Hershey Kiss Cookies: A Sweet Hug in Every Bite
Ah, there’s something truly magical about the aroma of warm cookies wafting through the house. It’s like a cozy hug on a chilly day, wrapping you in sweetness and nostalgia. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings back cherished memories of baking with my grandmother on weekends. As we gathered around the kitchen table, mixing together creamy peanut butter and sugar, she would tell stories of her childhood, the laughter mingling with the scent of freshly baked goodies.
These delightful Hershey Kiss Cookies are not only simple to make but are also a perfect treat for any occasion—from cozy family nights to festive gatherings. Their combination of tender peanut butter and that classic chocolate kiss at the center creates a flavor explosion that feels like a warm embrace. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: With that gooey Hershey’s Kiss center, these cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike!
- Peanut Butter Paradise: If you’re a fan of creamy peanut butter, you’ll fall head over heels for the rich flavor in every bite.
- Perfectly Shareable: Who could resist handing out these little treasures to friends and family? They’re great for sharing!
- Customizable: Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with fun variations, the possibilities are endless!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need for Hershey Kiss Cookies
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt until smooth.
- Roll the dough into balls, then roll the balls in granulated sugar until fully coated.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball.
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add Crunch: Incorporate some crushed peanuts or chopped chocolate chips into the cookie dough for an extra crunch.
- Change It Up: Experiment with different flavored Kisses—like caramel or mint— for a unique twist.
- Choco-Peanut Butter Swirl: For double the chocolate, mix in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips into the dough.
- Festive Sprinkles: Add some seasonal sprinkles on top of the melted Kiss for a fun, festive touch!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead Magic: Prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just roll into balls and bake when you’re ready!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the peanut butter with applesauce for a unique texture.
- Storage Secrets: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week—if they last that long!
- Perfectly Soft: For ultra-soft cookies, make sure to take them out of the oven when they’re just set—this ensures they stay melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 128
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 80mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to use almond butter or sun butter for a nut-free option.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for freshness.
How long does it last?
These cookies are best enjoyed within a week, but you can freeze them for up to three months!
A Cozy Closing Note
There you have it—a delightful recipe for Hershey Kiss Cookies that brings comfort and warmth to your home. Each cookie is a tender treasure that can spark sweet memories and create new ones for you and your loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of baking, and save this Hershey Kiss Cookies recipe to your dessert board—it’ll be a go-to for cozy treats whenever you need a little sweetness in your life! Happy baking!
Print
Hershey Kiss Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful peanut butter cookies topped with a gooey Hershey’s Kiss, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt until smooth.
- Roll the dough into balls, then roll the balls in granulated sugar until fully coated.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball.
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, take cookies out of the oven when they are just set for a soft texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 128
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Hershey Kiss Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies, Easy Dessert