Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies Recipe

27

Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies, with their soft, peanut buttery base crowned with a chocolate Hershey Kiss, are not just cookies but parcels of joy wrapped in festive spirit.

This delightful tradition has been a cornerstone of my family’s holiday preparations for as long as I can remember. It’s not just about the cookies themselves (though their scrumptiousness cannot be overstated); it’s about the moments created and shared in the process. The laughter, the little flour fights, and, most importantly, the heartwarming feeling of togetherness.

How to make Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies

Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies are a popular holiday treat that combines a soft, chewy cookie with a Hershey’s Kisses chocolate placed on top. These cookies typically use a simple sugar cookie or peanut butter cookie base.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature – This is about one standard stick of butter.
• 3/4 cup (190g) creamy peanut butter – Smooth peanut butter is usually preferred to ensure an even texture but feel free to use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar – This is for sweetening the dough.
• 1/3 cup (70g) light brown sugar, packed – The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor.
• 1 large egg – This acts as a binding agent for the dough.
• 2 tablespoons milk – Any kind of milk will do; it helps to combine the ingredients more smoothly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For extra flavor and aroma.
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour – This forms the structure of the cookie.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies puff up.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – To balance the flavors.
• Granulated sugar for rolling: This gives the cookies a sweet exterior.
• 48 Hershey’s Kisses chocolates, unwrapped: You will need one for each cookie.

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

1. Once your dough is prepared, begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. This works best if both are at room temperature.
3. Blend in the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition to incorporate them into the dough.

Combining the Dry Ingredients:

1. In a separate mixing bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually blend the dry mixture into the creamed mixture. Stir or beat just until the flour is incorporated and a dough forms.

Shaping the Cookies:

1. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, which are about the size of a walnut.
2. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar to coat them evenly. This provides a sweet crust and a sparkling appearance.
3. Place the sugared balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Baking:

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. They should be set and very lightly browned; do not overbake.
2. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Press down lightly; the cookie should crack around the edges.

Cooling:

1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 3 to 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Be gentle as the cookies will be soft and the chocolate will be melty.
2. Cool completely on wire racks. The Kisses will harden again as they cool, anchoring themselves to the cookies.

Tips:

• Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses beforehand so that they are ready to go when the cookies come out of the oven.
• Use a cookie scoop if you have one to ensure all your cookies are the same size and bake evenly.
• Avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added to ensure your cookies aren’t tough.
• For variation, consider using different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or the seasonally available peppermint-flavored ones.
• Adding festive sprinkles to the cookies right after pressing in the Kisses can add a touch more holiday cheer.

What to serve with

When you have a batch of freshly-baked Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies, pairing them with complementary items can enhance the treat-tasting experience for your holiday gatherings or cosy nights.

1. Beverages

Hot Cocoa

• Rich and Creamy: A classic pairing, hot cocoa with marshmallows or a dash of cinnamon complements the peanut butter and chocolate flavors splendidly.

Recipe Suggestion: For an extra-rich cocoa, use both cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips melted into warm milk. To elevate the flavors, add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Coffee

• Medium Roast or Espresso: The roasty flavors of coffee contrast the sweetness of the cookies, offering a balanced tasting experience.

Serving Tip: Offer sugar and cream on the side so guests can adjust their coffee to taste. A cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg adds a holiday touch.

Milk

• Whole or Plant-Based: A glass of cold milk is a timeless companion to cookies. Almond or oat milk can be wonderfully creamy and slightly sweet for a dairy-free option.
• Flavor Twist: Add a drop of almond or peppermint extract to the milk for a unique festive flavor profile.

2. Desserts and Snacks

Ice Cream

• Vanilla Bean or Chocolate: Serve a scoop alongside or between two cookies for an indulgent ice cream sandwich. The cold, creamy texture contrasts nicely with the soft cookies.

Serving Suggestion: For a decadent dessert, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed nuts or candy cane pieces.

Cheese and Fruit Platter

• Cheeses: Mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or cream cheese accompany sweet Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies well by offering a savory counterpoint.
• Fruits: Seasonal fruits like sliced apples, pears, or grapes add freshness and cleanse the palate between different treats.

Mixed Nuts

• Roasted and Salted: A bowl of mixed nuts, including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, offers a savory and crunchy alternative that complements the nutty peanut butter in the cookies.

Preparation Tip: For a holiday twist, toss the nuts with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and roast briefly to enhance their flavor.

3. Wines and Spirits

Dessert Wines

• Port or Moscato: The sweetness and rich fruit notes of dessert wines pair well with chocolate and can stand up to the sweetness of the Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies.

Serving Note: Serve in small glasses as dessert wine is meant to be sipped slowly to enjoy its flavors fully.

Whiskey or Bourbon

• Neat or On the Rocks: The warm, deep flavors of a good whiskey or bourbon, with notes of vanilla and caramel, can nicely complement the peanuts and chocolate.

Serving Suggestion: Offer whiskey with an ice cube on the side for guests who prefer it chilled, and consider pairing it with a coffee service for those who might enjoy a whiskey-infused coffee.

Ingredients substitutes

When making Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies, also known as Peanut Butter Blossoms, you might need ingredient substitutes for various reasons, such as dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply because you’re missing an ingredient.

Peanut Butter

• Almond Butter or Cashew Butter: These are excellent substitutes for almond butter and cashew butter, which have a similar nutty flavor and creamy texture. However, cashew butter is a bit sweeter.
• Sunflower Seed Butter: An excellent option for those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter has a comparable texture. Be aware it can sometimes turn baked goods green due to the chlorophyll in the seeds reacting with baking soda/powder, which is harmless.

All-Purpose Flour

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: To make these cookies gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. These blends are designed to replicate the texture and properties of wheat flour.
• Oat Flour: If needed, buy certified gluten-free. You might need to adjust the moisture since oat flour can absorb more liquid.

Granulated Sugar

• Coconut Sugar: Offers a slightly healthier alternative. It provides a rich caramel-like flavor to the cookies but can darken the dough more than white sugar.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener: A good option for reducing the cookie’s glycemic index. Use a granulated form that’s intended to be a 1:1 sugar substitute.

Eggs

• Flax Eggs: To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it rest for a few minutes to thicken. This is great for vegan options.
• Applesauce: Using ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce can substitute for one egg. This keeps the cookies moist but might slightly alter the texture.

Butter

• Coconut Oil: To avoid dairy, use coconut oil in a solid state. This might introduce a slight coconut flavor to the cookies.
• Vegan Butter: There are many plant-based butter alternatives that work on a 1:1 basis for baking and don’t compromise the flavor.

Hershey Kisses

• Vegan Chocolate Chips or Chunks: For a dairy-free or vegan version, consider using a piece of vegan chocolate instead of a Hershey Kiss.
• Dark Chocolate offers a richer, less sweet option that can be more flavorful for dark chocolate enthusiasts. For a similar effect, use a shaped piece or a small truffle.

Vanilla Extract

• Almond Extract: While giving a different flavor, almond extract can add a delightful taste that complements the peanut butter well.
• Maple Syrup: In a pinch, maple syrup can add sweetness and moisture, along with a warm flavor that’s nice in cookies, though it’s less potent in flavor than vanilla extract.

Final Thoughts

Once your cookies are cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! These Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet homemade gift.

More Hershey Recipes:

• Copycat Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme Recipe