Soft Hershey Kiss Cookies

Featured in Irresistible Desserts & Treats.

Make chewy peanut butter thumbprint cookies and finish with chocolate kisses on top. The flavors balance perfectly for a bite-sized delight.

Un'immagine di una donna con i capelli raccolti in una borsa.
Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:29:59 GMT
Close-up shot of peanut butter cookies holding a chocolate kiss in the center, spread on a baking sheet. Pin it
Close-up shot of peanut butter cookies holding a chocolate kiss in the center, spread on a baking sheet. | kyliecook.com

These Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies bring nothing but happiness in my home. The combo of nutty cookies hugging those chocolate kisses creates something truly special. Whenever I whip up a batch, my house fills with that amazing peanut butter smell, taking me back to wonderful holiday times with family.

Sweet Cookie Wonder

What gets me most about these treats is how they mix two fantastic flavors in each mouthful. The chewy peanut butter bottom with its chocolate top doesn't need any dough resting time, so they're great for sudden baking urges with the little ones. They're usually gone before they even cool down completely.

Your Ingredients List

  • Butter: I grab unsalted to manage the overall taste.
  • Peanut Butter: Smooth works way better in this recipe.
  • Sugar Blend: Using both types gives the right amount of sweetness.
  • Flour: Get it just right for that soft, tender bite.
  • Egg: It binds everything nicely together.
  • Baking Powder: This makes them puff up perfectly.
  • Kisses: Get them unwrapped before you start baking.

Cooking Steps

Crown Them
You'll need to work fast with those kisses for picture-ready cookies.
Time to Shape
Rolling these small balls brings such fun and they cook up just right.
Bring It Together
Stir everything softly to make that ideal dough.
Create the Magic
Your peanut butter mix turns so fluffy and smooth.
Mix Your Base
I begin with the dry stuff, making sure it's all well combined.

Switch Things Up

I often try new twists with these cookies. Some melted chocolate and heavy cream makes an awesome ganache filling, or I'll pop in my top jam picks. Every change brings its own magic, especially when I use raspberry or strawberry jam instead.

A tray of freshly baked cookies with a chocolate kiss melted in the center of each peanut butter cookie. Pin it
A tray of freshly baked cookies with a chocolate kiss melted in the center of each peanut butter cookie. | kyliecook.com

Storage Secrets

These goodies stay tasty in a sealed container for a few days, but they rarely stick around that long at my place. When I plan ahead, I'll freeze a stack of them and they stay great as long as they're packed well to keep those chocolate kisses safe.

Festive Charm

Something about these cookies really captures holiday baking vibes. Maybe it's how the mix of peanut butter and chocolate takes you back to being a kid, or their pretty look brightens any cookie plate. They've become a must-have part of our family celebrations.

Just Right Taste

I've learned that making these cookies exactly the right size gives you the best taste experience. Each bite has that amazing mix of soft peanut butter cookie and smooth chocolate kiss. That's why nobody can eat just one.

Handy Hints

Getting that flour measurement right really changes how they turn out. I always stick with regular smooth peanut butter since the natural stuff just doesn't behave the same way. Make sure those kisses are ready to go before the cookies come out of the oven, they need to meet those warm treats straight away.

Together Time

Baking these treats has turned into one of our favorite things to do as a family. The kids can't wait to help unwrap chocolates and roll little dough balls. There's something truly special about making them together, creating memories just as sweet as the cookies themselves.

Flavor Options

We sometimes swap in dark chocolate kisses or try centers made from white chocolate. That little indent works like a tiny canvas for trying new things, whether filled with chocolate or fruit spread. Each time we make them can be completely different.

Classic Favorite

These cookies have won their spot in my go-to recipes. The basic ingredients and fun process of making them always feels fresh. They show that sometimes the old standbys really can't be beat, particularly during holiday season.

A close-up image of peanut butter cookies with a chocolate kiss sitting in the center, arranged neatly on a baking sheet. Pin it
A close-up image of peanut butter cookies with a chocolate kiss sitting in the center, arranged neatly on a baking sheet. | kyliecook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ When’s the best time to add the Kisses?

Pop the kisses onto cookies right out of the oven. They'll soften a bit while the cookies cool but keep their shape.

→ What causes cookies to spread too much?

Warm butter can be the culprit. Chill the dough briefly or make sure the butter isn't overly soft or melted.

→ Can I store these cookies in the freezer?

Definitely. Freeze the baked cookies without the kisses for up to 3 months. Attach kisses after thawing and warming them slightly.

→ How do I make my cookies the same size?

Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough. Each should be about one level tablespoon.

→ Why should you unwrap kisses early?

Get them unwrapped before baking begins. You’ll need to press them into the cookies while they're still hot from the oven.

Hershey Kiss Cookies

Chewy peanut butter cookies crowned with chocolate kisses. A sweet, shareable treat that hits the spot every time.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Kylie

Category: Sweet Endings

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (50 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup peanut butter.
02 1 large egg.
03 1/2 cup light brown sugar.
04 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon white sugar.
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
06 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour.
07 1 teaspoon baking powder.
08 1 teaspoon fine salt.
09 1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.
10 60 chocolate kisses, unwrapped.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 350°F. Cover a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 02

Stir the flour, salt, and baking powder together until blended.

Step 03

Cream together the butter, peanut butter, and both sugars. Stir in the vanilla and crack in the egg.

Step 04

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mix, keeping the mixer on a low setting.

Step 05

Scoop small lumps of dough (about a tablespoon) and roll into balls. Space them apart on the tray.

Step 06

Pop them in the oven and bake for roughly 10 minutes.

Step 07

Carefully press a chocolate kiss into the middle of each cookie while they’re still warm.

Step 08

Leave to rest for about 5-10 minutes before diving in.

Notes

  1. Yields close to 50 cookies.
  2. Make sure the chocolate is unwrapped before baking.
  3. Press the chocolate in while cookies are fresh from the oven.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixer (stand or hand-held).
  • Baking trays.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Peanuts.
  • Milk.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 142
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 1 g