Hershey Kiss Cookies are the classic peanut butter blossoms that everyone knows and loves. We’ve made and enjoyed them our entire lives, so they’re definitely a family favorite, especially during the holidays and for cookie exchanges.

With these cookies, you get a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie rolled in sugar, then topped with a chocolate Kiss right out of the oven. They are simple, nostalgic, and always the first cookie to disappear.

What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is, but it still feels like a holiday favorite. The cookie stays tender, the edges turn lightly golden, and that chocolate center makes every bite extra fun for everyone.

If you love these cookies, be sure to try Peanut Butter Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sugar Cookies, and Snickerdoodles, all classic treats we keep in rotation.

Why we think you’ll love it:

  • Easy baking. Simple pantry ingredients and quick steps make them great for beginner bakers. They’re ready to enjoy in only 15 minutes!
  • Soft and chewy. Being rolled in sugar gives it a nice crystallized outside and soft and chewy inside.
  • Holiday classic. These cookies make a great addition to a Christmas cookie platter or as a gift any time of the year!
  • Perfect for sharing. Makes plenty for cookie trays, parties, or neighbor gifts.

Hershey Kiss Cookies Ingredients

  • Granulated sugar (ยฝ cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly while baking. Rolling the dough in extra sugar gives a lightly crisp exterior.
  • Brown sugar (ยฝ cup): Adds moisture and rich flavor, helping create that soft and chewy texture.
  • Creamy peanut butter (ยฝ cup): Brings bold peanut butter flavor and helps give structure to the cookies. We like classic creamy brands for the most consistent results. Use creamy peanut butter like Jif, Skippy, or similar store brands. Avoid natural peanut butter as it doesn’t incorporate well into the recipe.
  • Butter softened (ยฝ cup): Adds rich flavor and tenderness to the cookie dough. Make sure it is softened for easy mixing. See How to Soften Butter Quickly
  • Egg (1): Helps bind the dough together and contributes to the soft texture.
  • All purpose flour (1ยฝ cups): Forms the base of the dough and gives the cookies their shape and structure. See How to Measure Flour.
  • Baking soda (ยพ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread properly while baking.
  • Baking powder (ยฝ teaspoon): Adds extra lift for a lighter, softer cookie texture.
  • Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped (36): Creates the signature chocolate center that makes these cookies so fun and festive. Milk chocolate is classic, but other flavors can be used.

How to Make Hershey Kiss Cookies

PREP. Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF.

BATTER. In a large bowl, beat sugars, peanut butter, butter, and egg until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda, and baking powder until dough forms.

SHAPE. Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to scoop out the dough and then shape into 1-inch balls; roll in additional granulated sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart. Line with parchment paper or silicone mat if necessary.

BAKE. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown.

KISSES. Immediately press 1 chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie. Remove the cookies from the baking sheet and place them on a wire rack to cool.

Close up image of Hershey Kiss cookies on red dish towel.

Kristyn’s Recipe Tips

  • Chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes if it feels too soft to roll easily.
  • Make sure the butter in the dough doesn’t get too warm otherwise the cookies will spread and bake up flat. Refrigerating the dough before baking will help it stay thick and chewy.
  • Press the chocolate kisses gently so the cookies do not crack too much.
  • Do not overbake since the cookies will continue to set as they cool.
  • Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and even baking.
Several Hershey kiss cookies on a red tea towel.
5 from 74 votes

Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe

Hershey Kiss Cookies are soft peanut butter blossoms rolled in sugar and topped with a chocolate Kiss, an easy classic cookie perfect for holidays.
Servings: 36
Prep: 7 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

Video

Ingredients 

  • ยฝ cup granulated sugar
  • ยฝ cup brown sugar
  • ยฝ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ยฝ cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1ยฝ cups all-purpose flour
  • ยพ teaspoon baking soda
  • ยฝ teaspoon baking powder
  • 36 Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, beat sugars, peanut butter, butter, and egg until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda, and baking powder until dough forms.
  • Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in additional granulated sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake at 375ยฐF for 8-10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Immediately press 1 kiss in the center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack.
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Notes

Recipe Tips.
  • Chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes if it feels too soft to roll easily.
  • Make sure the butter in the dough doesn’t get too warm or the cookies will spread and bake up flat. Refrigerating the dough before baking will help it stay thick and chewy.
  • Press the chocolate kisses gently so the cookies do not crack too much.
  • Do not overbake since the cookies will continue to set as they cool.
  • Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and even baking.
  • These cookies freeze well baked or unbaked, making them great for make ahead holiday prep.
Freeze cookie dough balls. Freeze without the Hershey Kiss and see How to Freeze Cookie Dough for tips and tricks.
Store. Peanut butter kiss cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days or in the freezer for about 4 months.ย 
Pro Tip. Keeping a slice of bread in the container will help the cookies stay fresh longer.ย 

Nutrition

Calories: 109kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 12mg, Sodium: 71mg, Potassium: 41mg, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 85IU, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to store?

Peanut butter blossom cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days. Keeping a slice of bread in the container will help them stay fresh longer. Freeze for up to 6 months.

Can I freeze cookie dough balls to bake later?

Check out this How to Freeze Cookie Dough post for tips. Freeze without the Hershey Kisses.

This recipe was originally published February 2018.

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipesโ€”each one tested in her kitchenโ€”that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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5 from 74 votes (29 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




51 Comments

  1. Amy Del Bello says:

    5 stars
    Quick easy recipe! Perfect Christmas cookie.

  2. Raechel says:

    5 stars
    So yummy!

  3. Kristen K. says:

    5 stars
    One of our favorites for holiday treats! Canโ€™t wait to make these again this week!

    1. Michelle says:

      5 stars
      These are so easy, and always turn out so wonderfully- definitely a Christmas staple recipe at our house!

  4. Michelle J. says:

    5 stars
    My mom called these Peanut Butter blossoms. They are perfection!

  5. Afton Tucker says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is sooo good! One of my favorite cookies!

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