Introduction
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a beloved classic that combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of a chocolate kiss in each bite. The cookies are soft and chewy, with a perfectly crunchy exterior and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a chocolate center. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients (Quantities)
- Butter: 1/2 cup (115g), softened
- Peanut butter: 1/2 cup (125g) (creamy or chunky)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
- Egg: 1 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (180g)
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar (for rolling): 1/4 cup (50g)
- Hershey’s Kisses: 24 (unwrapped, for topping the cookies)
Optional Ingredients
- Chocolate chips: A few extra chocolate chips to sprinkle on top after placing the kiss, for a richer chocolate flavor
- Chopped peanuts: For rolling the cookie dough balls in, for added texture
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the dough:
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. If you prefer, you can roll the dough balls in granulated sugar or chopped peanuts for extra texture.
- Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden and the tops are set.
- Add the Hershey’s Kiss:
- As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, which is perfectly normal.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Once cooled, enjoy your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies with a glass of milk or as a treat for any occasion!
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
- Soft cookies: For a chewier texture, be sure not to overbake the cookies. They should still look soft when you remove them from the oven; they will firm up as they cool.
- Variety: You can use other chocolate candies in place of the Hershey’s Kisses, such as Rolos or caramel-filled chocolates, for a different twist.
Recommendations
- Serve these Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a delightful treat.
- These cookies are perfect for holiday gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or just sharing with friends and family.
Nutrition Information (per cookie, based on 24 cookies)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
These Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a classic that never go out of style. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a crowd-pleaser every time, making them perfect for any occasion!
