If you’re looking for a quick, irresistible treat that combines nostalgia, peanut butter goodness, and a touch of chocolate magic, the No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies come together effortlessly, without ever turning on the oven, bringing you a perfect mix of crunchy Rice Krispies, creamy peanut butter, and that iconic Hershey Kiss that melts just right inside. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a go-to favorite for any time you want a sweet snack or a simple dessert to impress friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe is how straightforward and familiar the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role, creating the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor that makes these cookies so addicting.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to help bind the cookies.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Provides that sticky, smooth texture to hold everything together perfectly.
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter: The star flavor, creamy and nutty, giving the cookies their classic peanut butter punch.
- 5 cups Rice Krispies Cereal: For that light, crispy crunch that’s so satisfying in every bite.
- 45 Hershey Kisses: The delightful surprise in the center of each cookie, melting slightly to add a luscious chocolate finish.
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by placing the Rice Krispies Cereal in a large bowl where you’ll mix everything later, and unwrap all 45 Hershey Kisses, setting them aside. It’s best to have everything ready so the process flows smoothly.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Syrup
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and light corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. This step is key because the heated syrup will act as the glue for your cookies to stick together.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is perfectly smooth and homogenous. Then remove the pan from heat but keep stirring to ensure everything blends beautifully.
Step 4: Combine with Cereal
Pour this warm peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies in your bowl. Carefully but thoroughly mix everything until every crisp is coated with the sweet, nutty goodness. Your kitchen will already start smelling irresistible now!
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, drop 1-tablespoon-sized balls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t worry about shaping just yet—that will come next.
Step 6: Add the Magic Kiss
Press one Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie ball. Gently push the chocolate down so the cookie mixture hugs it, creating that perfectly iconic look and experience. This is the moment your cookies turn from simple to extraordinary.
Step 7: Let Them Set
Allow the cookies to cool and set for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This lets the mixture firm up so the cookies hold their shape, while the Hershey Kiss softens just enough to meld deliciously with the peanut butter.
How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the cookies are lovely as-is, you can elevate them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of contrast. These little extras highlight the sweetness and bring out deeper flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creamy drink softens the cookie’s crunch and complements the peanut butter’s richness perfectly, making for a cozy treat combo.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re taking these treats to a party or gifting them, arrange the cookies neatly on a festive platter lined with colorful parchment paper, or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. They look adorable and feel extra special when presented with a little flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies chewy and crisp, ready to enjoy whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time or save some for later, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking, and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Since these are no bake and best enjoyed at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer the Hershey Kiss a bit melty, a few seconds in the microwave will do the trick—just watch closely so they don’t get too soft.
FAQs
Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a wonderful texture with extra peanut bits, making your No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe even crunchier and more interesting.
Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Rice Krispies is gluten-free if you use the gluten-free labeled version, so just be sure to check the packaging. This way, you can enjoy these cookies without any gluten concerns.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the parchment paper?
Allowing the cookies to cool completely before moving them helps reduce sticking. You can also lightly grease the parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat for easier removal.
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of Hershey Kisses?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with mini peanut butter cups, chocolate chunks, or even white chocolate kisses for different flavor twists while keeping the essence of the No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe.
What if I don’t have light corn syrup? Can I use something else?
Light corn syrup adds that smooth stickiness that holds the cookies together. If you don’t have it, honey or maple syrup are possible substitutes, but be mindful the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to give this No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe a try. It’s one of those special treats that feel like a hug in cookie form — quick, easy, and full of that comforting peanut butter and chocolate combo we all adore. Whether it’s for a last-minute dessert or a sweet snack to brighten your day, these cookies never disappoint. Happy baking!
Print
No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 45 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious, no-bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies combining a sweet peanut butter mixture with crispy Rice Krispies and topped with iconic Hershey Kisses. Perfect for quick treats or parties without needing an oven.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 45 Hershey Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the Rice Krispies Cereal in a large bowl and set aside. Unwrap all Hershey Kisses and set them aside as well for easy assembly.
- Heat Syrup and Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the light corn syrup and brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a full boil.
- Add Peanut Butter: Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and remove the saucepan from heat. Continue stirring until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Mix with Cereal: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies in the large bowl. Carefully mix to ensure all cereal is evenly coated.
- Form Cookie Balls: Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop 1 tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and drop them onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Hershey Kisses: Press one Hershey Kiss firmly into the center of each cookie ball, pushing it slightly down to secure it.
- Cool and Set: Allow the cookies to cool and set for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your no-bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies!
Notes
- For best results, use creamy peanut butter for a smoother cookie texture.
- Make sure to unwrap all Hershey Kisses before starting to streamline the assembly process.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute Rice Krispies with a gluten-free crispy rice cereal if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Press Hershey Kisses gently to avoid breaking the cookie balls.
