Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe

There’s just something magical about Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. Buttery-soft peanut butter cookies crowned with a melty chocolate kiss—these classic treats are an iconic blend of salty and sweet, chewy and crisp. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie swap, a family treat night, or simply to satisfy that unstoppable peanut butter craving, these cookies deliver pure nostalgic joy in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple and classic! Each of these ingredients brings something special, creating the perfect flavor, texture, and that signature look you remember from childhood. Gather your ingredients before you start to streamline the baking process—every element shines in these Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): For melt-in-your-mouth richness; make sure it’s well-softened for easy mixing.
• Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The heart of the cookie, lending both flavor and a delicate chew; avoid natural peanut butters for best texture.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create those lightly crackled tops; roll the dough in extra for a sparkly finish.
• Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings moistness and a subtle caramel depth that takes these cookies over the top.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and ensures the cookies bake up soft and tender.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and makes your kitchen smell divine.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The structure of the cookie, providing just enough heft without making them dense.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Lends the cookies a gentle lift and soft crumb.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures even more puff for that classic, slightly domed shape.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
• Chocolate kiss candies (24, unwrapped): The finishing touch—press one right in the center while the cookies are still warm for that gooey, iconic topper.

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Sheet Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step may seem basic, but it’s key! The right temperature ensures your cookies bake evenly, and parchment makes for easy cleanup (and prevents sticking, so you don’t lose a single chocolaty kiss).

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This blending is what makes Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies impossibly tender, so don’t rush the mixing.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in that spoonful of vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is fully incorporated. This helps bind the dough and layers in that signature warm, aromatic vanilla note.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This even distribution means you’ll get a perfect rise and a uniform crumb in every single cookie—essential for that classic texture!

Step 5: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing as you go, just until a soft dough forms. You want everything combined, but don’t overmix or you’ll lose that beautiful tender bite Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are known for.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll each into a ball. For that sparkling, bakery-style finish, roll each ball in some extra granulated sugar before placing them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Tiny details like this give your cookies a gorgeous look and gentle crunch on top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the centers have puffed but are still soft. Do not overbake—remember, Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies continue to set as they cool!

Step 8: Press in the Chocolate Kiss

As soon as those cookies come out of the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss candy into the center of each one. The warmth of the cookie will melt the base of the chocolate just enough to secure it. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack, resisting the urge to sneak one too soon!

How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are a delight all on their own, consider a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on each just after adding the chocolate kiss—this little touch brings out the depth of the peanut butter and chocolate. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of dark chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar adds that wow factor to your Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies.

Side Dishes

The classic pairing is, of course, a tall glass of ice-cold milk, perfect for dunking. They’re also incredible with a mug of hot cocoa, cold brew coffee, or even as part of a festive dessert platter with fresh fruit and other cookies. Basically, anything you love with chocolate and peanut butter will work beautifully here.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, pile these cookies onto a pretty cake stand or tiered platter. Wrap a handful in clear cellophane with a ribbon for an adorable homemade gift. At holiday parties or cookie swaps, arrange them in neat rows nestled in decorative tins—they always disappear first!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies taste fresh for days when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing to keep them soft and prevent the chocolate kisses from smudging. They’re still irresistibly tender three or four days later—if they last that long!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, either before or after baking. Freeze the dough balls (without the chocolate kiss) on a tray until firm, then stash in a freezer bag for up to two months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the time, and press in the chocolate candy as usual. Already-baked cookies can also be frozen; layer between sheets of parchment and thaw at room temp.

Reheating

For that “just-baked” experience, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 8 seconds—enough to soften the chocolate slightly and bring back the fresh-from-the-oven aroma. If reheating a whole batch, a few minutes in a 275°F oven will revive them without melting the kisses completely.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add texture and little peanut bits throughout your Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. The result is a slightly different, but equally tasty, cookie. Just be aware the dough may be a touch crumblier—if so, add a teaspoon of milk to help it come together.

How do I keep the chocolate kisses from melting or losing their shape?

Press the chocolate kiss gently into the cookie right after baking, but don’t move them until cooled. Letting Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes helps the chocolate set without turning too gooey or losing that classic peak.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes! Substitute a trusted 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Watch the bake time—gluten-free versions may need a minute less, so start checking early for doneness.

What type Dessert

Classic milk chocolate kisses are traditional, but you can experiment with dark chocolate, hugs (cookies and cream), or caramel-filled varieties. Just choose a flavor that will pair well with rich peanut butter for homemade peanut butter kiss cookies everyone will adore.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe scales up or down beautifully. For a big batch, simply double all ingredients and bake in batches. Or, halve the quantities for a small-batch treat—just closely watch your bake times with fewer cookies on the tray.

Final Thoughts

If your cookie jar could talk, it would beg for these Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies! Whether you make them as a cozy weekend baking project or whip up a batch for your next celebration, these cookies promise gooey chocolate comfort and a satisfying peanut butter aroma every single time. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself—because everyone deserves a warm cookie (or two) made with love!

Print