The very first time I made these Hershey’s Kisses Acorn Treats, my entire kitchen filled with the warm, sweet smell of chocolate and peanut butter, and I knew instantly that this recipe was going to be one of my go-to fall treats. I remember standing at my counter, assembling these tiny edible acorns one by one, feeling almost nostalgic because they looked like something straight from a cozy autumn craft project. The whole process was so fun and relaxing, and when I tasted the first one—a perfect bite of chocolate, cookie, and peanut butter—I actually laughed out loud because it was even better than I expected. This recipe has become a yearly tradition for me, and I still love the magic of how simple they are, yet how adorable and festive they turn out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these Hershey’s Kisses Acorn Treats because they are truly the easiest no-bake fall snack you’ll ever make, and yet they still look like you spent far more time on them than you actually did. From my own experience, they’re perfect for busy days when you want something cute and seasonal without the pressure of a complicated recipe. They’re bite-sized, kid-friendly, perfect for parties, and they travel incredibly well. Plus, you get that perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter in a fun, whimsical shape that makes everyone smile the moment they see them.
Ingredients
- 25 almond Hershey’s Kisses
- 25 special dark Hershey’s Kisses
- 25 Nutter Butter bite-size cookies
- 50 mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup Reese’s peanut butter chips
I love that this recipe uses such simple, inexpensive ingredients and still creates something that looks like a Pinterest-worthy treat. If you can’t find Nutter Butter bites, any small round peanut butter cookie will work. I’ve also tried using butterscotch chips instead of peanut butter chips for the “stems,” and they add a really nice sweetness. You can mix and match the types of Hershey’s Kisses based on what you like—milk chocolate, caramel-filled, or even flavored seasonal ones all work beautifully. The key is choosing chocolates that melt just enough to act as glue but don’t melt so fast that they become messy to assemble.
Equipment Needed
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Small plate or baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Toothpick or skewer (optional)
- Small offset spatula or butter knife
I find that parchment paper makes the assembly way easier because the treats won’t stick as they cool and set. A microwave-safe bowl is essential for melting the peanut butter chips, which serve as the edible glue to attach all the components. I also like to use a small spatula or even just the tip of a butter knife to place the melted chocolate onto the cookies and Kisses. If you want extra precision, a toothpick helps you dab tiny amounts of melted peanut butter chips onto the tops for the “stem.” You don’t need any complicated tools—just a few basics from your kitchen drawer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I make these Hershey’s Kisses Acorn Treats, I always start by unwrapping all the Kisses first and lining them up on a piece of parchment-covered baking sheet. It seems like such a small thing, but trust me—it makes the entire process faster and less messy because you’re not stopping mid-assembly to peel off wrappers. Once everything is unwrapped and ready, I set aside the matching number of Nutter Butter bites so I can work station-style.
Next, I melt the peanut butter chips in the microwave. I usually heat them in 20-second increments, stirring between each burst so the mixture melts smoothly without burning. When they become glossy and fully melted, I know it’s ready to use. The smell of warm peanut butter chips immediately fills the kitchen and makes me want to taste it, but I resist for the sake of assembly.
Then comes the fun part: attaching the cookies to the Kisses. I take each Hershey’s Kiss and dip the flat bottom lightly into the melted peanut butter chips. If you dip too deeply, the melted chocolate will ooze out when you press it onto the cookie, so just a light touch works best. I then press the dipped Kiss onto the flat side of a Nutter Butter bite. It adheres quickly, and after a few seconds, the connection is strong enough to lift.
Once the cookie and Kiss pairs are assembled, I go back and give each acorn its little “stem.” I dip the flat bottom of a mini chocolate chip into the remaining melted peanut butter chips and quickly stick it onto the top of the cookie. This step always makes me smile because that tiny detail really transforms each piece into a perfect miniature acorn. When all of them are finished, I let the tray chill for about 5–10 minutes until everything is firmly set.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this recipe multiple ways, and one thing I learned the hard way is never to overheat the peanut butter chips. If they get too hot, they seize, turn grainy, and won’t stick well. Heating in short bursts and stirring is absolutely the best method. I also tested what happens when you use different kinds of chocolate for the stem—dark chocolate chips don’t always adhere as well as semi-sweet, so stick with semi-sweet or peanut butter chips for the best hold.
Another tip is to keep your ingredients at room temperature before assembling. The first time I made these, I used cold cookies straight from the pantry, and the melted chocolate hardened too quickly before I could attach the Kisses. Having everything slightly warm (not hot) helps the melted peanut butter chips act like true glue.
I once tried chilling the assembled treats immediately, and although it worked, I found that letting them set at room temperature for a few minutes first actually helps the chocolate attach more evenly. The slower setting time keeps the pieces from sliding around. Only chill once everything is secure.(See the next page below to continue…)