Is there anything better than the smell of cookies baking? I remember making Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies for my family. The sweet smell welcomed them home on a cold day.
As they came in, I couldn’t wait for them to try the cookies. The mix of peanut butter and chocolate was a hit. It became our favorite holiday treat.
Let’s make these yummy cookies together. I’ll share tips for the best Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies you’ve ever had!
What is a Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie?
A Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie is a tasty treat. It mixes peanut butter’s nutty taste with chocolate’s sweetness. These cookies are soft and chewy, with a chocolate kiss in the middle.
They are also known as “Peanut Butter Blossoms.” Taking a bite is special because of the salty and sweet mix. This mix is loved by many.
The best peanut butter cookie recipe is all about balance. This cookie shows that perfectly. It started in 1957 with Freda Smith of Gibsonburg, Ohio, in the Pillsbury Bake-Off.
Now, they are a favorite in many homes in the U.S. The recipe uses butter, peanut butter, sugar, and chocolate kisses. Each cookie has about 127 calories, making it a sweet treat without too much guilt.
Ingredients for the Perfect Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie
To make the perfect peanut butter kiss cookies, you need the right ingredients. A classic peanut butter cookie recipe is key. It ensures each cookie tastes great and feels just right.
Essential Ingredients
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter – I like no-stir for better mix.
- ½ cup unsalted butter – Softened for a rich feel.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and rolls well.
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar – Adds moisture and flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
- 1 large egg – Room temperature for smooth mix.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour – Cookie base.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps cookies rise.
- 36 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped) – Chocolate center for sweetness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Want to try something different or meet dietary needs? Here are some swaps for an easy peanut butter cookie recipe:
- Swap unsalted butter with salted, use less salt.
- Try dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Use alternative nut butters like almond or cashew.
- For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and flax eggs.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Creamy Peanut Butter | ¾ cup |
| Unsalted Butter | ½ cup |
| Granulated Sugar | ½ cup |
| Light Brown Sugar | ½ cup (packed) |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Large Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1½ cups |
| Baking Soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Hershey’s Kisses | 36 (unwrapped) |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Making peanut butter kiss cookies is fun! Follow this easy recipe for a treat everyone will love. Just a few simple steps can impress your family and friends with these classic cookies.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, mix together 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1/3 cup of light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Beat on medium speed until creamy.
- Add in 1 room temperature egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and optionally roll each ball in granulated sugar for added crunch and sweetness.
Baking Instructions
- Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they appear slightly puffy and lightly cracked.
- Once removed from the oven, immediately press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Expect some cracking; this is perfectly normal and desired.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the tray until the chocolate sets, which usually takes a few minutes.
With this easy peanut butter cookie recipe, you can make soft cookies that everyone will love. These peanut butter blossom cookies are tasty and look great, perfect for any occasion!
Why This is the Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
This Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie recipe is amazing. It’s easy to make and has great flavors. Using JIF or Skippy peanut butter makes the cookies rich and tasty. A Hershey’s Kiss adds sweetness, balancing the cookie’s saltiness.
Many families love this recipe, which started in the 1950s. Freda Gibsonburg’s idea won third place in the Pillsbury Bake-Off. It’s now a favorite for holiday baking. A few tweaks make the peanut butter flavor better and the texture perfect.
Want to impress your family and friends? This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 13-14 minutes to bake. You’ll get around 30 cookies, each with a warm Hershey’s Kiss on top.
The recipe uses more brown sugar and double the peanut butter. This prevents dryness and makes the cookies even tastier. It’s a classic recipe that brings comfort and joy. It’s perfect for any gathering or holiday.
How to Achieve the Perfect Texture in Your Peanut Butter Cookies
Making the perfect cookie is key. It’s even more important for a soft peanut butter cookie. Knowing how to adjust certain things can make a big difference. This is true for anyone who loves making easy cookies.
Soft vs. Chewy Texture Comparisons
Cookie texture can change a lot. For a soft cookie, don’t mix the dough too much. Bake them just until the edges are set. This makes them soft and yummy.
