Hershey Kiss Cookies blend buttery shortbread with chocolate’s rich indulgence for a truly unforgettable treat. That first bite reveals a perfect textural contrast – the cookie’s tender crumb gives way to the smooth chocolate kiss, creating a flavor symphony that’s both comforting and decadent. These cookies have earned their rightful place in American baking traditions, particularly during holiday seasons.
With minimal preparation time and simple ingredients, these cookies transform ordinary moments into special memories. The elegant chocolate-topped appearance belies their straightforward preparation, making them accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive celebration or satisfying a weeknight craving, Hershey Kiss Cookies deliver reliable delight with each chocolatey bite.
Hershey Kiss Cookies
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 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
- 24 pieces Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Customization: Use dark chocolate or caramel-filled Kisses for a fun twist.
- Serving Tip: These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Nutrition
The Nostalgic Charm of Hershey Kiss Cookies
Few treats capture the essence of American baking heritage quite like Hershey Kiss Cookies. Dating back several decades, these cookies gained popularity shortly after Hershey’s Kisses were introduced to the market in 1907. What began as a creative baker’s experiment soon transformed into a beloved staple in kitchens across the country.
The genius lies in their simplicity – a buttery, tender cookie base crowned with a chocolate kiss that partially melts during baking, creating that characteristic swirl at the top. This combination marries two classic confections into one perfect bite. While particularly popular during Christmas and holiday seasons, these cookies have transcended seasonal boundaries to become a year-round favorite.
The nostalgic pull of these cookies is undeniable. For many, the sight of a plate full of kiss-topped cookies instantly triggers warm memories of childhood baking sessions and family gatherings. Even today, when elaborate desserts command Instagram attention, the humble Hershey Kiss Cookie maintains its cherished place in our culinary hearts. If you enjoy these classic cookies, you might also appreciate delicious chocolate chip cookies for another timeless treat.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
Creating perfect Hershey Kiss Cookies requires just a handful of pantry staples and basic kitchen tools. The simplicity of ingredients contributes to their enduring popularity among home bakers.
Here’s everything you’ll need for this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 46 Hershey’s Kisses (about one 9-oz bag)
- ½ cup salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (recommended but optional)
The beauty of this recipe lies in its accessibility – you likely already have most ingredients in your pantry. The quality of your butter and vanilla extract will make a noticeable difference in flavor, so use the best you can afford. For anyone looking to try other festive favorites, crinkle cookies share similar appeal with their distinctive crackly appearance.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly tender cookies with beautifully melted Hershey Kisses every time:
Preparation (15 minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unwrap all Hershey’s Kisses and place them in a small bowl in the refrigerator to keep them firm.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated and smooth. The mixture might look slightly curdled – that’s perfectly normal.
Making the Dough (10 minutes):
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
- The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
- If you prefer a sweeter cookie exterior, place about ¼ cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl for rolling.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Roll each ball between your palms to smooth, then roll in sugar if desired.
Baking (12-15 minutes total):
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes until the cookies are set but not yet browned on the edges.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and quickly press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes more. This helps set the kiss without melting it completely.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
These cookies should have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just enough structure to support the chocolate kiss. The brief second bake ensures the kiss adheres perfectly while maintaining its distinctive shape. For another special occasion treat, consider trying gooey butter cookies which offer a similarly satisfying texture.
The Complete Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 46 cookies
Calories: 98 calories per cookie
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: 98
Fat: 4.5g
Saturated Fat: 2.7g
Cholesterol: 12mg
Sodium: 45mg
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0.3g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 1.2g
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 46 Hershey’s Kisses
- ½ cup salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unwrap Hershey’s Kisses and refrigerate them.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
- Form dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar if desired.
- Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes until set but not browned.
- Remove from oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Return to oven for 1-2 minutes more.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Notes:
- For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature but still slightly cool to the touch.
- Don’t skip refrigerating the Hershey’s Kisses – this helps them maintain their shape during baking.
- If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before forming into balls.
- These cookies don’t spread much, so if you prefer flatter cookies, gently press the balls before baking.
- For holiday variations, try using seasonal Hershey’s Kisses flavors like candy cane or caramel.
Creative Variations and Pro Baking Tips
The classic Hershey Kiss Cookie recipe provides a wonderful foundation for creative experimentation. Try these exciting flavor variations to customize your cookies for different occasions or preferences:
Flavor Variations:
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolate cookie base.
