6 Ingredient Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Peanut butter kiss cookies are a quintessential dessert that holds a special place in the hearts of cookie lovers everywhere. These classic cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors, with a soft peanut butter cookie as the base and a rich Hershey’s Kiss pressed into the center. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday cookie exchange, a family gathering, or just a cozy evening treat, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With just six main ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delectable cookies in no time. Despite their ease of preparation, these cookies deliver a bakery-quality flavor and texture that’s sure to wow anyone who takes a bite.

This recipe doesn’t just stand out for its flavor—it’s also a favorite because it brings back nostalgic memories for many. From childhood holidays to cozy baking sessions with loved ones, peanut butter kiss cookies have become a timeless treat passed down through generations.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to bake the perfect 6-ingredient peanut butter kiss cookies. From understanding the importance of each ingredient to mastering the step-by-step process, you’ll have all the tools to create cookies that look and taste like they came straight from a professional bakery.

Overview of the Recipe

Peanut butter kiss cookies, also known as peanut butter blossoms, are a classic cookie that features the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cookie itself is soft and chewy, with a slightly crispy sugar-coated exterior. At the center lies a Hershey’s Kiss, offering a burst of rich chocolate with every bite. This harmonious pairing makes these cookies irresistible.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve great results. The dough comes together quickly with pantry staples, and the baking process is straightforward. Plus, the six-ingredient recipe means fewer trips to the grocery store and less time spent measuring out complex ingredients.

While these cookies are especially popular during the holiday season, they’re a great year-round dessert. They’re perfect for gifting, parties, or enjoying with a warm drink on a chilly evening. Their simplicity also makes them a fantastic choice for beginner bakers or those looking for a fun recipe to make with kids.

Here’s what you can expect: a prep time of just 15 minutes, followed by a short 11-minute bake time. Once out of the oven, the Hershey’s Kisses are pressed into the warm cookies, creating the signature look that makes these cookies so iconic. After cooling, you’ll have a batch of cookies that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Brief History and Cultural Significance

The history of peanut butter cookies dates back to the early 20th century when peanut butter itself became a popular ingredient in American households. Peanut butter, first patented in the United States in 1884, was initially seen as a health food. By the 1930s, it had made its way into many sweet and savory recipes, with peanut butter cookies becoming a household favorite.

The addition of Hershey’s Kisses to peanut butter cookies is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century, around the 1950s. According to Hershey’s own records, the combination of a peanut butter cookie and a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss first gained nationwide recognition during the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest. This unique combination quickly became a hit, earning its place in cookbooks and family recipe collections across the country.

Since then, peanut butter kiss cookies have become a staple during the holiday season. They’re a popular choice for Christmas cookie trays, potlucks, and bake sales. Their festive appearance and universally loved flavor make them a go-to dessert for celebrations and gatherings.

Beyond their history, these cookies also carry cultural significance as a symbol of warmth and togetherness. Baking them often involves family members or friends, and the simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re recreating fond childhood memories or starting a new holiday tradition, these cookies represent comfort, joy, and a little bit of indulgence.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking the perfect peanut butter kiss cookies requires just a few basic tools, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Essential for creaming the butter, peanut butter, and sugar together to achieve the right texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking sheets: Large, flat sheets are ideal for evenly baking cookies.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining your ingredients.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: For portioning out even-sized dough balls.
• Cooling rack: To cool cookies evenly after baking.

Each tool plays a crucial role in ensuring your cookies come out perfectly. For example, using a cookie scoop ensures uniformity in size, which helps the cookies bake evenly. Parchment paper or silicone mats prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan while also promoting even browning. These small details can make a big difference in the final result.

Preparation Tips

Softening Butter

Softening the butter is a key step to achieving the right cookie texture. Cold butter won’t cream properly, which can result in dense, uneven cookies. To soften butter quickly, you can cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 5-second intervals, being careful not to melt it.

Measuring Peanut Butter

Peanut butter can be tricky to measure because of its sticky texture. For accurate measurements, use a spoon to scoop the peanut butter into your measuring cup, then level it off with a flat edge. To make cleanup easier, you can lightly spray your measuring cup with nonstick cooking spray before adding the peanut butter.

Avoid Overmixing

When adding the flour and baking soda to the wet ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, as it develops too much gluten in the flour. Mixing on low speed and stopping as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour is key.

Rolling Dough in Sugar

Rolling the cookie dough in granulated sugar before baking adds a delightful crunch to the exterior of the cookies. It also enhances the visual appeal, giving the cookies a slightly sparkling finish.

Spacing Cookies on the Baking Sheet

Ensure that the cookies are spaced at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake without sticking together.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect batch of peanut butter kiss cookies:

• 1 stick butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 34 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or other variety)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the butter and peanut butter
   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter and peanut butter. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and smooth.
3. Add brown sugar
   Add the light brown sugar to the bowl and continue mixing on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate egg and vanilla
   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Mix in dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Stop as soon as the dough comes together.
6. Form and roll the dough
   Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each portion into a ball, then coat it in granulated sugar.
7. Bake the cookies
   Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden brown.
8. Add the Hershey’s Kisses
   Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warm cookie will hold the chocolate in place without melting it.
9. Cool and store
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

Side Dish and Pairing Recommendations

Peanut butter kiss cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right beverage or dish can elevate your experience. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, as part of a dessert platter, or enjoying them with your favorite drink, here are some of the best pairings for these classic cookies.

