By Ethan RadfordHershey Kisses Christmas cookies are one of the easiest ways to bring a festive, chocolate-centered treat to a holiday cookie tray. The classic version is a soft, buttery dough rolled in sugar and pressed with a chocolate drop still in the center, so the cookie bakes around the candy. Choosing the best one depends on what you want from the cookie: a chewy peanut butter base, a crisp shortbread edge, a cocoa-forward dough, or a cookie that holds up for shipping. The selection below is based on recipe structure, the ingredients and tools each approach requires, and the patterns that home bakers commonly report about texture, spread and ease of making. Nothing here was baked or tested in a kitchen by us; it is a research-based comparison meant to help you pick the right version and the right equipment.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms | Traditionalists and first-time bakers | Soft, chewy peanut butter base |
| Chocolate Crinkle Blossoms | Chocolate lovers | Cocoa dough with powdered-sugar crackle |
| Brown Butter Blossoms | Bakers who want deeper flavor | Nutty, toasted butter base |
| Sugar Cookie Hershey Kiss Cups | Decorating and gifting | Firm dough that holds shape |
| Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms | Guests with gluten sensitivities | Flour blend in place of wheat flour |
| Mint Chocolate Blossoms | Peppermint fans | Peppermint extract in the dough |
| Almond Shortbread Blossoms | Crisp-cookie lovers | Shortbread-style texture |
| Oatmeal Hershey Kiss Cookies | Make-ahead and freezer baking | Hearty, sturdy crumb |
| Cream Cheese Hershey Kiss Cookies | Soft-cookie fans | Tender, cakey center |
| Double Chocolate Hershey Kiss Cookies | Maximum chocolate flavor | Cocoa dough plus chocolate chips |
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
This is the recipe most people picture when they hear the phrase. It suits anyone building a traditional cookie tray and anyone baking with children, since the steps are simple: roll, coat, press a candy in, bake.
Key specs
- Base: creamy peanut butter, butter, brown and granulated sugar
- Typical bake: about 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F
- Finish: a Hershey’s Kiss pressed in right out of the oven
Pros
- Familiar flavor that most guests recognize
- Forgiving dough that rolls easily
- Stays soft for several days in a sealed container
Cons
- Peanut content rules it out for nut-allergy households
- The candy can soften and slide if pressed too early
Chocolate Crinkle Blossoms
Better suited to bakers who want a deeper cocoa flavor and a dramatic look. The powdered-sugar coating cracks during baking, which makes the cookie stand out on a platter.
Key specs
- Base: cocoa powder, oil or butter, eggs, granulated sugar
- Coating: powdered sugar, rolled before baking
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes for easier handling
Pros
- Strong chocolate flavor paired with the milk chocolate candy
- Striking crackled appearance
- Dough is easy to portion with a scoop
Cons
- Powdered sugar can show smudges on dark platters
- Cookies can spread more than expected if overbaked
Brown Butter Blossoms
A good choice for bakers who want nuttier, more complex flavor without adding unusual ingredients. Browning the butter first gives the dough a toasted note that pairs well with milk chocolate.
Key specs
- Base: butter browned until golden with brown specks, then cooled
- Sugar mix weighted toward brown sugar for chew
- Cool the butter before creaming to avoid a greasy dough
Pros
- Deep, toasty flavor that feels more elevated
- Soft center with slightly crisp edges
- Works with standard pantry ingredients
Cons
- Browning butter takes extra attention and time
- Easy to scorch if the pan is left unattended
Sugar Cookie Hershey Kiss Cups
These suit bakers who plan to decorate or gift cookies. A firmer sugar dough holds its shape in tins and on cookie plates. For a detailed method on rolling and cutting, see How to Roll and Cut Sugar Cookies.
Key specs
- Base: butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla, flour
- Shape: rolled balls or cut rounds, pressed into a muffin-style cup
- Bake until edges are set and lightly golden
Pros
- Good shape retention for gifting
- Pairs well with royal icing or sanding sugar
- Consistent results with a well-chilled dough
Cons
- Less chewy than peanut butter or cocoa versions
- Requires a rolling pin and cutters for the cut-out version
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms
Aimed at households that need to avoid wheat. A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can replace regular flour in the classic dough, giving guests a safe option without a separate recipe.
Key specs
- Base: gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, peanut butter, butter, sugars
- Check that the candy and baking powder are labeled gluten-free
- Dough may need a short chill to firm up
Pros
- Familiar texture with a gluten-free flour blend
- Helps include guests with dietary restrictions
- Uses the same basic method as the classic version
Cons
- Some blends spread more or brown faster than wheat flour
- Still contains peanut, so it is not suitable for nut allergies
Mint Chocolate Blossoms
For guests who love peppermint, this version adds a cool note to the cookie. It works well as a seasonal variation on the classic recipe.
Key specs
- Base: standard butter and sugar dough with peppermint extract
- Typical extract amount: about 1/2 teaspoon per batch
- Candy: mint-flavored chocolate candies or regular Kisses
Pros
- Bright, festive flavor
- Simple switch from the classic recipe
- Good for mixed flavor trays
Cons
- Strong extract can overpower if overmeasured
- Not every guest enjoys mint in baked goods
Almond Shortbread Blossoms
This approach suits crisp-cookie fans. A shortbread-style dough made with powdered sugar and almond flour produces a tender, sandy bite that contrasts well with the chocolate center.
