Dessert

Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi November 27, 2025November 27, 2025

Introduction

Peanut butter Hershey Kiss cookies are a beloved holiday classic that come together quickly and taste absolutely delicious. These soft, peanut buttery cookies topped with a melty Hershey’s Kiss are perfect for cookie exchanges or festive gatherings. Best enjoyed warm, they’re easy to make and sure to disappear fast!

The image shows several peanut butter cookies with a cracked texture and light golden-brown color arranged closely together on a black cooling rack. Each cookie has a smooth, dark brown chocolate kiss placed firmly in the center, creating a two-layer look with the cookie base and the chocolate top. The cookies' rough crumbly edges contrast with the glossy, pointed chocolate pieces. The background features a white marbled texture, enhancing the warm tones of the cookies and chocolate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

48 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
½ cup shortening
¾ cup creamy peanut butter (such as Reese’s)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup additional granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and peanut butter until well blended.
Step 3: Add ⅓ cup granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mixture; beat until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Step 7: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough and roll into 1-inch balls.
Step 8: Roll each dough ball in the additional granulated sugar until coated.
Step 9: Place the coated dough balls on an ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Step 10: Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are just beginning to turn golden brown around the edges.
Step 11: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Step 12: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.

Tips & Variations

Always unwrap the foil from the Hershey’s Kisses before placing them on the cookies; it’s a common mistake to forget!
If your chocolate kisses appear glossy after baking, don’t worry—this is due to residual heat and will set as the cookies cool.
Use a cookie scoop to portion dough for uniform-sized cookies that bake evenly.
For a festive twist, try using flavored or special holiday Hershey’s Kisses.
These cookies freeze well—layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container for up to one month.

Storage

Store cooled Hershey Kiss cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To freeze, layer cookies with parchment or wax paper between them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw frozen cookies in the container at room temperature to keep moisture locked in. Reheat gently if you prefer them warm before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows several peanut butter cookies on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: a rough-textured, light golden-brown peanut butter base that is cracked on the surface, and a smooth, glossy dark brown chocolate kiss placed in the center, standing upright like a small peak. The cookies are closely arranged in an overlapping pattern, filling the frame with a warm, homemade look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What type of Hershey’s Kisses are best for peanut butter blossom cookies?

Classic milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, but you can also use special flavors like almond or caramel for a fun variation. Just be sure to unwrap the foil before placing them on the cookies.

Can peanut butter blossom cookies be frozen?

Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. Freeze them in single layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.