Lauren's Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Lauren's Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies: A Holiday Tradition

The aroma of warm cookies baking fills my kitchen every Christmas. It's a tradition I cherish, a cozy ritual that brings back memories of family gatherings and the sweet anticipation of holiday celebrations. This year, I'm sharing one of my absolute favorite recipes: Lauren's Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. These aren't just cookies; they're little pockets of pure holiday joy, a perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

The recipe itself is surprisingly simple, but the results are anything but. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic for a reason – it’s a match made in dessert heaven. But these cookies take it a step further. The almond extract adds a subtle sophistication, enhancing the nutty notes of the peanut butter and creating a wonderfully complex flavor profile. I’ve experimented with both almond and vanilla extract over the years, and while I personally prefer the almond, vanilla works perfectly well if you prefer a more traditional taste. Just make sure to use a good quality extract for the best results.

One thing I must stress: use chunky peanut butter. Trust me on this. Natural peanut butter, while healthy, simply won't have the same texture or hold its shape as well in these cookies. The chunky peanut butter adds a delightful textural element that complements the smooth, creamy chocolate kisses perfectly. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even make your own peanut butter from scratch – the freshly ground flavor will elevate these cookies to a whole new level.

Making these cookies is a delightful experience. The process is straightforward and relatively quick, perfect for a busy holiday season. I love the feeling of rolling the cookie dough into little balls, coating them in sugar, and arranging them on the baking sheets. It’s a meditative process, a chance to slow down and focus on the joy of baking. And then, of course, there's the moment when you take them out of the oven, still warm, and press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. That little "kiss" seals in the magic, turning a simple cookie into a truly special treat.

These cookies aren’t just for Christmas, though. They're perfect for any occasion that calls for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, always disappearing quickly from any cookie plate. I often make a double batch – one for sharing with friends and family, and one for myself to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter evening. And the best part? They store beautifully, maintaining their deliciousness for up to three days in an airtight container. So you can bake them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

So, this holiday season (or anytime, really!), try making Lauren's Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. You won't be disappointed. It's more than just a recipe; it's a tradition, a memory in the making, a delicious way to spread holiday cheer, one chocolate-kissed cookie at a time.

Remember to adjust the ingredients and baking time depending on your oven and altitude. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and a second rack in the lower third then preheat to 350°F.
• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Place 1/2 cup sugar in a small bowl.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the brown sugar, butter, and peanut butter and beat on medium speed, scraping the bowl occasionally, until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the egg and vanilla or almond extract and beat on medium until fully incorporated, about 1 minute.
• With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
• Roll the dough into walnut-size balls, roll in sugar, and arrange on baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
• Bake, switching the cookies between the upper and lower racks about halfway through baking, until just starting to brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Remove the cookies from the oven and press a chocolate kiss into the center of each.
• Cool the cookies on baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Continue baking cookies on cooled baking sheets.
• The cookies can be baked ahead and stored, in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 3 days.