If you want chewy cookies, let the dough sit for a bit. Or chill it a little before baking. But don’t chill it too long, or they won’t spread right. Using creamy peanut butter helps make them soft. Natural peanut butter can make them denser.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To get perfect cookies, avoid these mistakes:
- Overmeasuring flour: This makes cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method to avoid this.
- Choosing the wrong peanut butter: Pick creamy, no-stir peanut butter for the best texture.
- Pressing the chocolate kiss too hard: Just press it gently to keep the chocolate from melting into the cookie.
By focusing on these tips, your peanut butter cookies will always be great. The right techniques and care lead to the best cookies. Enjoy making these soft peanut butter cookie treats!
Variations of Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies have inspired many tasty variations. Each one brings a new twist to the classic. I love trying new flavors to make everyone happy.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
The Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie is a holiday favorite. It has a chocolate kiss on top of a soft peanut butter cookie. The mix of peanut butter and chocolate is perfect for the holidays.
It’s easy to make. Just mix flour, sugar, and Hershey’s Kisses for great results.
Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
Try the Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookie for a fun twist. You make a dent in the dough with your thumb before baking. Then, fill it with jam or chocolate.
The peanut butter cookie is chewy. It’s a sweet surprise in every bite.
Tips for Successful Holiday Baking with Peanut Butter Cookies
Holiday baking is fun and fills my kitchen with yummy smells. Making peanut butter cookies is a highlight. Use festive cookie cutters for fun shapes. This makes baking more exciting for family gatherings.
Rolling cookie dough in colored sugar adds a bright touch. It makes your cookies look great as Christmas treats.
Baking with family makes the holiday tradition special. While making peanut butter cookies, try different kinds. This impresses guests and makes the holiday feast unforgettable.
For the best baking, make sure all ingredients are room temperature. This means butter and eggs should be soft. Using a cookie scoop helps cookies bake evenly. Don’t forget to have Hershey’s Kisses for a special touch.
Peanut butter cookies are great for freezing, perfect for the holiday rush. Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months to bake later.
Using the right amounts of flour and sugar keeps cookies soft. Follow these tips for delicious Christmas cookies. Enjoy baking and the joy it brings!
Storing and Freezing Your Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
After baking a batch of cookies, it’s key to know how to store and freeze them. This keeps their taste and texture perfect. With a few easy steps, I can enjoy them for days or weeks.
How to Store for Maximum Freshness
To keep my cookies fresh, I put them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and chewy. I eat them within three days for the best taste. But they can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
It’s important to keep them away from air to keep the flavor. This helps them stay soft.
Freezing Techniques for Longer Shelf Life
Freezing is great for keeping cookies longer. I put them in a freezer-safe container, layer by layer. I use parchment paper to stop them from sticking.
They can stay frozen for up to two months. I label the container with the date. To thaw, I leave them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight Container (Room Temperature) | Up to 3 days | Keep away from direct sunlight |
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 weeks | Wrap in plastic wrap for extra moisture |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Use parchment paper between layers |
Why Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Make Great Gifts
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are sweet treats that bring joy. They are loved by many and easy to make in big batches. They’re perfect for holidays or just to make someone’s day.
These cookies are great gifts because they can be made special. You can put them in pretty tins or boxes. Adding notes or ribbons makes the gift even more special.
In the holiday season, these cookies bring warmth and memories. Their smell and taste fill the air with holiday cheer. Sharing them is a great way to show love and thanks.
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are all about giving. They’re simple, tasty, and beautifully presented. They’re perfect for any gift-giving time.
Join the Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie Craze!
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are all the rage. They mix creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate. It’s a treat that’s a celebration in every bite.
Try making these treats yourself. It’s rewarding to make them from scratch.
When baking, I like to roll the dough in sugar. It makes the cookies crunchy. They bake in 8-10 minutes at 375°F.
After cooling, store them in a container. Enjoy them for 3-4 days. Make these cookies with friends and family. Your kitchen will be filled with laughter and smells.
Make these cookies for any occasion or just because. You’ll make everyone happy. So, let’s start baking. Let’s make memories and delicious cookies together!