Key specs
- Base: butter, powdered sugar, almond flour, all-purpose flour
- Bake until the bottoms are just golden
- Dough is delicate and benefits from chilling
Pros
- Delicate, crumbly texture
- Almond flavor complements milk chocolate
- Stores well in airtight containers
Cons
- Almond flour is an allergen and adds cost to the batch
- Crumbly dough can be harder to press neatly
Oatmeal Hershey Kiss Cookies
Best for bakers who want a sturdier cookie that handles freezing and make-ahead plans well. Oats add chew and a homestyle character.
Key specs
- Base: rolled oats, butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon
- Dough can be frozen as portioned balls before baking
- Bake about 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F
Pros
- Hearty texture that travels well
- Freezer-friendly dough
- Cinnamon adds warmth
Cons
- Less traditional look than the classic version
- Oats can make the cookie denser if overmixed
Cream Cheese Hershey Kiss Cookies
Suited to soft-cookie fans. Cream cheese in the dough yields a tender, slightly cakey center that stays soft longer than many butter-only doughs.
Key specs
- Base: cream cheese, butter, sugar, egg, flour
- Cream cheese should be softened to room temperature
- Chill briefly before scooping for clean shapes
Pros
- Soft, moist texture
- Good shelf life for a butter-based cookie
- Mild tang balances the sweet candy
Cons
- Softer dough can be sticky to shape
- Cookies may need slightly longer baking to set
Double Chocolate Hershey Kiss Cookies
For the most chocolate-forward option on the list. Cocoa in the dough and chocolate chips folded in create a rich cookie around the center candy.
Key specs
- Base: cocoa powder, butter, brown sugar, flour
- Add-in: semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- Bake until set at the edges with a soft center
Pros
- Intense chocolate flavor
- Appealing to chocolate-focused guests
- Easy to make in one bowl
Cons
- Can be too rich for some tastes
- Dark dough shows crumbs and sprinkles less clearly
Buying Guide
Choosing the right version of hershey kisses christmas cookies comes down to your guests, your time, and your equipment. Start with the flavor you want, then check the practical details below.
Selection criteria
- Flavor profile: classic peanut butter, cocoa-forward, nutty brown butter, or fruity and minty variations.
- Texture: chewy, soft, crisp, or sturdy enough for gifting.
- Dietary needs: peanut, tree nut, gluten, and dairy status of each recipe.
- Effort: one-bowl doughs versus brown butter or shaped cut-outs.
Important features to check
- Whether the dough needs chilling, and for how long
- Oven temperature and bake time, which vary by recipe
- Whether the candy should go on hot or cooled cookies
Specs and ingredients to check
Look at the flour type (all-purpose, gluten-free blend, or almond flour), the fat (butter, oil, or cream cheese), and the candy. Milk chocolate Kisses are the most common choice, though some bakers use dark or mint versions.
Choosing by need
- Traditional tray: Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms.
- Gifting: Sugar Cookie Hershey Kiss Cups.
- Dietary accommodation: Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms or Almond Shortbread Blossoms (check allergens carefully).
- Chocolate lovers: Double Chocolate or Chocolate Crinkle Blossoms.
Things to watch out for
- Soft candy can slide off if pressed into a very hot cookie. Wait a minute or two after baking.
- Peanut and tree nut allergies are serious. Read every package label, and consult a medical professional if a guest has a known allergy.
- Overbaking dries out soft cookies. Pull them when the edges are set and centers look slightly underdone.
For a broader plan that fits cookie baking around the rest of your holiday menu, see Christmas Dinner Cooking Plan: Roasts, Sides and Timing. If you bake in batches, Best Baking Sheets for Cookies and Sheet-Pan Meals covers pan options that help cookies bake evenly.
FAQ
Can I use dark chocolate Hershey Kisses in these cookies?
Yes. Dark Kisses are a common substitute and give a more bittersweet contrast, especially in peanut butter and cocoa doughs. Check that the candy size matches the one called for in your recipe so the cookie bakes evenly.
When should I press the candy into the cookie?
Most recipes call for pressing the candy in as soon as the cookies come out of the oven. The heat softens the cookie just enough for the Kiss to set in place. Pressing too early can cause it to melt into the dough.
How long do hershey kisses christmas cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, most butter-based versions keep well for several days. Cream cheese versions stay soft longer but should be kept chilled if your kitchen is warm. Check your recipe for specific storage guidance.
Can I freeze the dough?
Many doughs freeze well. Portion the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then move them to a sealed bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time, or thaw briefly first if the dough is very firm.
Are christmas cookies with hershey kisses safe for guests with nut allergies?
Peanut butter and almond versions are not safe for guests with nut allergies. Even recipes without nuts can have cross-contact in shared facilities. Read all labels and consult a medical professional before serving to anyone with a known allergy.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Warm butter, overmixed dough, or too much sugar can cause excess spread. Chill the dough before baking, measure flour by weight if possible, and bake on a cool pan. Oven temperature that runs low can also cause spreading.
What is the best way to store the candy so it stays firm?
Keep Kisses in a cool, dry place away from heat. Warm storage can soften them and cause them to slide or stick to wrappers. Unwrap them just before pressing into the cookies.
Conclusion
Hershey kisses christmas cookies offer a range of options, from the familiar Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms to more specialized choices like Brown Butter, Almond Shortbread, and Gluten-Free versions. For a traditional tray, start with the classic. For gifting, the Sugar Cookie Hershey Kiss Cups hold their shape best. For chocolate lovers, the Double Chocolate and Chocolate Crinkle versions deliver the most flavor. For guests with dietary restrictions, choose a gluten-free recipe and always check allergen labels. Match the recipe to your guests and your schedule, plan your chilling and baking time, and your cookie tray will come together smoothly.
About Ethan Radford
Ethan has been writing about holiday cooking & baking for this site, with an eye on clear explanations, honest trade-offs and options for different needs and budgets.
