When it comes to holiday baking, nothing beats the joy of making Chewy Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. I remember one Christmas when my son, Jake, decided he wanted to help bake these delightful treats. Let me tell you, we ended up with more flour on the floor than in the bowl, but those cookies turned out to be the star of our holiday celebrations!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re soft and chewy with a rich peanut butter flavor.
- The chocolate Kisses on top add a sweet surprise.
- They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays.
Pure Comfort
Biting into a warm Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie feels like a hug from a loved one. The combination of creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate is pure bliss, making them a favorite for everyone in the family.
What You Need
- 1 1 cup creamy peanut butter (240 g) – You can substitute with almond butter for a nut-free option.
- 1 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) – Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor.
- 1 1 large egg – Ensure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 1 tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract works best for flavor.
- 1 1 tsp baking soda – This helps the cookies rise and stay chewy.
- 1/2 1/2 tsp salt – Adjust to taste, especially if using salted peanut butter.
- 36 36 chocolate Kisses – Unwrap them before baking for easy access.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.
- In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy, and you should see a lovely, shiny texture forming.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each ball for spreading.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth will melt the chocolate slightly, creating a delicious topping.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely without falling apart.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- If you want a crunchier texture, bake for an additional minute or two.
- Always allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them to maintain their chewiness.
Mix It Up
- Add chopped peanuts for a delightful crunch.
- Substitute half the peanut butter with Nutella for a chocolate twist.
Perfect Partners
- These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk.
- Serve them alongside hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
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FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives.
Why are my cookies flat?
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and not overmix the dough.
Conclusion
These Chewy Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a holiday must-have. With their delightful combination of flavors and textures, they are sure to bring joy to your festive gatherings. So grab your apron and get baking—your family will thank you!
Chewy Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies for Holiday Baking Bliss
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter 240 g, can substitute with almond butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200 g, can use brown sugar for richer flavor
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract pure vanilla extract works best
- 1 tsp baking soda helps cookies rise and stay chewy
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste, especially if using salted peanut butter
- 36 chocolate Kisses unwrap before baking
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Combine peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls; place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each ball.
- Bake cookies for about 10 minutes until lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Remove cookies from oven and immediately press a chocolate Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.