Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Cookies

Few cookies carry as much nostalgic charm as classic Hershey kiss peanut butter cookies. Soft, chewy, and crowned with a glossy chocolate kiss, these iconic cookies have graced bake sales, school parties, Christmas cookie trays, and family dessert nights for generations. They’re instantly recognizable, universally loved, and simple enough for even beginner bakers to master.

The signature combination of a warm peanut butter cookie base and a perfectly centered chocolate kiss is irresistible. Whether you’re baking these cookies for the holidays, preparing a dessert board, or just craving a timeless homemade treat, this recipe gives you a beautifully soft cookie with that classic blossom look—and all with pantry staples you likely have on hand.

This long-form, detailed guide will help you bake the best Hershey kiss peanut butter cookies every time. Follow the steps, tips, variations, and troubleshooting advice to create a batch that’s soft, round, and chocolate-topped to perfection.

---

What Makes Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Cookies So Popular?

These cookies continue to trend year after year because they offer the perfect mix of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is timeless, but there are other reasons these cookies remain favorites:

They’re beginner-friendly

The recipe uses simple mixing methods, familiar ingredients, and doesn’t require any fancy tools.

They’re ideal for gifting

The cookies hold their shape well and stay fresh even when packaged in boxes, tins, or jars.

They look festive

The cracked surface and chocolate kiss center make them perfect for holiday displays and party trays.

They bake quickly

These cookies mix and bake in minutes, making them ideal for last-minute sweet cravings.

They’re incredibly versatile

You can adjust the sugar coating, chocolate flavor, or size to create endless fun variations.

All these factors make Hershey kiss peanut butter cookies one of the most dependable treats for family baking moments.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe follows all your restrictions—no pork, bacon, wine, alcohol, beer, or whisky.

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon fine salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Rolling and Topping

• Additional granulated sugar (for coating dough balls)

• 24–30 Hershey kisses, unwrapped

Yields approximately 24–30 cookies depending on size.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Cookies

Preheat Oven

Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment or silicone baking mats.

Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
This ensures even mixing and prevents clumping.

Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and fluffy.
Creaming is essential for creating soft, puffy cookies.

Add Sugars

Add granulated sugar and brown sugar.
Continue beating for 2–3 minutes, until light and creamy.

Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Add the Dry Mixture

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet mixture.
Stir until just combined.
Overmixing may cause dense cookies.

Shape the Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls.
Aim for uniform sizes so the cookies bake evenly.

Roll in Sugar

Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat the outside.
This adds sparkle and helps crackle the tops.

Bake the Cookies

Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and lightly golden.

Add the Hershey Kiss

Immediately press one Hershey kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
The heat will soften the chocolate slightly and help it adhere.

Cool the Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Your cookies are ready—soft, aromatic, sweet, and beautifully topped with chocolate.

---

The Secret to Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Texture

Because this recipe uses only butter (no shortening), texture success relies on a few critical factors:

Proper Butter Softening

The butter should be soft but not melted.
Melted butter leads to spreading, which flattens the cookies.

Correct Flour Measurement

Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much flour into the cup.

Sugar Coating

This coating helps create the classic crackly surface and prevents dryness.

Gentle Pressing

Press the chocolate kiss just enough to seat it; pushing too hard can flatten the cookie.

Avoid Overbaking

These cookies should be removed when the centers still look slightly soft.
They finish cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.

Using these techniques ensures soft, chewy cookies that stay tender for days.

---

Delicious Variations

Even though traditional Hershey kiss peanut butter cookies are timeless, there are plenty of fun ways to customize them:

Chocolate Variations

• Dark chocolate kisses

• White chocolate kisses

• Caramel-filled chocolates

• Chocolate disks instead of kisses

• Mini kisses for bite-sized blossoms

Flavor Variations

• Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to dough for warmth

• Add ¼ cup crushed peanuts for crunch

• Use chunky peanut butter for texture

• Add a splash of almond extract (optional)

Holiday Variations

• Roll dough balls in red or green sanding sugar

• Add sprinkles after placing the chocolate kiss

• Decorate with gold or silver edible glitter

Shape Variations

• Make mini blossoms by using teaspoon-sized dough

• Make giant blossoms for dramatic dessert plates

These variations help you create seasonal trays, color-themed platters, or fun kid-friendly designs.

