Our dear friend Denise has made these fabulous peanut butter cookies with a chocolate kiss nestled on top for my daughters Jessica and Elizabeth ever since they were small. It was love at first bite back then and has been part of our Christmas table and special occasions ever since. They became such a tradition at our house that we included them in our family cookbook, La Cucina Marinello, one of the few non-Italian recipes in the book. As Denise likes to say, “Kisses to all!”
Peanut Butter Kisses
Serves: about 5 dozen
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 cup chunky or smooth peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 bag Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter on medium-high speed until blended.
- Add the sugars and cream and until well blended, but not fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, peanut butter and vanilla; mix thoroughly.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour and mix until combined and smooth.
- Form dough into small balls and place onto ungreased or parchment-lined sheet pans, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press with kiss.
- Cool on sheet pans for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
My mom always made these with all the grandkids. She very sweetly told them the special part of this process was unwrapping the kisses (because she hated doing it) and then all the grandkids thought it was special!! She got the tedious job done and everyone was happy.
Lots of love in these cookies …for your girls and my kids ! Now Marissa is making them with Marley. Love these traditions! Thank you for sharing .
Thank you for sharing your family memory Nancy. You reminded me how much fun it was for the girls to unwrap those chocolate kisses – one for them, one for the cookies. How marvelous that Marissa is keeping the tradition going. I can just see Marley sealing those cookies with a kiss!