Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something truly special about cookies, especially when they bring a touch of nostalgia to our busy lives. Hershey Kiss cookies perfectly embody that cozy feeling you look for when gathering with family or sharing sweet treats with friends. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, enticing everyone from the living room to the kitchen. The combination of rich peanut butter and melted chocolate from the Hershey’s Kisses makes these cookies a beloved classic.
These cookies embody warmth and joy. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or even a simple brunch with friends or family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe is a breeze to follow. Every time you pop one of these delightful cookies into your mouth, you’re not just tasting a treat; you’re enjoying heartwarming moments that linger long after the last bite.
how to make Hershey Kiss Cookies
Let’s get started on making these delicious cookies together. No need to rush; take your time to enjoy the process. Picture yourself in your cozy kitchen, flour dusting the counter, and the excitement of creating something special.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Hershey’s Kisses (about 36)
Once you have everything ready, you’ll be all set for a baking adventure!
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for the perfect bake.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s nice and smooth. This is where the magic begins. The smell of peanut butter filling the air is oh-so-comforting.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well until it’s all blended together perfectly. The mixture should become a lovely, creamy texture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, salt, and flour. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is fully incorporated. Don’t overmix; we want tender cookies here!
- Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. If the dough sticks a little, wet your hands lightly to help shape them. Place these delightful little balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just slightly golden. You want them to stay soft inside, so keep an eye on them!
- When you take them out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. Watch how the chocolate starts to melt and settle in. Truly delightful!
- Once you’ve added the kisses, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The anticipation makes it all the sweeter!
how to serve Hershey Kiss Cookies
Serving these cookies can be as delightful as baking them. Consider making a cozy dessert platter for your brunch with family or friends. Arrange cookies alongside some fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a sweet treat everyone can enjoy.
For a festive touch, you can use holiday-themed Hershey’s Kisses too. Imagine a plate of these cookies during Christmas or Valentine’s Day; it brings a whole new level of charm!
Another fun idea is to serve them at a bake sale. They are sure to catch the eye of anyone passing by—and you just might find yourself smiling as you watch others light up while tasting one!
how to store Hershey Kiss Cookies
To keep these cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they’ll last about a week. If you have leftovers (which might be a challenge), you can also freeze the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop a few in the microwave for a few seconds to get that melty Hershey’s Kiss experience. Trust me; it’s like tasting them fresh out of the oven all over again!
tips to make Hershey Kiss Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and peanut butter are at room temperature. This helps them mix smoothly, resulting in a better cookie consistency.
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Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they still look soft and slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet while cooling, giving you that perfect chewy texture.
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Experiment with Flavor: Want to add a little twist? Consider mixing in some chocolate chips or swirling in a bit of melted chocolate with the peanut butter for an extra layer of deliciousness.
variation (if any)
If you or someone you’re baking for is not a peanut butter fan, you can swap the peanut butter for another nut or seed butter, like almond butter. Just make sure the texture is similar—for example, something creamy works best.
For a fun variation, try rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking. This gives the cookies a sparkling finish and a delightful crunch that adds a lovely texture contrast with the soft cookie.
Pro Tips for Success
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Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling. This will make shaping the balls much easier and can help keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
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Be Mindful of Baking Times: Every oven can be a little different, so keep a close eye on your cookies toward the end of baking. It’s better to underbake just slightly because you can always bake a little longer, but you can’t go back to fix overbaked cookies.
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Double the Recipe: If you are planning for a big gathering or family event, doubling this recipe is hassle-free. The extra cookies can be gifted to neighbors or sent to school with your kids. And trust me, they’ll be the highlight of the bake sale!
Serving Ideas
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Milk and Cookies Night: There’s nothing like a classic. Set up a cozy milk and cookies night with friends or family. You can even offer a variety of milks—whole, almond, or chocolate—for a fun twist!
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Create a Dessert Bar: Gather a few of your favorite desserts, including your Hershey Kiss cookies, and set up a dessert bar. Add toppings, sprinkles, and little bowls of whipped cream to make it interactive.
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Wrap for Gifting: These cookies make sweet gifts! Wrap them in festive plastic wrap and tie with a ribbon. They are perfect for neighbors or friends who could use a little pick-me-up.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter can add a nice texture to the cookies, making them even more delightful. Just keep in mind that it may change the consistency a bit. -
What can I use if I am allergic to peanuts?
You can use sunbutter or almond butter as excellent alternatives. Just ensure that the texture remains similar to peanut butter for the best results. -
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for slight golden edges, and they should feel soft to the touch. They will firm up as they cool. -
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking!
Quick Recap
You’re now ready to bake up some delightful Hershey Kiss cookies! Whether you’re making them to share or to enjoy all by yourself, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Bake this weekend; you’ll be glad you did! Whether it’s a cozy family moment or a gathering with friends, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and a sense of togetherness that makes each bite truly special. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!
Hershey Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter Make sure it's at room temperature.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs Use room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 36 Hershey’s Kisses Press into cookies while warm.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, salt, and flour; then slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly golden.
- Press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.