Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses

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These soft peanut butter cookies with chocolate kisses are everything you want in a classic treat with a little nostalgic twist. They come out of the oven tender and warm, just waiting for a silky chocolate kiss to melt into the center. The combination of creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate is timeless, comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for cookie swaps, lunchbox surprises, or a casual weekend bake, these cookies deliver on both texture and taste. The peanut butter base is rich and soft without being overly sweet, and the chocolate kiss nestled on top is the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something cozy, this recipe hits the spot.

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

These cookies check all the boxes: soft and chewy, easy to make, and universally loved. They freeze well, store well, and look adorable on any dessert tray. Kids love helping place the chocolate kisses in the center, making it a fun family kitchen activity. Plus, they stay soft for days, which makes them perfect for gifting or saving for later.

What Kind of Peanut Butter Works Best?

Creamy peanut butter is your best friend for this recipe. It ensures a smooth texture and blends perfectly with the sugar and eggs. Natural peanut butters with oil separation can be trickier to bake with and may affect the cookie’s softness and structure. Stick to classic creamy varieties like Jif or Skippy for best results.

Ingredients for the Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses

To make the softest, most melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you only need a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a role in achieving that perfect texture and taste.

• All-purpose flour: This gives the cookie structure and balances the softness from the other wet ingredients.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and gives them that light, tender texture.
• Salt: A pinch enhances the peanut butter flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives richness and a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show. Choose a classic no-stir brand for best results.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds a bit of crispness to the outside.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and helps with structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely warm note that rounds out the cookie’s flavor.
• Chocolate kisses: These iconic candies are pressed into the cookies right after baking for that signature look and flavor.

How To Make the Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed well.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix.

Step 5: Roll the Dough and Bake

Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them between your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just starting to set. The centers may look a bit underbaked—that’s perfect.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Kisses

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly and the chocolate will begin to melt just a little—that’s what makes them irresistible.

How to Store and Serve These Cookies

These soft peanut butter cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they store beautifully for later too. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy without drying out.

This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it perfect for small gatherings, potlucks, or gifting during the holidays.

To freeze, let the cookies cool completely and store them in a zip-top freezer bag. You can also freeze the dough balls (without kisses) and bake them fresh when needed.

What to Serve With Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses?

A tall glass of milk

Nothing beats the classic combo of peanut butter cookies and cold milk. It enhances the rich, nutty flavor and adds a nostalgic touch.

Hot chocolate

Pair these cookies with a warm mug of cocoa for a comforting dessert that feels like a cozy winter night.

Coffee or espresso

The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookie and brings out the peanut flavor.

Vanilla ice cream

Turn your cookies into an indulgent treat by sandwiching them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Fresh fruit

Berries or sliced apples make a fresh and light side that cuts through the richness of the cookies.

Peanut butter milkshake

Go all in on the peanut butter theme and blend up a creamy milkshake to sip alongside.

Caramel drizzle

A little drizzle of warm caramel over the cookies turns them into a bakery-style dessert.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving these soft peanut butter cookies with chocolate kisses, you might enjoy baking some of our other top picks:

• Try the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies for a dense, rich version without the kiss.
• Explore the Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons for a chewy bite with a tropical vibe.
• Don’t miss the Ooey Gooey Bars for a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth bar cookie.
• Satisfy your chocolate cravings with Chocolate Chip Cookies, always a classic.
• For something fruitier, check out the Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a Southern twist on dessert.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try dark chocolate kisses or go classic? Did you make mini ones for a party tray?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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