Hershey Kiss Cookies (Peanut Butter Blossoms)

Nothing says the holidays like a batch of classic Hershey Kiss Cookies, also known as Peanut Butter Blossoms. These cookies are a delightful combination of a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie and a rich, creamy Hershey’s Kiss in the center. Follow this detailed recipe to create these iconic treats at home. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa, they’re unbelievably good!

Ingredients

To make approximately 36 cookies, you’ll need the following:

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Coating and Topping:

• Extra granulated sugar (for rolling)
• About 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well blended. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the creamy peanut butter, large egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix on medium speed until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps with even baking.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed, just until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll into balls and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and even baking.
3. Scoop out small portions of the chilled dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even baking.
4. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, coating it entirely for that perfect sugary crunch.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center, but this is what keeps them soft.

Step 6: Add the Hershey’s Kiss

1. Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss gently into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges—this is the classic look!
2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

As the cookies cool, the Hershey’s Kisses will set, creating the perfect texture contrast. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

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Tips for Success

• Chilling the Dough: This step is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Experiment with Kisses: Switch up the flavor of the Hershey’s Kisses for variety! Dark chocolate, almond, caramel, or seasonal candy cane Kisses are fun options.
• Cookie Texture: If you prefer a chewier cookie, bake for the minimum time. For a slightly crispier edge, let them bake an additional minute.

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FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours or frozen for up to 2 months. If frozen, allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

2. Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter for this recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can affect the texture of the cookies.

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Perfect for Every Occasion

Hershey Kiss Cookies are more than just holiday treats—they’re a crowd-pleaser year-round. Whip up a batch for family gatherings, bake sales, or as a sweet gift for loved ones. With this detailed guide, you’re guaranteed perfect cookies every time!

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