Name: Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g); ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (213 g); ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed (138 g); ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g, plus more for rolling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml); 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon milk (15 ml); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour (248 g); 40 Hershey's Kisses (or a few more)

There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about soft, chewy cookies with that little burst of chocolate right in the center. This Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe is exactly that—a warm, classic treat that never fails to bring smiles around the kitchen table.

The image shows a white plate with seven light golden brown cookies. Each cookie is round with a rough, slightly cracked surface and has a single milk chocolate drop pressed into its center. The cookies are arranged in a loose pile, sitting on a white marbled surface. The background includes a light blue and white checkered cloth that is softly out of focus. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a clear contrast between the light cookie dough and the darker chocolate tips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t count the number of times I’ve whipped up these Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies for family gatherings or to brighten a regular Tuesday. They’re simple yet packed with flavor, making them a foolproof crowd-pleaser.

Classic combination: The rich peanut butter pairs perfectly with the sweet, melty chocolate kiss right on top.
Soft and chewy texture: These cookies stay tender, not dry or crumbly, thanks to the balanced ingredients.
Easy to make: Just a few pantry staples and simple steps—great even if you’re short on time.
Perfect for any occasion: From school bake sales to holiday parties, they always steal the show.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a special role to give these cookies their signature flavor and texture. Using quality peanut butter makes a big difference, and I always recommend softening the butter first for easier mixing.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, creamy peanut butter in a small white ceramic bowl, packed light brown sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, a single large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl with milk, vanilla extract in a small white ceramic bowl appearing as a clear liquid, a small white ceramic bowl with all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with baking soda powder, a small white ceramic bowl with salt crystals, and a pile of unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses chocolates, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Softened butter blends smoothly and controls the salt level, letting peanut butter shine.
Creamy peanut butter: Adds that unmistakable nutty richness and chewy texture.
Light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to keep cookies soft.
Granulated sugar: Used in dough and for rolling to give a slight crispness outside.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds structure without drying the cookies.
Milk: Just a splash softens the dough and helps with mixing.
Baking soda: Creates a gentle rise and helps achieve the beloved chewy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut flavor.
All-purpose flour: The base that holds the dough; make sure to measure accurately for best results.
Hershey’s Kisses: That classic chocolate kiss is the icing on the cake—literally.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe my own by adding little twists that suit my mood or occasion. You should definitely feel free to experiment and make these cookies truly yours!

Variation: I sometimes swap regular peanut butter for natural peanut butter for a more intense nutty flavor—just keep in mind it might alter the texture slightly but still delicious.
Dietary tweak: Using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour works pretty well if you want a gluten-free alternative, but be gentle when handling the dough.
Seasonal twist: For fall, try rolling the cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking—it adds a warm spice note that’s irresistible.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a woman's hand pressing a large chocolate piece into the center of a small round cookie dough ball, placed on a baking mat. The cookies are light brown and have a slightly rough texture with some cracks on top, arranged in a loose grid pattern. The baking mat is beige with a textured surface, sitting on a white marbled background. The woman's hand wears a silver ring. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

I start by softening the butter and peanut butter, then whipping them together until velvety smooth with the sugars. This step ensures your dough won’t be grainy and helps create that tender crumb. A stand mixer or hand mixer really speeds things up.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, I add the egg, vanilla, and a splash of milk. Mixing these just until combined keeps the dough soft and easy to handle without overworking it, which can make cookies tough.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Then, I gently mix the baking soda and salt with the flour before folding them into the wet mixture. Scraping the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed helps avoid dry streaks of flour and guarantees that tender texture we all crave.

Step 4: Roll, Bake, and Top

I scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in granulated sugar, and space them well on parchment-lined sheets. Baking at 350°F for about 9–13 minutes, I watch for the edges to just turn golden, and the tops lose their glossy shine—perfect cues it's time to pull them out. Then, I immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie to melt slightly with the residual heat.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few small tricks that really help make sure your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies come out just right every time. These tips will save you from common pitfalls and get you closer to cookie perfection!

Don’t overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out—that’s the secret to keeping them soft and chewy.
Roll dough balls generously in sugar: This adds just the right amount of crunch on the outside, creating a lovely texture contrast with the soft cookie interior.
Press kisses when warm: Putting the chocolate on immediately after baking lets it soften gently without completely melting, holding its pretty shape.
Let cookies cool fully on the sheet: This keeps them from breaking apart when transferring and allows the flavors to settle.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe

peanut butter kiss cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually enjoy these cookies just as they are, but I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on the chocolate kiss right after pressing it in. The salty-sweet combo? Unreal. You could also try chopped peanuts or even a dusting of cocoa powder for a more decadent treat.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or hot cup of coffee. For a fun twist at parties, I’ve served them alongside rich homemade vanilla ice cream—makes for a quick and easy dessert platter everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holiday cookie trays, I arrange these cookies in little piles tied with festive ribbons or displayed on tiered cake stands. I once made a peanut butter cookie bouquet by sticking skewers into the bottoms and arranging them in a pretty vase—such a fun, unexpected presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They stay soft for about 4 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my kitchen!

Freezing

I’ve froze the cookie dough balls before baking—just roll and freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw, just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time. This makes spontaneous cookie cravings much easier to satisfy!

Reheating

Leftover cookies can be warmed up gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the chocolate kiss and bring back that fresh-baked feel. Just don’t overdo it or they’ll get too squishy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will give the cookies a bit more texture, which some people love. Just expect a slightly different chewiness and little peanut bits throughout.

Why do I need to add the kisses after baking instead of before?

Adding the Hershey's Kisses immediately after baking lets the chocolate soften without melting completely. This way, the kiss holds its shape and gives that signature look and texture. If baked on top, the chocolate can spread and lose its distinct appearance.

How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter and peanut butter are softened but not melted, and chill the dough if it feels too loose. Also, spacing the dough balls properly on the baking sheet helps keep them from merging while baking.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a non-dairy margarine or coconut oil, and use dairy-free milk. Just keep in mind this might slightly change flavor and texture, but they’ll still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it blends simplicity and timeless flavor so effortlessly. Whether you’re baking with kids or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy and maybe a bit of nostalgia too. Give them a try—I can’t wait to hear how much you love them!