Peanut Butter Cookies with Kisses

These incredibly soft and delicious peanut butter cookies with chocolate kisses may be the easiest you’ll ever bake!

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Chilly fall and winter afternoons are made for cookies, don’t you think? There’s nothing finer on a lazy day, or more perfect for a special occasion or holiday,  pulling a tray out of the oven, adding a chocolate kiss, and devouring them while they’re still warm.

These peanut butter cookies are my very favorite recipe. They’re nutty and tender, sweet and salty, and topped with the classic Hershey’s kiss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic cookie recipe hits all the right notes for a sweet treat.

Soft and chewy texture: The cookies stay tender in the center while lightly crisp on the edges.

Perfectly balanced flavor: Nutty peanut butter and sweet chocolate kisses complement each other beautifully.

Quick prep: Ready to bake in under 15 minutes with common pantry ingredients.

Family-friendly: Kids enjoy rolling the dough and placing the chocolate on top.

Festive and giftable: Great for holidays, bake sales, or just a sweet snack anytime.

Customizable: Swap in dark, milk, or even white chocolate kisses to change things up.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• ½ cup granulated sugar
  
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  
• 1 large egg
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
  
• ¼ teaspoon salt
  
• About 36 chocolate kisses, unwrapped
  

Optional Add-Ins:

• Chopped peanuts for extra crunch
  
• Mini chocolate chips for more chocolatey goodness
  
• A pinch of cinnamon for subtle warmth
  

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

4. Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough into balls. Roll them gently between your hands to create even-sized spheres. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

5. Flatten and Bake

Use a fork to press each cookie into a crisscross pattern lightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers look set but soft.

6. Add Chocolate Kisses

Immediately after removing cookies from the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie softens the chocolate slightly without it melting completely.

7. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set while staying soft in the center.

8. Store or Serve

Once cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later.

Tips & Variations

• For extra peanut flavor, use chunky peanut butter or sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
• Swap chocolate kisses for dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference.
• Slightly underbaking by a minute keeps the cookies chewier in the center.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a sweet-salty twist.
• Freezing dough balls before baking allows you to have fresh cookies anytime without extra prep.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy snack.

They’re perfect for dessert platters, gift boxes, or as a fun addition to holiday cookie exchanges.

Pairing them with vanilla ice cream makes an indulgent dessert sandwich.

For parties, stack on a tray with mini chocolate chips scattered around for a festive display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes! Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture stays soft and chewy.

Do I have to use chocolate kisses?

Not at all. Chocolate chunks or mini chocolate chips work well too.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. It slightly enhances flavor and texture.

Will these cookies spread too much?

Using chilled dough helps control spreading. Pressing with a fork also ensures the cookies keep shape.

How long do they last?

Stored in an airtight container, they remain fresh for up to a week at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Cookies with Kisses bring classic flavors to life in every soft, chewy bite. The combination of nutty peanut butter and melty chocolate creates a timeless treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring yourself.