Snacks Mason Williams March 2, 2025 0 Comments

Hershey Kiss Cookies

There’s something special about a cookie that holds a little surprise in the center. That’s exactly what Hershey Kiss Cookies offer—a delightful balance of soft, buttery cookie dough wrapped around a smooth, chocolatey Hershey’s Kiss. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies never disappoint.

Table of Contents

The History of Hershey Kiss Cookies

Hershey Kiss Cookies, also known as Peanut Butter Blossoms, became famous in the 1950s when they made their debut in the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest. While peanut butter is traditionally used in the base dough, modern variations use everything from sugar cookies to chocolate dough. The iconic Hershey’s Kiss on top has remained a signature feature, making these cookies instantly recognizable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the perfect batch of Hershey Kiss Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Extra granulated sugar for rolling
36 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

3. Shape the Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to give them a light, sweet coating.

4. Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.

5. Add the Hershey’s Kiss

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, securing it in place.

6. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they are completely cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed!

Variations to Try

While the classic peanut butter base is a favorite, you can experiment with different flavors:

Sugar Cookie Hershey Kiss Cookies: Swap peanut butter for a simple sugar cookie dough.
Chocolate Hershey Kiss Cookies: Use cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey base.
Almond Hershey Kiss Cookies: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty twist.

Tips for the Best Hershey Kiss Cookies

Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft in the center. Remove them from the oven as soon as they turn golden.
Unwrap Hershey’s Kisses in Advance: Having them ready before the cookies come out of the oven makes the process smoother.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Soft butter and room-temperature eggs blend better for a uniform dough.

Final Thoughts

Hershey Kiss Cookies are a timeless treat that brings joy to any occasion. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable. Whether you stick to the classic peanut butter version or experiment with new flavors, these cookies are bound to be a hit.

So, preheat your oven, grab some Hershey’s Kisses, and get baking—because nothing beats the sweet combination of a warm cookie and a smooth chocolate center!