When Late-Night Cravings Strike: Peanut Butter Hershey Kiss Cookies to the Rescue

There’s something about the way peanut butter and chocolate come together that feels like a small celebration in your mouth. These Peanut Butter Hershey Kiss Cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a kind of cozy ritual, a little pause in the day when you can let the world slow down. I remember a night when I was halfway through cleaning the kitchen, distracted by the quiet hum of the oven timer. The smell of peanut butter mixed with sweet sugar filled the air, and I couldn’t help but sneak a warm cookie before they were fully cooled. That moment — sticky fingers and all — felt perfectly imperfect, exactly what these cookies invite you to enjoy.

They’re soft and chewy, with that gentle crumble that melts just enough. The Hershey’s Kiss pressed into the center is that familiar, nostalgic touch, a reminder of childhood treats and simple pleasures. You might find yourself baking a batch just because you need that little spark of comfort on a busy day.

  • Quick to mix and bake — you don’t have to wait long to enjoy them.
  • Soft texture that’s easy to bite into, even when slightly warm.
  • That classic chocolate-peanut butter combo that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
  • It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy ingredients, just honest flavors.

If you’re worried about these cookies being too sweet or complicated, don’t be. They strike a good balance, and honestly, I haven’t found a single person who didn’t smile after trying one. Plus, they’re easy to store, so you can make them ahead and have a quick treat ready whenever the craving hits.

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Close-up of peanut butter Hershey kiss cookies on a clean background

Peanut Butter Hershey Kiss Cookies


  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

Deliciously soft and chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss, perfect for any occasion or holiday treat.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped


Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

Making these cookies doesn’t require a ton of gear—just a mixing bowl and a baking sheet will do. I usually let the dough rest a bit before rolling the balls, but sometimes I’m too impatient and skip that step without any trouble. For serving, they’re great on their own, but if you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside one of these warm cookies is unbeatable. Thinking about variations? You could try swapping out the Hershey’s Kiss for a peanut butter cup or even a small square of dark chocolate—though I haven’t tested those as much, so results might vary. Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking is also something I’ve done when I want a little contrast to the sweetness.

FAQ

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? You can, but it might change the texture a bit, making the cookies a little chunkier.

How do I keep these cookies soft the next day? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay soft for several days.

Can I freeze the dough? I haven’t tried freezing the dough itself, but the baked cookies freeze well if you want to prepare ahead.

Next time you’re in the mood for something cozy and sweet, these Peanut Butter Hershey Kiss Cookies are worth pulling together. Once you try them, you might find yourself reaching for them more often than you expected.