Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses

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These soft peanut butter cookies with chocolate kisses are a nostalgic treat that never goes out of style. With their iconic cracked edges, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a rich chocolate center, they’re the perfect fusion of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting, or just craving something sweet and satisfying, these cookies deliver that warm, home-baked charm in every bite.

The balance of sweet, salty, and creamy peanut butter paired with silky chocolate makes these cookies irresistible. They bake up with a perfect chewy center, golden edges, and just the right amount of crumb. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make—ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses Recipe

• They’re soft, chewy, and rich in peanut butter flavor.
• Topped with a single chocolate kiss, each cookie feels like a mini dessert.
• Perfect for cookie exchanges, lunchbox treats, or holiday trays.
• Freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead.
• A classic cookie that’s simple but always impressive.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these cookies seamlessly, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:

• Mixing Bowls – for combining the wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – helps cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugar to the perfect fluffy consistency.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon – ensures even-sized cookies for uniform baking.
• Baking Sheet – choose a light-colored one for even browning.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat – prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
• Cooling Rack – allows the cookies to cool and set properly after baking.

Each tool plays a role in making sure the cookies come out soft and flawless every time. Precision tools like a scoop or mixer save time and deliver consistently good results.

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Preparation Tips

For the best texture, make sure to use room temperature ingredients—especially the butter and egg—as this helps everything blend smoothly. Cream the peanut butter, butter, and sugars until light and fluffy, which creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel. Once the dough is rolled and shaped, chilling it for 15–20 minutes can help prevent excessive spreading. Be sure to press the chocolate kisses into the cookies right after baking while they’re still warm—this way, the chocolate adheres without melting completely. Avoid overbaking; they should still look slightly underdone when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.

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Ingredients for this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses Recipe

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural-style)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 36 chocolate kisses (unwrapped)

Optional:

• Colored sugar for festive coating
• Sea salt flakes for a sweet-salty finish

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly without browning too quickly on the bottom.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a uniform rise.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Creaming is key for texture—it traps air and ensures soft, tender cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg, Milk, and Vanilla

Crack in the egg, pour in the milk, and add the vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined. This helps emulsify the fat with the other ingredients for a smooth dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix—overworking the dough can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Scoop and Roll

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls (about 1-inch each). Roll each ball in granulated sugar or colored sugar for a festive look. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker cookies that hold their shape better, chill the shaped dough balls in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before baking. This helps minimize spreading.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes. The cookies should look puffy and slightly cracked but still soft in the center. Don’t overbake—they’ll continue setting on the baking sheet.

Step 9: Add the Chocolate Kisses

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will soften the chocolate slightly without melting it completely.

Step 10: Cool and Set

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the chocolate to set without smearing and the cookie base to firm up perfectly.

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Notes

These soft peanut butter cookies with chocolate kisses are all about balance—texture, flavor, and timing. Using creamy peanut butter (not the natural oily type) ensures a consistent dough that holds together well. The cookies will be slightly puffy out of the oven but will flatten just a touch as they cool. If you love a stronger peanut flavor, you can add a couple of tablespoons of powdered peanut butter or use a peanut butter blend with added roasted peanuts. They’re versatile enough to dress up with festive sugar coatings or to enjoy simply as they are.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using natural peanut butter: It often separates and can result in oily, crumbly dough.
• Skipping the chill time: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies might spread too much.
• Overbaking: These cookies should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven. Overbaking leads to dry, hard cookies.
• Not creaming butter and sugars properly: This step is essential for fluffy, soft cookies.
• Adding the chocolate too late: The kisses need to go on while the cookies are still warm so they stick properly.

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Storage Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them ultra-soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies—the moisture from the bread helps maintain texture. They also freeze beautifully: freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also freeze the dough balls (without sugar coating) and bake them fresh whenever needed.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per cookie (1 of 36):

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of peanut butter should I use?

Use a traditional creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Avoid natural varieties that separate.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, though it will change the texture slightly and make the cookies a bit crumblier.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely—just substitute the flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the dough was too warm. Chilling helps prevent spreading.

How do I keep the chocolate kisses from melting?

Press them in gently right after baking, then let the cookies cool completely before storing.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze shaped dough balls for up to 3 months.

Can I use other chocolates?

Yes! Mini peanut butter cups, chocolate chunks, or even caramels work beautifully.

How do I make them festive for holidays?

Roll them in colored sanding sugar before baking or top with holiday-themed chocolate kisses.

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Conclusion

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kisses are the epitome of classic comfort baking. With their irresistible peanut butter base and chocolate center, they deliver warmth and nostalgia in every bite. Perfect for holiday trays, gift boxes, or everyday snacking, this foolproof recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and endlessly loved—these cookies are a sweet tradition worth sharing.

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