No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe

These No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are the perfect sweet treat when you need something delicious but don’t want to turn on the oven! The crispy, chewy texture of Rice Krispies combined with rich peanut butter and topped with a chocolate kiss creates an irresistible combination that both kids and adults will love. Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are your new go-to for last-minute gatherings, after-school snacks, or anytime your sweet tooth strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Zero Oven Time: Perfect for hot summer days or when you don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat – these cookies require absolutely no baking!
• Kid-Friendly Preparation: This is a fantastic recipe to make with children – they’ll love forming the cookies and pressing in those chocolate kisses!
• Minimal Ingredients: Just five simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry means you can whip these up anytime.
• Quick Satisfaction: From start to finish in just 20 minutes, these cookies are ready to enjoy when sudden sweet cravings hit.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Brown Sugar: Brings a deep caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the peanut butter. Dark or light works well here, but light gives a more classic flavor.
• Light Corn Syrup: Acts as the binding agent that holds everything together and adds a subtle sweetness. Don’t skip this – it’s what gives the cookies their chewy texture.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Provides that rich, nutty flavor we all love. I recommend using a commercial brand like Jif or Skippy for best results, as natural peanut butter can separate.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: Creates that signature crispy texture and light crunch in every bite. The way they snap and pop against the chewy peanut butter mixture is absolutely magical.
• Hershey Kisses: The perfect chocolate crown for each cookie! Their iconic shape makes these treats instantly recognizable, and who can resist that chocolate-peanut butter combo?

Variations

Different Cereals

Swap the Rice Krispies for Corn Flakes, Cheerios, or even Cocoa Krispies for a chocolate-peanut butter explosion.

Alternative Toppers

Replace Hershey Kisses with peanut butter cups, chocolate chunks, or even colorful M&Ms for a different look and taste.

Added Crunch

Mix in some chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds for extra texture and nutty flavor.

Drizzle Factor

Once set, drizzle cookies with melted chocolate or white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Place Rice Krispies in a large bowl and set aside. Unwrap all your Hershey Kisses (this is a great task for little helpers).

Step 2: Make the Sticky Sweet Base

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine light corn syrup and brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a full boil.

Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter

Once boiling, reduce to low heat and continue stirring. Add peanut butter and remove from heat. Stir until completely smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Mix with Cereal

Pour your warm peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies and gently fold everything together until the cereal is completely coated.

Step 5: Form and Top the Cookies

Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, drop rounded balls onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. While still warm, place a Hershey Kiss in the center of each cookie, gently pressing down to create a small indent.

Step 6: Let Set

Allow the cookies to cool for about 15 minutes until set and firm enough to handle.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Work Quickly: The peanut butter mixture starts to set fast, so have everything ready before you begin.
• Slightly Wet Hands: If the mixture is sticking to your hands while forming cookies, lightly dampen your fingers with water.
• Don’t Overheat: Be careful not to scorch the sugar mixture – keep stirring and watch the heat level carefully.
• Cool Before Stacking: Make sure cookies are completely set before storing them on top of each other, or the kisses might smush.
• Parchment Is Key: Don’t skip the parchment paper on your cookie sheet – it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

How to Serve

These No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are versatile treats that shine in many settings:

Sweet Endings

Serve on a decorative platter after dinner with coffee or milk for a simple but satisfying dessert.

Party Platters

Arrange on tiered serving trays for parties or potlucks – they’re always a hit at gatherings.

Gift Giving

Stack these cookies in decorative tins or jars for homemade holiday gifts or thank-you presents.

Milk’s Best Friend

These cookies practically beg to be enjoyed with a cold glass of milk – the perfect after-school snack combination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make these cookies a day or two before you need them – they stay fresh and delicious when properly stored.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter works wonderfully in this recipe and adds extra texture. Just be aware that the cookies might be slightly more crumbly when forming them, but they’ll still taste amazing and hold together once set.

My mixture seems too dry and won’t hold together. What went wrong?
This usually happens when there’s too much cereal in proportion to the wet ingredients. Try adding a tablespoon or two more of peanut butter to help the mixture bind. Next time, measure the cereal by gently filling your measuring cup rather than packing it down.

Can I make these cookies without corn syrup?
Corn syrup provides the unique binding and texture that makes these cookies work. You could experiment with honey as a substitute, but be aware that the flavor and texture will be different, and the cookies might be stickier. Honey also has a stronger flavor that will compete with the peanut butter.

Why are my cookies not setting up properly?
If your cookies remain too soft, you might not have brought the sugar mixture to a full boil before adding the peanut butter. The boiling stage is crucial for the proper setting. Also, be sure you’re using regular corn syrup and not a light or diet version, which won’t set properly.

Final Thoughts

These No Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies bring together the beloved combination of chocolate and peanut butter in a quick, easy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re rushing to make something for a last-minute gathering, looking for a fun cooking project with kids, or simply craving something sweet without the hassle of baking, these cookies deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. The crispy texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and that perfect chocolate finish make these an irresistible treat that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!

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