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If you love quick and easy recipes that still wow everyone at the table, this one’s for you! These 6-Ingredient Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a timeless favorite that I’ve been baking for years, and they always bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite.
The best part? You don’t need a huge shopping list or hours in the kitchen. This simple recipe packs incredible flavor into soft, chewy cookies topped with a decadent Hershey Kiss. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or just need a sweet treat for the family, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic lineup:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: For that rich, nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds a classic sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: For a hint of caramel-like depth.
- 1 egg: Helps bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the peanut butter flavor.
- 24 unwrapped Hershey Kisses: The crowning touch!
Pro Tip: If you’re using natural peanut butter, make sure to stir it well to blend the oils before measuring.
How to Make Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Follow these simple steps for the most perfect cookies:
1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
2: Make the Dough
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on high for about 2-3 minutes until creamy and smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
3: Shape the Cookies
- Using a tablespoon, scoop heaping portions of dough. Roll them into 1 ¼-inch balls with your hands.
- Place the balls on the baking sheet, leaving about 2-3 inches of space between them.
4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
5: Add the Hershey Kisses
- As soon as the cookies come out of the oven (within 1-2 minutes), press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warm cookies will cradle the chocolate perfectly!
6: Cool and Serve
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet to set before enjoying.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
- Avoid Overbaking: These cookies firm up as they cool, so pull them out of the oven when they’re just set around the edges.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using a room-temperature egg ensures the dough mixes evenly.
- Perfect Rolling: For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the joys of baking is making a recipe your own! Here are some creative ideas:
- Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Add a Twist: Roll the cookie dough in granulated sugar or colored sprinkles before baking for a sparkly finish.
- Chocolate Alternatives: Try dark chocolate squares or mini peanut butter cups instead of Hershey Kisses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
Do I need a mixer for this recipe?
While a stand or hand mixer makes the job easier, you can mix the dough by hand with some elbow grease.
Storage Instructions
- At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the Freezer: Keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
More Recipes to Try
If you love easy, crowd-pleasing recipes like this, don’t miss these:
- Cake Mix Cookies: Soft, chewy, and customizable!
- Rudolph Christmas Cheese Ball: The cutest appetizer for the holiday table.
- Christmas Lasagna: A festive layered dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
These 6-Ingredient Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a sweet tradition that never goes out of style. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards so you can bake them again and again. Happy baking!
Print6-Ingredient Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, chewy, and full of rich peanut butter flavor, these 6-Ingredient Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a classic treat that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or a quick dessert fix. With just a handful of pantry staples and under 20 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are an easy favorite for all skill levels.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 unwrapped Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until creamy (2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough and roll into 1 ¼-inch balls. Place on the baking sheet, spacing 2-3 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 minutes, or until edges are set.
- Immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a festive touch, roll dough balls in granulated sugar or colored sprinkles before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg