Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies with 6 Ingredient

Introduction to Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Baking has always been a heartwarming activity that brings people together, filling homes with comforting aromas and creating delicious treats that everyone enjoys. Among the many cookies that have stood the test of time, Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are a favorite for their delightful combination of rich peanut butter flavor and a sweet chocolate center. But what if we told you that you could make this irresistible treat with just six simple ingredients? This 6 Ingredient Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies recipe is the perfect solution for those looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious treat without needing an entire pantry of ingredients.

This recipe is not only foolproof but also fast, meaning that in under an hour, you’ll have a batch of soft, chewy, and chocolaty peanut butter kiss cookies ready to be enjoyed by all. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this simple yet tasty recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s dive into the details and learn how to make these mouth-watering peanut butter kiss cookies that will leave your family and friends asking for more.

The Essential Ingredients For Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

When it comes to baking, simplicity is key. This recipe calls for just six ingredients, all of which work beautifully together to create the perfect peanut butter kiss cookies. Let’s explore why each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this recipe a success.

1. 1 Cup Smooth Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is the star ingredient in this recipe. It brings a rich, creamy texture and a savory flavor that perfectly balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients. Using smooth peanut butter ensures that the dough is easy to work with, preventing any chunky bits from interrupting the delicate texture of the cookie. Peanut butter is also what gives the cookie its characteristic chewiness and depth of flavor.

2. 1/2 Cup White Sugar

White sugar is a standard ingredient in many cookie recipes, and for good reason. It adds a crisp sweetness that complements the peanut butter without overpowering it. The granulated texture of white sugar helps to give these cookies a slight crunch around the edges while maintaining a chewy center.

3. 1/2 Cup Packed Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is made by adding molasses to white sugar, which gives it a warm, caramel-like flavor. The moisture from the molasses makes brown sugar an excellent choice for achieving that perfect chewy texture. The richness of the brown sugar pairs wonderfully with the nutty peanut butter, enhancing the overall flavor of the cookie.

4. 1 Egg

The egg serves as a binder in this recipe, helping to hold the dough together. It also contributes to the cookie’s soft texture and helps the dough spread evenly during baking. Eggs play a crucial role in giving cookies their structure, ensuring that they bake to the perfect consistency.

5. 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a pantry staple in many baked goods, and it’s easy to see why. It brings a hint of warmth and depth to the cookies, enhancing the flavors of both the peanut butter and the sugars. The addition of vanilla balances out the richness of the peanut butter and brown sugar, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

6. 24 Hershey Kisses, Unwrapped

The pièce de résistance of this recipe is the Hershey Kisses. These milk chocolate treats add a melty, smooth center to the cookie, making each bite even more indulgent. The combination of the sweet and salty peanut butter cookie with the chocolate kiss is irresistible, offering the perfect bite of creamy sweetness in every mouthful.

Preparing Your Kitchen

Before you start baking, it’s essential to get your kitchen ready for a smooth and efficient baking experience. Here are a few tips to set up your space:

Tools You’ll Need For Making Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to mix the dough.
• Electric Mixer or Wooden Spoon: An electric mixer will help you quickly combine the ingredients, but a good old-fashioned wooden spoon will work just fine too.
• Baking Sheet: A flat, rimmed baking sheet ensures even cooking and easy cookie removal.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cooling Rack: Once your cookies are out of the oven, a cooling rack helps them cool evenly and prevents sogginess.

Prepping the Baking Sheet

Before you start mixing, make sure your baking sheet is prepared. Line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies don’t stick during baking. This also ensures that the cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet easily once they’re done. Spacing the cookies out properly on the sheet is crucial. Aim for about 2 inches between each ball of dough to allow them enough room to spread during baking.

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide To Make Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Now that your kitchen is prepped, it’s time to get baking! Follow these detailed instructions for the best Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies that are sure to wow everyone.

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot. Preheating ensures that the cookies bake evenly from the moment they hit the sheet, giving you that perfect texture every time.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the smooth peanut butter, white sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on low speed or a wooden spoon to blend the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. The mixture should form a thick dough that’s easy to roll into balls. If it seems too runny or sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to make it easier to work with.

3. Roll the Dough into Balls

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to form the cookies. Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one so they can spread slightly as they bake. Aim for about 12 cookies per baking sheet.

4. Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 minutes. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges and soft in the center. Be careful not to over-bake them, as they will continue to cook on the sheet once removed from the oven.

5. Add the Hershey Kisses

As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. Press down lightly so that the chocolate kiss doesn’t melt completely, but forms a nice, indented center. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set the chocolate kiss.

6. Cool the Cookies

Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to allow them to cool completely. This step is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming too soft or soggy. Plus, the Hershey Kisses need time to firm up after being pressed into the warm cookie.

Baking Tips and Variations For Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Crumbly Dough: If your dough is crumbly and difficult to roll into balls, it may be too dry. Add a teaspoon of milk or water to help bring it together.
• Flat Cookies: If your cookies spread too much and become flat, try refrigerating the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps the dough hold its shape.
• Too Sweet: If the cookies turn out too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but keep in mind that the Hershey Kisses will add sweetness as well.

Customizing the Recipe

• Add Sprinkles: After pressing the Hershey Kiss into the cookie, you can roll the edges of the dough in colored sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
• Swap the Chocolate: If you prefer a different type of chocolate, feel free to swap the Hershey Kisses with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, milk chocolate chips, or even dark chocolate Kisses for a richer taste.
• Gluten-Free: To make the recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the white sugar and brown sugar for a gluten-free alternative like coconut sugar or maple sugar.

Making it Keto-Friendly

For a keto-friendly version of this recipe, substitute the sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia and use sugar-free chocolate instead of Hershey Kisses. Additionally, you can use almond flour in place of peanut butter to keep the cookies low in carbs.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but it tends to be more oily than processed peanut butter. If using natural peanut butter, be sure to mix it thoroughly to incorporate the oils back into the peanut butter before using.

2. How do I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They will stay soft and chewy, making them a perfect treat for the whole family.

3. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! If you want to make the dough ahead of time, simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a Ziploc bag for up to three months. When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.

4. What other chocolates work?

If you don’t have Hershey Kisses, you can try other chocolates such as chocolate chips, caramel-filled chocolates, or even white chocolate for a unique twist on the classic.

5. Can I make these cookies without flour?

Yes! This recipe is naturally flourless, which makes it perfect for those following a gluten-free diet or for anyone looking to reduce the amount of flour in their baked goods.

6. How to ensure the kisses don’t melt?

To prevent the Hershey Kisses from melting completely, make sure to press them into the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Conclusion

This 6 Ingredient Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies recipe proves that sometimes, the simplest ingredients lead to the most delicious results. With minimal effort and just six key ingredients, you can make a batch of these irresistible cookies that will be loved by all. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering or just for yourself, these cookies are a sweet, satisfying treat that can be made in no time. Give it a try, and enjoy the combination of rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate that has made this recipe a beloved classic for generations. Happy baking!

Print