Irresistible Thumbprint Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

These soft, buttery thumbprint Hershey kiss cookies melt in your mouth with pure holiday magic.

The classic cookie tradition brings warmth to every kitchen.

Chocolate lovers rejoice as a perfectly pressed Hershey kiss nestles into a tender, crumbly base.

Sweet hints of vanilla and rich chocolate create an irresistible combination that sparks joy.

Each cookie offers a delightful texture that makes hearts sing with nostalgic delight.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft these simple yet stunning treats that transform ordinary moments into sweet celebrations.

Prepare to indulge in a cookie that promises pure happiness in every bite.

Hershey Kiss Thumbprint Cookies – Crowd Pleasers

• Whip up these delightful cookies in no time, perfect for satisfying sudden sugar cravings with minimal effort.
• Engaging recipe that allows children to help roll dough balls and place chocolate kisses, creating fun family bonding moments.
• Irresistible combination of soft cookie base and classic Hershey's chocolate kiss makes these cookies a hit at parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
• Requires basic pantry staples and just a few steps, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Hershey Kiss Thumbprint Cookie Ingredients

• Flour: A soft white powder that provides structure to the cookie.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, tender texture.
• Sugars: Provide sweetness and help with cookie browning.
• Peanut Butter: Contributes a nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
• Vanilla: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the cookies.

• Hershey Kisses: A chocolate candy that creates a delightful center topping for the cookies.

Equipment for Thumbprint Cookies

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and mixing dough smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for perfect cookies.
• Baking Sheet: Flat pan for even cookie baking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and easy cookie removal.
• Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool quickly and evenly.

Steps to Bake Hershey Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a medium bowl, blend flour, baking powder, and salt using a whisk.

Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together softened butter, white and brown sugars, and smooth peanut butter.

Blend until light and fluffy.

Add one egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Merge Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients.

Use low mixer speed to prevent overmixing.

Stir until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into small, uniform balls using your hands.

Place each ball approximately one inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10 minutes until edges turn slightly golden brown.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Centerpiece

Immediately after removing cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.

The heat will help the chocolate slightly melt and adhere.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to complete cooling.

Enjoy these delectable treats with a glass of cold milk!

Hershey Kiss Cookie Advice

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a compact shape.
• Use unwrapped Hershey Kisses at room temperature for easy insertion into warm cookies without breaking.
• Let cookies rest for a few minutes after baking before adding Kisses to prevent melting or sinking too deeply.
• Use parchment paper or silicone baking mat to ensure easy cookie removal and clean-up.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with wax paper to protect Kiss decorations.

Thumbprint Cookies – Fun New Versions

• Gluten-Free Thumbprint Kisses: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Chocolate Delight: Swap butter and egg with coconut oil and flax egg, use dairy-free chocolate kiss alternatives.
• Low-Sugar Edition: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free chocolate kisses for diabetic-friendly option.
• Nutty Chocolate Alternative: Replace peanut butter with cashew or sunflower seed butter for nut allergy sufferers, maintaining similar creamy texture.

Serving Hershey Kiss Thumbprint Cookies

• Sweet Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a festive tray with colorful sprinkles scattered around for a playful presentation.
• Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Stack cookies in a pyramid shape on a decorative cake stand, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these cookies with hot chocolate, coffee, or herbal tea for a delightful mid-day treat that brings comfort and joy.
• Kids' Snack Adventure: Create a fun cookie station where children can decorate the tops with extra chocolate chips or colorful candy sprinkles.

Storage for Thumbprint Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap unbaked cookie balls tightly in plastic wrap, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Place completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore soft texture and slightly melted chocolate kiss.

FAQs

• Are thumbprint cookies hard to make?

No, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for beginners. The recipe requires basic baking skills and simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

• Can I use different types of Hershey Kisses?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different Hershey Kiss flavors like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled kisses to create unique variations of the cookie.

• How do I prevent the cookies from cracking?

Roll the dough balls gently and avoid overworking the mixture. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature and don’t overbake the cookies to keep them soft and smooth.

Thumbprint Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 30 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive thumbprint Hershey kiss cookies blend chocolate and buttery goodness into delightful holiday treats. Rich chocolate kisses crown tender shortbread-like bases for a perfect seasonal indulgence you will savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups (168 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (142 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon (113 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (256 grams) peanut butter

Topping:

• 60 unwrapped Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for the cookies.
2. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream together butter, sugars, and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into small, uniform balls approximately the size of a tablespoon, positioning them one inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10 minutes, watching for slight golden edges and a soft center.
7. Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie, creating a slight indentation.
8. Allow cookies to rest and cool completely for 5-10 minutes, ensuring the chocolate kiss sets and the cookie stabilizes before serving or storing.

Notes

• Customize dough consistency by chilling for 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
• Swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free alternative.
• Use dairy-free chocolate kisses or dark chocolate chunks for vegan adaptation.
• Press Hershey Kiss gently and quickly right after removing cookies from oven to create perfect indentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 30
• Calories: 146
• Sugar: 7.5 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 12 mg