Name: Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kisses 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 truly comforting about classic peanut butter cookies, especially when they have that sweet surprise of a chocolate kiss right on top. This Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kisses Recipe brings back all those warm childhood memories with every chewy bite and melty chocolate center.

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 Cookies with Chocolate Kisses Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kisses Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kisses Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and one I’ve made countless times for everything from school bake sales to late-night snack cravings. There’s a special magic when peanut butter meets chocolate in such a classic cookie form.

Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry, making it quick and easy to whip up a batch on a whim.
Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, but just a little crisp on the edges—this balance is exactly what you want in a peanut butter cookie.
Classic Appeal: That chocolate kiss on top adds just the right hint of melty sweetness, elevating an everyday cookie into something special.
Family Favorite: It’s a nostalgic recipe that always brings smiles and requests for more from kids and adults alike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in achieving that perfect soft and chewy consistency, with a rich peanut butter flavor that shines through. Here's why each component is important and some tips to keep your ingredients top-notch.

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: Adds richness and moisture; softened butter cream together easily with sugars, creating the perfect base.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Provides that classic peanut flavor and helps keep the cookie tender; creamy works best for smooth texture.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes, which contribute to softness and chewiness.
Granulated Sugar: Enhances crisp edges and gives a slight crunch when rolling the dough balls.
Vanilla Extract: Lifts and rounds out the flavors with a warm, sweet note.
Egg: Binds the ingredients while helping the cookie puff slightly and hold its shape.
Milk: Just a touch to loosen the dough slightly for easier mixing and better texture.
Baking Soda: Gives a gentle lift and contributes to that delicate crumb structure.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure-building component, providing the right balance so the cookies aren’t too cakey or too dense.
Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic finishing touch—melts just enough on warm cookies for that gooey, chocolatey center.

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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 experimenting a bit by swapping creamy peanut butter for chunky when I want an extra nutty crunch in my cookies. You should feel free to tweak this recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs—it’s surprisingly versatile!

Variation: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper gives a fun, unexpected twist that I’ve found my friends enjoy at parties.
Dietary Swap: Use a plant-based butter and egg substitute to make these cookies vegan-friendly without sacrificing texture.
Seasonal Twist: During the holidays, I sometimes roll the dough balls in colored sugar sprinkles instead of plain granulated sugar for a festive pop.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kisses 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 Together the Butters and Sugars

Start by softening your butter, so it creams effortlessly. Mix the butter and peanut butter together until smooth, then add the brown and granulated sugars. Cream everything until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, so take your time to beat well but don’t overdo it or the dough might get too soft.

Step 2: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Milk

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk. The milk thins the dough just a bit, making it easier to scoop later on. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is well combined—this ensures your cookies have a consistent texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Stir in baking soda and salt, then slowly add your flour. I recommend mixing this part just until the flour disappears. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, something I learned the hard way!

Step 4: Shape, Roll in Sugar, and Bake

Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough and coat them generously in granulated sugar. This crunch of sugar outside is my favorite little touch—it gives just the right texture contrast with the soft cookie. Space them a couple inches apart on lined baking sheets.

Step 5: Bake and Add Chocolate Kisses

Bake the cookies at 350°F for about 9–13 minutes. You want the edges to turn a light golden brown and the tops to lose their glossy sheen. Right after taking them out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss gently into the center of each cookie. They'll soften and melt slightly, creating that perfect chocolate surprise.

Top Tip

I've made these cookies dozens of times, and a few small tweaks have really helped me get the perfect texture every time. Here are some tips that I hope will help you avoid common pitfalls.

Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted—too soft and your dough will be greasy and spread too much in the oven.
Don’t Overmix After Adding Flour: Once you add flour, mix just enough to combine. Overmixing develops gluten and makes cookies tough.
Use Fresh Baking Soda: Old baking soda can cause flat cookies, so check that yours is fresh for the best rise.
Add Kisses Immediately: Press the chocolate in while the cookies are hot so the Kiss melts just right without losing its shape.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kisses Recipe

peanut butter cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let the chocolate kiss be the star, but sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the top right after adding the chocolate. That balance of salty and sweet is indulgent and irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk—nothing fancy needed! For holiday gatherings, I like pairing them with fresh fruit platters or even a hot cup of coffee or tea for the grown-ups.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these cookies on festive platters layered with parchment and tied with a simple ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Another fun idea is to place a cookie on the rim of a milk glass for a whimsical, nostalgic touch kids adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment to prevent sticking. They usually last well for about 4-5 days and stay soft and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend freezing the unbaked dough balls on a tray first, then transferring them to a zip-top bag. When ready, just bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. It brings back that fresh-baked softness, and the chocolate kiss softens up again beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily and less stable for baking, which can affect the texture and spread of your cookies. I suggest using creamy, processed peanut butter for the best classic result.

Why do my Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kisses flatten out?

Flattening often happens if the butter is too soft or melted when creamed, or if there’s too little flour. Make sure to chill your butter just to room temperature and measure your flour correctly—spoon and level it rather than scooping directly from the bag.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. I recommend adding a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it, to help with texture.

How do I prevent the chocolate kisses from melting too much?

To keep the chocolate kiss looking neat, press it into the warm (not hot) cookie right after baking. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This way, the chocolate won’t completely melt and spread.

Final Thoughts

Making this Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kisses Recipe has become one of my go-to joys in baking—the smell alone brings back such happy memories. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these with your loved ones as much as I do. Trust me, once you try this easy, nostalgic recipe, it’ll quickly become a household favorite!