Delicious Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

The Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe delivers an irresistible twist to the traditional cookie routine, mixing the rich, nutty essence of peanut butter with a delightful chocolate kiss at its core. These cookies are not only a cherished holiday staple but also fit snugly into any festive occasion, offering a sweet surprise with every bite. Ideal for both the young and the young at heart, they bring a sense of homemade warmth and nostalgia to the table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these cookies provide the perfect sugary escape. Simple to make yet profoundly delightful, these cookies are sure to earn you rave reviews from family and friends, spreading sweet joy and the inviting aroma of homemade goodness through your home.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe

This recipe is bound to be a family favorite because:

• Easy to Make: The preparation is straightforward, making it a breeze to bake.
• Perfect Blend of Flavors: Peanut butter and chocolate are a classic combo that everyone loves.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are always a hit at gatherings and with kids.
• Versatile: Perfect for holidays, parties, or simply when you need a sweet treat.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Setting up your kitchen for baking these heavenly cookies involves some simple prep. Begin by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools: a large mixing bowl for creaming the ingredients, a hand mixer or stand mixer for an easier mixing process, and a whisk for combining the dry ingredients. Don’t forget to line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and to promote even cooking.

Before beginning, preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when your dough is, and make sure the oven rack is positioned in the center. Gather all ingredients and unwrap the chocolate kisses so they’re ready to place once the cookies come out of the oven. This recipe is also a fantastic opportunity to let kids help roll the dough balls—creating fond culinary memories.

Ingredients

To create this delightful recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling
• About 24 chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s perfectly prepped for baking. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, which will help to bake the cookies evenly and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes, creating a creamy foundation for the cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Flavoring

Introduce the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Beat until all components are well incorporated, ensuring a smooth consistency throughout the dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle.

Step 5: Form Cookie Balls

Roll the newly formed dough into 1-inch balls. Each of these will become a cookie. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to provide a sweet exterior and then place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Insert the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching the edges closely. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just beginning to set.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Kiss

Once removed from the oven, promptly press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow them to remain on the sheet for about 5 minutes to settle before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Protein: Swap out peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for an alternative take.
• Vegetables: Add a touch of shredded carrots for extra texture and moisture.
• Spices: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for an aromatic twist.

Cooking Notes

• If your dough seems too sticky, chill it for 15-30 minutes before forming balls to make it manageable.
• Ensure your butter is truly softened to achieve the ideal creamy consistency when mixed with sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these warm with a cold glass of milk, enhancing their classic taste pairing.
• Present them with a selection of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Tips

• Experiment with different flavored chocolate kisses for unique taste combinations.
• Prevent burning by rotating the baking sheet halfway through the cook time.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
• Protein: About 3g
• Sodium: Roughly 95mg

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, using chunky peanut butter will add extra texture to the cookies, though they may be slightly less smooth.

What if my cookies spread too much?

Ensure your dough is chilled before baking if it’s too soft, and always bake on parchment paper.

Are there alternative sweeteners I can use?

Yes, you can substitute both sugars with coconut sugar or use a sugar substitute that fits your dietary needs.

Can these cookies be frozen?

Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

These Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a sweet epitome of simple pleasures, promising to be a treasured favorite in any cookie collection. With the amalgam of peanut butter’s earthiness and the sweet surprise of a chocolate kiss, they are an irresistible treat that’s as delightful to bake as it is to eat. I encourage you to try this recipe, appreciate its simplicity, and perhaps add your own creative spin to make it uniquely yours. Share your experiences and innovations with others, and don’t forget to savor every bite!