- Holiday Spice: Incorporate ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg into the dough for a festive twist.
- Citrus Brightness: Add 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the wet ingredients.
- Almond Joy: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract and add ¼ cup finely chopped almonds to the dough.
- Sugar Cookie Variation: Roll the cookies in colored sugar before baking for a decorative touch.
Chocolate Kiss Options:
- Dark Chocolate Kisses for a more sophisticated flavor profile
- Caramel-Filled Kisses for a gooey center surprise
- Cookies ‘n’ Creme Kisses for cookies that appeal to children
- Seasonal varieties like Pumpkin Spice or Candy Cane
- Hugs (striped kisses) for a pretty visual contrast
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit various needs. Create gluten-free versions by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. You should also check out this gluten-free birthday cake recipe if you’re exploring more allergen-friendly baking.
Pro Baking Tips:
- For the most consistent cookies, use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly than cold ones.
- Don’t overwork the dough – mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
- If your kisses are sinking too much, try pressing them into the cookies immediately after removing from the oven rather than returning to bake.
- For picture-perfect cookies, reshape any that spread unevenly by using the edge of a spatula while they’re still hot.
- Allow your baking sheets to cool completely between batches to prevent premature spreading.
To create cookies with perfectly defined edges and minimal spreading, chill the formed dough balls for about 15 minutes before baking. This extra step makes a noticeable difference in maintaining that classic domed shape. Fans of these cookies might also enjoy Cadbury mini egg cookies which feature another iconic chocolate candy.
Best Ways to Store Hershey Kiss Cookies
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the fresh-baked quality of your Hershey Kiss Cookies. With the right techniques, you can enjoy these tender, chocolatey treats for days or even months after baking them.
Short-Term Storage (Up to 5 Days):
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation which can make them soggy.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Place a piece of bread in the container to help keep cookies soft – the bread will become stale instead of your cookies!
- For the freshest flavor, consume within 3-5 days of baking.
- If you need to stack cookies, place pieces of parchment paper between layers to protect the chocolate kisses.
Refrigerator Storage (Up to 2 Weeks):
- Though room temperature is preferable for texture, refrigeration extends freshness.
- Use a rigid, airtight container to protect the cookies’ shape and prevent them from absorbing refrigerator odors.
- Allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- The chocolate kisses will become quite firm when cold, so this method works well if you prefer a more solid chocolate center.
Freezing Hershey Kiss Cookies (Up to 3 Months):
- Cool cookies completely before freezing to maintain quality.
- Arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
- Transfer frozen cookies to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Thaw frozen cookies on the counter for 1-2 hours before serving, or transfer to the refrigerator overnight.
For especially hot weather, storing your Hershey Kiss Cookies in the refrigerator prevents the chocolate kisses from becoming too soft or losing their distinctive shape. If you’ve made a large batch for an event, consider freezing half immediately after cooling to maintain peak freshness.
Another helpful tip: when making Hershey Kiss Cookies specifically for freezing, slightly underbake them by about 1 minute. This ensures they’ll remain wonderfully soft and chewy even after the freezing and thawing process.
Baking Memories, One Kiss at a Time
Hershey Kiss Cookies aren’t just desserts – they’re edible keepsakes of tradition and togetherness. The simple joy of pressing chocolate kisses into warm cookies creates moments that last far longer than the treats themselves. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, these cookies offer reliable success and consistent delight.
I’ve discovered that these cookies make perfect gifts when packaged in a pretty tin or bakery box. The combination of homemade goodness with chocolate’s universal appeal makes them welcome at any gathering. Don’t hesitate to submit your own twist on this classic to our recipe collection – baking communities thrive on shared inspiration.
For those moments when you need a foolproof crowd-pleaser, Hershey Kiss Cookies deliver satisfaction with minimal effort. They bridge generations with their timeless appeal and create moments of connection around the kitchen counter. Looking to discover more local bakeries specializing in classic treats? Consider adding your favorite dessert shop to our business directory to help others find these sweet treasures.
From holiday cookie exchanges to after-school snacks, these cookies adapt to every occasion while maintaining their charming personality. The next time you’re looking for a baking project that combines nostalgia, simplicity, and chocolate indulgence, reach for this recipe – and perhaps some churro-themed apparel to make your baking session even more delightful. Happy baking!