If you’re searching for the perfect Hershey Kiss cookies, you’re in the right place. These classic peanut butter blossom cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with an iconic chocolate kiss that melts just enough to look irresistible. Whether you grew up making them for Christmas, bringing them to school parties, or grabbing one first at a cookie exchange, Hershey Kiss cookies are pure comfort food.
What makes this recipe special is how easy, reliable, and beginner-friendly it is. With simple pantry ingredients and no fancy equipment, you’ll get bakery-style results every time. These cookies are ideal for holidays, bake sales, or anytime you want a sweet and salty treat that everyone recognizes instantly.
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Why Hershey Kiss Cookies Are a Classic
There’s a reason classic peanut butter Kiss cookies show up year after year on “best cookie” lists. They combine three things people love:
- Soft, rich peanut butter dough
- A sweet chocolate center
- A nostalgic, instantly recognizable look
They’re especially popular as Hershey kids Christmas cookies, but honestly, they work all year long. These cookies bake evenly, travel well, and stay soft for days, which makes them perfect for cookie swaps and gift boxes.
Another reason people search for peanut butter kisses cookies easy recipes is because they don’t require chilling or complicated steps. You mix, roll, bake, press in the kiss, and you’re done.
What Are Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies?
Peanut butter blossom cookies are often called:
- Hershey Kiss cookies
- Peanut butter kiss cookies
- Chocolate thumbprint cookies with Hershey’s Kisses
They’re a type of thumbprint cookie, where the center is filled after baking. Instead of jam or caramel, these use a chocolate kiss, creating that classic “blossom” look.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Hershey Kiss cookies use everyday baking ingredients:
- Creamy peanut butter
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate is classic)
👉 Tip: Use creamy peanut butter, not natural or oily styles. This ensures the cookies hold their shape.
How to Make Hershey Kiss Cookies Step by Step
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter
In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
5. Roll and Sugar Coat
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll lightly in granulated sugar. This gives that classic cracked surface.
6. Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
7. Add the Chocolate Kiss
Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges — that’s perfect.
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
- Unwrap kisses before baking to save time
- Don’t overbake — soft centers are key
- Press the kiss gently to avoid melting too much
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizing
These small details make a big difference, especially if you’re aiming for best Hershey Kiss cookies results.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
Want to switch things up while keeping that classic look?
- Dark chocolate kisses for a richer flavor
- White chocolate kisses for contrast
- Peanut butter cup blossoms for extra indulgence
- Red velvet blossoms for a festive twist
You can even turn these into chocolate thumbprint cookies recipe Hershey’s Kisses by using chocolate cookie dough instead of peanut butter.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing
- Freeze unbaked dough balls (without kisses) up to 2 months
- Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes
- Add kisses immediately after baking
This makes Hershey Kiss cookies ideal for holiday prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hershey Kiss cookies the same as peanut butter blossoms?
Yes. Hershey Kiss cookies are the most common version of peanut butter blossom cookies.
Can I make Hershey Kiss cookies without peanut butter?
Yes, sugar cookie or chocolate dough works well if you need a peanut-free option.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the butter is too soft or the dough is overmixed.
Can kids help make these cookies?
Absolutely. These are classic Hershey kids Christmas cookies and perfect for beginner bakers.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No. That’s why this is considered a peanut butter kiss cookies easy recipe.
Conclusion
These Hershey Kiss cookies are a timeless favorite for a reason. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast wherever you serve them. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just because, this classic peanut butter blossom recipe delivers every single time.
Hershey Kiss Cookies (Peanut Butter Blossoms)
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 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped
- extra granulated sugar for rolling
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball lightly in granulated sugar and place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and lightly golden.
- Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!👉“If you love thumbprint-style treats, don’t miss my Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies next — they’re just as easy and perfect for cookie swaps.