Name: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 24 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

If you’re looking for a treat that combines classic comfort with a bit of chocolate bliss, these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses are the perfect pick. They’re chewy, rich with peanut butter, and topped with a milk chocolate kiss that melts just slightly into the warm cookie, making every bite dreamy.

This cookie is a holiday must-have, but it’s also a year-round favorite in our home. The texture is soft and thick, not crumbly, with a slight crisp at the edge. It pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm mug of cocoa, or as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes.

What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

For the best results, use a creamy, no-stir peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butters that separate can cause the dough to be too oily or crumbly, which affects the structure of the cookie. Crunchy peanut butter will work too if you want some added texture, but smooth is the classic choice.

Ingredients for the Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
24 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses (1)

How To Make the Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Peanut Butter and Egg

Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Shape and Roll

Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and the tops are cracked but still soft.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Kisses

Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Serving and Storing Your Cookies

These cookies are best served fresh and slightly warm when the chocolate is still soft in the middle. They also make excellent gifts wrapped in cellophane or tucked in a cookie tin.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What if I don’t have chocolate kisses?

You can press a square of chocolate or even a peanut butter cup into the center instead.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t required, but if your dough feels too soft or sticky, a 30-minute chill can help keep the cookies thick.

Why did my cookies come out dry?

They may have been overbaked or had too much flour. Be sure to spoon and level your flour rather than scooping.

If you’re loving these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses, check out more sweet ideas:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars for a layered delight.
3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies if you want something wholesome.
Lemon Sugar Cookies for a zesty variation.
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for a festive flair.
Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies if you’re into no-bake bites.

📌 Save this cookie recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so it’s always within reach.

Tried it? I’d love to hear what you thought! Did you use classic kisses or add your own spin? Leave a comment below and let us know how your batch turned out.

And if you’re hunting for even more treats, you can follow along with my daily creations here: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies With Chocolate Kisses

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, thick, and chewy peanut butter cookies topped with melty chocolate kisses. A perfect sweet bite for the holidays or any day you need a nostalgic, chocolate-peanut butter treat.

Instructions

1. Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

2. Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

4. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and the tops are cracked but still soft.

6. Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.