Peanut Butter Cookies with Hershey Kisses

Peanut Butter Cookies with Hershey Kisses are a timeless classic that never goes out of style. These soft, peanut butter–rich cookies topped with a milk chocolate kiss are easy to make and always a favorite on cookie trays, dessert boards, and holiday baking lists, delivering the perfect balance of chewy centers, lightly crisp edges, and sweet-salty flavor in every bite

Another name for these cookies is Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies. These cookies require only 6 ingredients, and the combination of peanut butter and chocolate is truly amazing. It takes less than 30 minutes to complete, which is always a win!  

What Makes these Cookies Special

What I love most about these peanut butter cookies is how simple they are to make. With just a few ingredients, I can have a batch of soft, chewy gluten-free peanut butter cookies ready in less than 30 minutes, which makes them perfect for those days when you want something homemade without a lot of fuss. I also love how easy they are to change up—using different Hershey Kisses for holidays, special occasions, or even a simple tea party treat.

Whether I’m baking them for a cookie tray, sharing them with friends, or serving them alongside a cup of tea, these cookies always feel special, even though they’re uncomplicated.

Ingredient Notes

• CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER: provides moisture, richness, and structure, keeping the cookies soft and flavorful without the need for butter or flour.
• GRANULATED WHITE SUGAR: adds sweetness while helping the cookies spread slightly and develop lightly crisp edges.
• LIGHT BROWN SUGAR: adds moisture and depth of flavor, creating a softer, chewier cookie texture.
• LARGE EGG: binds the ingredients together, giving the cookies structure while adding moisture.
• BAKING POWDER: helps the cookies rise slightly and prevents them from becoming too dense.
• HERSHEY KISSES: add a classic chocolate topping that sets as it cools for the perfect finishing bite.

Substitutions & Variations

• Peanut Butter Substitutions
  If you don’t have creamy peanut butter on hand, almond butter or cashew butter can be used in equal amounts, though the cookies may be slightly softer and less sweet depending on the nut butter used. Avoid natural or oily nut butters unless they are well-stirred, as excess oil can cause the cookies to spread too much.
  
  
  Sugar Substitutions
  You can replace the light brown sugar with additional granulated sugar if needed, but the cookies will be slightly less chewy. Coconut sugar can also be used for a deeper flavor, though it will darken the cookies and change the texture slightly.
  
  Egg Substitutions
  For an egg-free version, replace the egg with one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of water, or a flax egg, keeping in mind the cookies may be more delicate.
  
  Hershey Kiss Variations
  Classic milk chocolate kisses work best, but you can easily swap in dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or holiday-flavored Hershey Kisses for seasonal variations. Adding the kisses after baking helps keep their shape and gives the cookies a clean, finished look.
  
  Flavor Variations
  For added flavor, roll the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking, or add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the peanut butter flavor without overpowering it.

How to Make These Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Ingredient Tips

Can I make peanut butter cookies without flour?
Yes, this recipe is naturally flourless because the peanut butter and egg provide the structure normally created by flour.

Can I substitute peanut butter in these peanut butter cookies?
Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be substituted in equal amounts; however, avoid natural nut butters that contain excess oil.

Can I make peanut butter cookies without brown sugar?
Yes, you can use only granulated sugar, though the cookies will be slightly less chewy.

Should Hershey Kisses be baked or added after baking?
Hershey Kisses are best pressed into the cookies after baking, so they keep their shape and don’t melt too much.

FAQs for Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Why did my peanut butter cookies crack?
Cracking is normal for peanut butter cookies and usually happens as the cookies expand and set while baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be rolled into balls and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I keep peanut butter cookies from spreading too much?
Use creamy peanut butter and avoid overly oily or natural nut butters, which can cause excess spreading.

Can I freeze peanut butter cookie dough?
Yes, cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to two months and baked directly from frozen with a slight increase in baking time.

How long do peanut butter cookies with Hershey Kisses stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to 4 days.