---

Cookie Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container.
They remain soft and chewy for up to 5 days.

Add a Bread Slice Trick

Place a slice of white bread in the container with the cookies to keep them soft longer.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Freeze baked cookies (without kisses falling off) for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Freezing Cookie Dough

Roll dough balls and freeze on a baking sheet.
Transfer frozen balls to a freezer bag.
Roll in sugar right before baking.

Bake straight from frozen, adding 1 extra minute.

---

How to Prevent Chocolate Kisses from Melting Too Much

The chocolate should soften but retain its shape. These tips help prevent melting:

• Don’t stack cookies until completely cooled

• Avoid placing warm cookies in airtight containers

• Allow chocolates to set for 1–2 hours before packaging

• Cool near an open window or fan during warm seasons

• Use parchment paper layers when stacking

---

Why These Cookies Are a Favorite for Kids and Families

Hershey kiss peanut butter cookies are exceptionally kid-friendly:

Easy Steps

Children can help roll dough balls, coat them in sugar, and press chocolate kisses into place.

Fun Appearance

The final look—with a chocolate peak in the center—is playful and inviting.

Perfect for Parties

They’re simple to transport and look great on dessert tables.

Delicious Flavor Profile

Kids love the mild peanut butter sweetness paired with chocolate.

Great for Holiday Traditions

Families often make these cookies together for Christmas baking, school treats, or cookie swaps.

This recipe is a perfect choice for hands-on baking days with little helpers.

---

How to Create a Professional-Looking Cookie Tray

If you want your Hershey kiss peanut butter cookies to look extra polished on a dessert board:

Use Uniform Cookie Sizes

A cookie scoop ensures each cookie is identical.

Mix Cookie Colors

Add decorated sugar cookies, gingerbread shapes, or chocolate crinkles around them.

Add Visual Texture

Use greenery, candy canes, marshmallows, or crushed peppermint as garnish.

Place Blossoms in the Center

Their distinct shape draws the eye and acts as a focal point.

Use Small Decorative Bowls

Fill bowls with extra Hershey kisses or bite-size chocolates.

Add Festive Elements

Ribbon, metallic paper cups, and holiday napkins instantly elevate your tray.

---

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cookies Spread Too Much

Likely cause: butter too soft or melted.
Fix: Chill dough for 10 minutes before baking.

Cookies Too Dry

Likely cause: too much flour or overbaking.
Fix: Use spoon-and-level method and remove cookies at soft-center stage.

Chocolate Kiss Melts

Likely cause: stacking or packaging too soon.
Fix: Let cookies cool fully.

Cookies Didn’t Crack

Likely cause: dough too cold.
Fix: Let dough warm slightly before baking.

Cookies Too Pale

Likely cause: underbaking.
Fix: Add 1–2 minutes, watching for slight golden edges.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but use a thick, non-runny natural peanut butter, or your cookies may spread.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—these cookies scale perfectly.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes. This adds extra texture and a fun twist.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Usually no, unless the dough becomes overly warm or sticky.

Can I substitute the chocolate kisses?
Yes—chocolate disks, chocolate drops, or even chocolate-covered nuts work great.

How do I keep the cookies soft for gift boxes?
Store in airtight containers with parchment between layers.

Why did my chocolate kisses look dull after cooling?
Rapid temperature changes can cause chocolate bloom. Let cookies cool naturally.

---

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Baking Collection

This recipe combines simplicity, nostalgia, and perfect flavor balance. With its soft peanut butter base, slightly crackled exterior, and signature chocolate kiss, this cookie brings joy to every occasion—from weeknight snacks to Christmas Eve trays.

The easy steps, adaptable variations, and consistent results make it one of the best peanut butter blossom-style recipes you can bake. Whether you’re giving them as gifts, baking with kids, creating holiday memories, or preparing treats for school, these Hershey kiss peanut butter cookies always bring smiles.

A warm kitchen, a tray of fresh cookies, and the smell of peanut butter and chocolate—nothing says comfort like these classic blossoms.