There’s something truly special about classic Hershey Kiss cookies recipe. These nostalgic treats evoke warm memories, making them a comforting favorite for all ages. This simple hershey kiss cookies recipe brings together the irresistible combination of soft peanut butter cookie and a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate kiss. Perfect for holiday platters, bake sales, or just a sweet treat any day, you’ll find them incredibly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Hershey Kiss Cookie Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this delightful Hershey Kiss cookies recipe for several fantastic reasons:
- This timeless treat is a cherished tradition, passed down through generations.
- The combination of rich peanut butter cookie and creamy milk chocolate is simply irresistible.
- Each cookie offers a perfect two-bite size, making them ideal for sharing and snacking.
- Their signature look with the chocolate kiss nestled on top adds a charming touch to any dessert spread.
- The recipe is straightforward, perfect for beginners and busy parents alike.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own batch of this beloved hershey kiss cookies recipe. Using precise measurements helps ensure the perfect texture and flavor every time.
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp (3g) baking soda
- ½ tsp (2g) baking powder
- 1 tsp (3g) kosher salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (270g) creamy peanut butter
- ⅔ cup (142g) dark brown sugar
- ⅔ cup (133g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp (8g) pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp (14g) milk, if needed
Topping:
- 2 lbs (907g) Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this delightful hershey kiss cookies recipe to fit various preferences. For peanut butter alternatives, consider using creamy almond or cashew butter. Experiment with different Hershey’s Kiss flavors like caramel, dark chocolate, or even Hershey’s Hugs for unique twists. If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes baking these delicious cookies a breeze. You’ll need:
- Kitchen scale (optional, but recommended for accuracy)
- 2 baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Several mixing bowls
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
Easy & Classic Hershey Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream butter and peanut butter together until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until combined, about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Add 1 tbsp of milk if dough seems too dry.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes until firm enough to roll.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough into ¾-inch balls and place 1½ inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from oven and press one Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Return cookies to oven for an additional 2 minutes to set the chocolate slightly.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to bake your perfect batch of hershey kiss cookies recipe. These cookies are designed to be simple and enjoyable to make, even for beginners.
- Prep Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set them aside for later use.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter & Peanut Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until they are smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Add Sugars: Incorporate the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes lighter in color and smooth, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs & Vanilla: Add the large eggs and pure vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth, about 1 minute.
- Add Flour Mixture: Turn off the mixer. Add the previously prepared dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Turn the mixer to the lowest speed and mix just until the flour is incorporated; avoid overmixing.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If your dough appears too stiff or dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk. Mix only until the milk is just incorporated into the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate it for 30 minutes, or until it is firm enough to easily roll into balls. This chilling step is crucial for texture.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into ¾-inch balls. Place these balls about 1½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. A standard half-sheet baking pan (18×13 inches) comfortably fits 20 cookie balls.
- First Bake: Bake the cookie balls for 8 minutes. Remove them from the oven promptly after this initial bake.
- Add Kisses: Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the middle of each warm cookie. Press just enough to secure the kiss without pushing it completely through to the pan.
- Second Bake: Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 2 minutes. This brief second bake helps the chocolate set slightly into the warm cookie.
- Cool Cookies: After the second bake, transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack. Remove them from the baking sheet after 2 minutes to prevent overbaking and ensure even cooling. Enjoy your homemade treats!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making the perfect hershey kiss cookies recipe is simple with a few expert tips. According to baking science, using room temperature butter and eggs is crucial for a smoother dough texture and a lighter, fluffier result. Avoid overmixing the dough, especially after adding the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies. For consistent results, bake one cookie sheet at a time. When adding the Hershey’s Kisses, press them onto the warm cookies to allow them to soften slightly and adhere, but be careful not to press them all the way to the pan. Finally, let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent the chocolate kisses from melting and sticking together. If you adjust the size of your cookies, slightly modify the bake time.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your freshly baked hershey kiss cookies recipe with a tall glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or present them as a festive holiday treat. They are always a crowd-pleaser!
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft texture.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor.
- Freezing Dough: Roll the dough into balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight freezer bag and store for up to 6 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Once fully cooled, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Flavor Variations: Explore different types of Hershey’s Kisses, such as milk chocolate, special dark, caramel, or even Hugs. You could also experiment with other small, heat-resistant candies for a unique twist.
Nutrition
Here’s a general overview of the nutritional content for one serving of this classic hershey kiss cookies recipe. Please note these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 105 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 11mg |
| Sodium | 54mg |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 8g |
FAQ
Can these cookies be made without peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute other nut butters like almond or cashew butter. Be aware the flavor profile will change.
How do you prevent the cookies from crumbling?
Ensure you measure ingredients accurately and don’t overbake. Using room temperature ingredients helps create a tender crumb.
Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
How can you keep the Hershey’s Kisses from melting too much?
Press the kisses into warm cookies after the first bake, then only bake for an additional 2 minutes. This minimizes melt and helps them set.
Got questions about this delicious hershey kiss cookies recipe? We’ve got answers!
Conclusion
This classic hershey kiss cookies recipe truly stands the test of time, offering a perfect blend of comforting flavors and a fun, easy baking experience. With its irresistible peanut butter base and iconic chocolate kiss topping, these cookies are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. We encourage you to whip up a batch for your family and friends; they’ll certainly appreciate this delicious homemade treat. If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a rating or comment below!
