The Ultimate Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies: A Timeless Family Recipe
It’s January 24th, and for peanut butter lovers everywhere, that means one thing: it’s National Peanut Butter Day! A day dedicated to celebrating one of America’s most beloved pantry staples. And what better way to honor this creamy, dreamy spread than with a batch of homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies? These classic treats combine the irresistible flavor of peanut butter with a delightful chocolate kiss, creating a cookie experience that’s truly second to none.
For me, these aren’t just any cookies; they are the absolute favorite. The recipe I cherish most comes straight from my Mom’s kitchen, a treasured family tradition passed down through generations. In my humble opinion, her Peanut Butter Cookies are perfection incarnate. They boast that coveted melt-in-your-mouth crunch right around the edges, yielding to a wonderfully soft and delightfully chewy center. It’s truly the best of both worlds, offering a textural harmony that elevates them above all others.
Why My Mom’s Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Are Unbeatable
For years, I dabbled with various cookbook recipes when making Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, especially around the holidays. Each recipe yielded good cookies, but none ever quite captured the magic of my Mom’s original peanut butter cookies. A couple of years ago, a lightbulb moment struck me: “Why on earth am I not simply using Mom’s perfect peanut butter cookie recipe as the base?” It seemed so obvious in retrospect, a delightful “blonde moment” that led to a significant improvement in my baking endeavors.
And let me tell you, that change was a game-changer. The difference was incredible! The cookies immediately took on that beloved texture and flavor I adored from childhood. The rich, nutty notes of peanut butter, perfectly balanced with sweetness, formed the ideal foundation for the iconic Hershey’s Kiss. Now, every batch of Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies I make carries that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality with a soft, chewy interior. I genuinely urge you to give this recipe a whirl the next time you decide to bake up some Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. See how it compares to your current go-to recipe – I would absolutely love to hear what you think! This recipe isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about a legacy of deliciousness.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie
What makes these cookies so consistently amazing? It’s a combination of simple ingredients and thoughtful technique. The blend of shortening and peanut butter creates a tender crumb, while the mix of granulated and brown sugar ensures both sweetness and moisture. Eggs bind it all together, and a dash of baking soda and powder provides the perfect lift and spread. The final touch, of course, is the Hershey’s Kiss, pressed into the warm cookie, melting just enough to create a delightful chocolate cap.
Ingredients: Quality Matters
While the recipe uses common pantry staples, the quality of your ingredients can make a subtle but noticeable difference. Using a good quality peanut butter (creamy works best for this recipe) ensures a rich, authentic flavor. Fresh eggs and properly measured flour are also key to achieving the perfect texture. Remember, baking is a science, and precision with measurements will yield the best results.
Crafting Your Own Batch: A Detailed Guide to Success
Baking these cookies is a joyous experience, and following these steps will ensure you achieve the same perfect results that have delighted my family for years. The process is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for bakers of all skill levels.
- Preparation is Key: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start. Gather all your ingredients.
- Mixing the Magic: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until they are well combined and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ light texture. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Dry Ingredients to the Rescue: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- The Signature Roll: Once your dough is ready, form it into rounded balls. The exact size can vary, but aim for about 1-inch to 1.5-inch diameter for consistent baking. Gently roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing them onto an ungreased cookie sheet. The sugar coating not only adds a beautiful sparkle but also a lovely crispness to the exterior.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. This is a crucial step – you must watch them closely! For that signature soft and chewy texture, you absolutely cannot overbake them. The moment the edges begin to turn a light golden brown, it’s time to take them out of the oven. Even if the centers look slightly underdone, they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
- The Sweet Finale: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, while they are still warm and soft, gently press a Hershey’s Chocolate Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere perfectly and create that iconic “kiss” shape.
- Cooling Gracefully: Leave the cookies on the hot cookie sheet for a minute or two before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to move without breaking. Let them cool completely, or enjoy them while still slightly warm with a glass of cold milk!
Tips for Baking Flawless Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Achieving cookie perfection is a delightful journey, and a few expert tips can make all the difference, especially with a beloved recipe like these Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. Here’s how to ensure every batch is as incredible as the last:
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the fats in the recipe, creating a smoother dough and a more uniform cookie texture. If you forget, a quick warm water bath for a few minutes can do the trick!
- Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, leading to too much flour and a dry, crumbly cookie.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough, dense cookies instead of the desired tender, chewy texture.
- The Right Cookie Sheet: Use light-colored baking sheets for even browning. Darker sheets can cause the bottoms of your cookies to brown too quickly or even burn. If you only have dark sheets, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C).
- Hershey’s Kisses Variety: While the classic milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, feel free to experiment! Try using special dark chocolate Kisses, caramel Kisses, or even peppermint Kisses during the holidays for a fun twist. Just make sure they are unwrapped and ready to go before the cookies come out of the oven.
- Perfect Timing for Kisses: Press the Kisses into the cookies *immediately* after they come out of the oven. If you wait too long, the cookies will start to set, and the chocolate won’t adhere properly, or it might crack the cookie.
- Cooling Is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy. It also allows the chocolate kisses to fully set.
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Print Recipe
{homemade} Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 package Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all of the above ingredients together (except kisses!).
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Form dough balls, roll cookie dough balls in sugar, and drop rounded balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch them closely, because in order for them to be soft and chewy, you can’t over bake them! When the edges are brown, it’s time to take them out.
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Press Chocolate Kiss into the center of the cookie while they are still warm.
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Leave them on the cookie sheet for a minute or two before removing to a cooling rack.
Nutrition
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once your delectable Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies have cooled completely, proper storage is essential to maintain their freshness and flavor. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
These cookies are wonderful enjoyed on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a cozy mug of hot chocolate. They make fantastic gifts during the holidays, a delightful addition to bake sales, or simply a sweet indulgence for your family.
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While we are celebrating the joy of peanut butter, here are some more delightful peanut butter goodies from our collection that you’re sure to love. Peanut butter is incredibly versatile, lending its rich flavor to a variety of desserts and snacks:
Grandma Jane’s Peanut Butter Cookies
These are the foundational cookies, the very recipe that inspired my love for peanut butter treats. Simple, classic, and utterly perfect, they are a testament to the timeless appeal of a well-made peanut butter cookie. Their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor stand on their own as a beloved dessert.
Peanut Butter Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
A fun and addictive snack that requires no baking! This delightful mix of Chex cereal coated in a peanut butter-chocolate mixture and dusted with powdered sugar is a crowd-pleaser for parties, movie nights, or a simple afternoon treat. It’s incredibly easy to make and impossible to resist.
Peanut Butter and M&M Pie
Indulge in this rich and creamy pie, packed with the delightful crunch of M&M’s. This no-bake dessert combines a luscious peanut butter filling with a crunchy crust, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults who love the peanut butter and chocolate combination.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this incredible ice cream cake, featuring everyone’s favorite candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Layers of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter ice cream, and chopped Reese’s make this cake an unforgettable centerpiece for birthdays or any special celebration. It’s a decadent dream come true.
Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
For the true chocoholics, these cookies deliver a double dose of delight. Rich chocolate cookies are studded with mini peanut butter cups, offering an intense chocolate experience perfectly complemented by the salty-sweet goodness of peanut butter. They are wonderfully indulgent and a fantastic twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie.
Final Thoughts on These Irresistible Treats
Whether you’re celebrating National Peanut Butter Day, preparing for a holiday gathering, or simply craving a comforting homemade treat, these Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles. They embody the warmth of home baking and the simple pleasure of a perfectly crafted cookie. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of pure joy. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your baking experiences in the comments below – I can’t wait to hear how much you love them!