1. A Cold Glass of Milk

Nothing pairs better with cookies than a cold glass of milk. The creamy, refreshing nature of milk balances the sweet and salty flavors of the cookies perfectly. Whole milk is a classic choice, but plant-based options like almond milk or oat milk work wonderfully too.

2. Hot Chocolate

Especially during the holiday season, a warm cup of hot chocolate is the perfect match for peanut butter kiss cookies. The richness of the chocolate complements the peanut butter flavor, while the warmth adds a cozy touch to your dessert experience. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to make it extra special.

3. Coffee

For adults who enjoy a slightly more robust flavor pairing, coffee is an excellent choice. The bitterness of black coffee provides a great contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, while a creamy latte or cappuccino brings out the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate.

4. Ice Cream

Serving peanut butter kiss cookies with ice cream takes your dessert game to the next level. A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs beautifully with the soft texture and bold flavors of the cookies. You can even crumble the cookies on top of the ice cream for a delightful crunch.

5. Fruit Platters

Fresh fruits, such as strawberries, apples, or banana slices, make a refreshing side dish for these cookies. The natural sweetness and juiciness of the fruits complement the richness of the cookies without overpowering their flavor.

6. Whipped Cream or Cream Cheese Dip

Serve the cookies alongside a small bowl of whipped cream or cream cheese dip for an indulgent treat. This pairing works especially well if you’re serving the cookies at a party or gathering. Guests can dip the cookies for added creaminess.

7. Holiday Beverages

Seasonal drinks like eggnog, mulled cider, or spiced lattes are fantastic choices during the holidays. Their warm, spiced flavors harmonize with the comforting taste of peanut butter kiss cookies, making them a festive pairing option.

8. Dessert Platters

If you’re creating a dessert platter for an event, peanut butter kiss cookies pair well with other treats like brownies, fudge, or sugar cookies. The variety of textures and flavors will ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

While peanut butter kiss cookies are undeniably a treat, they can also be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Let’s break down their nutritional content and discuss ways to make them a bit healthier if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown

Each cookie contains:

• Calories: Around 105 calories per cookie.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 12 grams, mostly from the sugar and flour.
• Protein: Around 2 grams, primarily from the peanut butter.
• Fat: Roughly 6 grams, including both saturated and unsaturated fats.
• Sugar: About 8 grams, contributed by the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and chocolate kiss.

While these cookies are not low-calorie, they do provide small amounts of protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter. They can be enjoyed as an occasional treat without guilt, especially when paired with healthier snacks or drinks.

Potential Health Benefits

1. Source of Protein: Thanks to the peanut butter, these cookies provide a small dose of protein, which can help with satiety.
2. Mood Booster: The chocolate in Hershey’s Kisses contains small amounts of compounds like serotonin and theobromine, which can have mood-enhancing effects.
3. Quick Energy Boost: These cookies are a great source of quick energy due to their carbohydrate content, making them a good choice for a post-workout treat or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

How to Make Them Healthier

If you’re looking to make a lighter or healthier version of peanut butter kiss cookies, here are some tips:

• Substitute Sugar: Use natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or a reduced amount of sugar to lower the glycemic impact.
• Choose Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses or other chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for less sugar and more antioxidants.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content.
• Try Natural Peanut Butter: Use a natural peanut butter without added sugar or hydrogenated oils for a cleaner ingredient list.

Even with these substitutions, you can still achieve the classic flavor and texture that makes these cookies so beloved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid and How to Perfect the Recipe

Baking peanut butter kiss cookies may seem simple, but there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them and ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

1. Using Cold Butter

Mistake: Using cold butter straight from the fridge can make it difficult to properly cream the butter and sugar, leading to dense cookies.
Solution: Always soften your butter at room temperature before beginning the recipe. If you’re in a rush, cut the butter into small cubes to speed up the softening process.

2. Overmixing the Dough

Mistake: Overmixing the dough can develop too much gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
Solution: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they’re combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

3. Skipping the Sugar Rolling Step

Mistake: Skipping the step of rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar can result in cookies with a dull appearance and a less satisfying texture.
Solution: Always roll the dough balls in sugar before baking to create a beautiful, slightly crispy exterior.

4. Overbaking the Cookies

Mistake: Leaving the cookies in the oven too long can cause them to become dry and crumbly.
Solution: Bake the cookies for exactly 11 minutes or just until the edges are set. The centers may still look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

5. Pressing Hershey Kisses Too Late or Too Early

Mistake: Adding the Hershey Kisses while the cookies are still in the oven can cause the chocolate to melt too much. Conversely, waiting too long after removing the cookies from the oven can make it difficult for the chocolate to adhere properly.
Solution: Press the Hershey Kisses into the cookies immediately after removing them from the oven. The residual heat from the cookies will gently soften the chocolate without causing it to melt entirely.

6. Not Spacing Cookies Properly

Mistake: Placing the dough balls too close together can cause the cookies to spread into each other during baking.
Solution: Always space the cookies at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for proper spreading.

7. Storing Cookies Improperly

Mistake: Storing the cookies in an open container can cause them to become stale quickly.
Solution: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and freshness. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following the tips above, you’ll master the art of baking peanut butter kiss cookies that are soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious every single time.