Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies always take me straight back to holiday kitchens and warm ovens humming in the background. They’re soft peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss, and that simple combo somehow feels timeless and comforting every single time. I’ve baked these for family gatherings, cookie swaps, and quiet weekends, and they never fail to disappear fast. They’re easy, cozy, and just a little nostalgic in the best way. If you love classic flavors with minimal effort, these Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are about to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
These Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies have that soft, chewy center that feels like a warm hug. The peanut butter and chocolate balance each other so well, neither one steals the show. I love that the ingredient list is short and familiar, which makes baking feel relaxed, not rushed. They’re perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, or gifting, and if you stick with the flourless version, they’re naturally gluten-free without anyone even noticing.
Daisy’s Secret to Perfectly Soft Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
The real magic starts with creamy, classic peanut butter, not the natural kind that separates. I always take a little extra time to cream the sugars well, because that’s what keeps the cookies soft instead of dry. Pressing the Hershey Kiss in while the cookies are hot gives that signature crinkle look we all love. And patience matters here—letting them cool completely is what helps them set and hold together perfectly.
What You’ll Need
Peanut butter
This is the heart of Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, giving them rich flavor and a soft, chewy texture. I always use creamy peanut butter because it blends smoothly and holds the dough together well.
Granulated sugar
White sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies set as they bake. It also gives the edges just a little structure without making them hard.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar keeps the cookies soft and moist thanks to its natural molasses. It adds a deeper, cozy flavor that makes these cookies taste homemade.
Egg
The egg binds everything together and gives the cookies their tender bite. Without it, the dough wouldn’t hold its shape as well.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out the flavors and makes the peanut butter taste even warmer and richer. A small amount goes a long way here.
Hershey Kisses
The chocolate kiss adds that classic look and sweet finish on top. Pressed in warm, it creates the crinkle effect everyone loves.
Optional note: This version uses no flour, which keeps the cookies naturally gluten-free while still soft and satisfying.
Options for Substitutions
If you like a little crunch, crunchy peanut butter works, but I still reach for creamy when I want that soft, smooth bite in Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. For a dairy-free option, swap the chocolate kisses with a dairy-free chocolate or dark chocolate button, and they melt just as nicely. You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on how deep you want the flavor, and a simple egg substitute works in a pinch if needed. If you prefer a bakery-style cookie, you can add flour for structure, but this flourless version stays soft and cozy just the way it is.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when the dough is. I always line my baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat because it keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
In a bowl, cream the peanut butter and both sugars until the mixture looks smooth and fluffy. Then add the egg and vanilla and mix just until combined. Stop as soon as everything comes together to keep the cookies soft.
Step 3: Roll the Dough
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls with your hands. Place them on the baking sheet with space in between so they can spread gently as they bake.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake until the cookies look set on the edges but still soft in the center. They may look slightly underdone, and that’s exactly what you want for a tender bite.
Step 5: Add the Hershey Kisses
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each one. Let the cookies cool completely on the pan so they firm up and hold together before moving or serving.
How Long to Cook Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies bake best at 350°F, which gives them time to set without drying out. Most batches are ready in 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your oven. Look for soft centers with lightly cracked tops, not deep brown edges. If you bake them too long, they lose that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so it’s better to pull them a little early.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
If your cookies spread too much, the dough may be too warm, so chilling it for a few minutes helps. Dry cookies usually mean they were overbaked, so trust the soft look when they come out. Small cracks are normal and actually help create that classic crinkle once the kiss is added. These cookies store well in an airtight container, and both the dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully for later.
Estimated Nutrition
Each cookie has about 120 calories, with a balance of fat, carbs, and protein from the peanut butter. Sugar content will vary slightly based on the type of chocolate used. These values are estimates and can change depending on ingredients and portion size.
FAQs About Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Can I make Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are great for making ahead. You can prepare the dough a day early or bake the cookies and store them once cooled.
Do these Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies need flour?
No, this recipe does not need flour. The peanut butter and egg hold the dough together, which keeps the cookies soft and naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and baked Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. Just store them in an airtight container and thaw before baking or serving.
Why did my Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies fall apart?
Cookies usually fall apart if they are moved while hot. Let them cool fully on the pan so they set and hold together.
How long do Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies stay fresh?
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies stay fresh for about five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a must-bake because they’re simple, cozy, and always a hit. That soft peanut butter cookie with a chocolate kiss on top feels right for holidays, gifting, or a quiet treat at home. If you need an easy cookie that brings smiles fast, this one never lets you down. Bake a batch, share them with people you love, and enjoy every bite—and be sure to come back next time for more cozy kitchen favorites.
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious cookie recipes:
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix just until combined.
- Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
