dishes

Pair a plate of these cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic treat, or serve alongside hot coffee or cocoa for a cozy dessert. If you’ve made them for a party or holiday tray, they also shine with other cookies, brownies, or fruit for a crowd-pleasing sweets spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon for adorable edible gifts, or arrange them in a fun spiral on a cake stand for a bake sale or family gathering. You can even tuck them into lunchboxes or picnic baskets—Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are as portable as they are irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies at peak freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days. Stack them with a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent the chocolate kisses from sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze the baked cookies (once cooled) in a ziploc bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. If you want freshly baked cookies anytime, freeze unbaked dough balls (without the sugar coating) and bake straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If you love that fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop a room temperature cookie in the microwave for 5–10 seconds to make the chocolate kiss slightly soft and melty. From frozen, let the cookies thaw at room temperature, or reheat gently until just warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and little pops of peanut in every bite. Your Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies will still turn out beautifully—just a little more rustic, which some folks love!

What if I don’t have chocolate kisses on hand?

You can swap in any chocolate piece you like—chunks, drops, or even squares from a chocolate bar. Just press them into the warm cookies as soon as they come out of the oven for the same iconic look and gooey chocolate center.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free-friendly, and your Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies will taste just as good as the original.

How do I keep the chocolate kisses from melting too much?

If your kitchen is very warm, or the baking sheet is still super hot, the kisses might lose their shape. Allow the cookies to cool about 2 minutes before pressing in the chocolate, or pop the tray in the fridge for a few minutes after assembly to set the chocolate quickly.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! These cookies are so popular that making a double batch is always a smart move, especially for holidays and gatherings. Just make sure you have enough chocolate kisses and bake in batches as needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about sharing a batch of Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies—the way that mix of peanut butter and chocolate always brings people together. Whether you’re baking with the kids, prepping treats for friends, or just sneaking one as a midnight snack, this recipe is simply too delicious not to try. So get that oven preheated and let the cookie magic begin!

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