There’s something about the simple joy of peanut butter cookies topped with a Hershey Kiss that takes me back to a small kitchen filled with the warm scent of baking and the quiet hum of late afternoon light. It’s that moment when the day feels a little too long, and you realize a sweet break is exactly what you need. These cookies have that perfect balance—a touch of salty peanut butter, the crisp sugar edges, and that chocolate surprise that melts just right on your tongue.
I remember the first time I tried to make these—my timer was set, but I got distracted halfway through by a phone call, and the cookies browned a bit more than I wanted. Still, the texture was spot on: chewy inside with a slight crisp on the outside. Oh, and the Hershey Kiss? It softened just enough to make each bite a little creamy, a little nostalgic. I haven’t quite mastered the perfect timing yet, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a treat that invites you to pause and savor, even if it’s a little imperfect.
- It’s a quick recipe that doesn’t demand fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen.
- The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is classic, but the Hershey Kiss adds that iconic twist.
- Not overly sweet—so you can actually eat more than one without feeling overwhelmed.
- Simple — and that’s kind of the point. It’s about comfort, not complexity.
- Perfect for sharing, but also just as satisfying when you keep them all to yourself.
If you’re ever hesitant about baking cookies because of equipment or skill level, don’t be. Just a basic oven and a baking sheet do the trick. These cookies come together in under half an hour, making them a solid choice for a spontaneous baking session or an easy dessert after dinner. I usually enjoy them with a cold glass of milk, but they pair surprisingly well with a cup of coffee or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.
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Peanut Butter Cookie Hershey Kiss
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Delight in these classic peanut butter cookies topped with a rich Hershey’s Kiss, combining the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Mix until the dough is smooth and well combined.
Roll the dough into 24 equal-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to create a crisscross pattern and flatten the cookies slightly.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and immediately press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes to set the chocolate slightly.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You really don’t need anything special apart from a baking sheet and parchment paper to keep things simple and cleanup easier. Sometimes I swap the Hershey Kiss for a peanut butter cup if I want a little extra chocolate, though it changes the texture slightly. Or, if you’re in a rush, flatten the dough balls a bit more before baking to speed up the process. I haven’t tried adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top, but I imagine it would bring out the peanut butter flavor even more. Serving-wise, these cookies are fantastic warm but also hold up well the next day—if they last that long.
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter? You probably can, but it might affect the smoothness of the cookie texture a bit. I haven’t tested it extensively, but it’s worth a try if you like that extra crunch.
What if I don’t have Hershey Kisses? Any small chocolate candy can work; just pick something that melts nicely and fits on top of the cookie.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, chilling the dough for a little while can help the cookies keep their shape better, but it’s not required.
Next time you want a quick, nostalgic treat that’s both sweet and a little nutty, these Peanut Butter Cookie Hershey Kiss moments are waiting. Grab your mixing bowl and let the afternoon magic begin.