5 Irresistible Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipes to Try

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia, then Hershey Kiss Cookies are your new best friend. These delightful cookies combine the soft, buttery texture of a perfectly baked cookie with the rich, melty center of a classic Hershey’s Kiss chocolate, creating a bite that’s both comforting and exciting. In this post, you’ll discover 5 irresistible Hershey Kiss Cookies recipes that are easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Sweet treats await!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples make this a stress-free baking experience.
• Quick to Prepare: Minimal steps allow you to whip up these cookies in no time.
• Kid-Friendly: Perfect activity for baking with kids due to the fun of adding the chocolate kiss.
• Customizable: Multiple variations let you personalize flavors and textures to your liking.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Great for holidays, parties, or any day you just want a sweet pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Hershey Kiss Cookies recipes rely on simple, essential ingredients that combine to give you soft, chewy cookies with that signature melty chocolate center. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring the perfect texture and taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure that makes cookies tender yet sturdy enough to hold a Hershey Kiss.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar (both brown and white): A balance of sweetness and moisture for chewiness and flavor depth.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: The leavening agent that keeps cookies light and fluffy.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
• Hershey Kisses: The star of the show that melts into a delicious chocolate center.

Variations for Hershey Kiss Cookies

Switching up ingredients or adding mix-ins is a breeze, making these Hershey Kiss Cookies perfect for experimenting with new tastes or accommodating dietary preferences.

• Peanut Butter Kisses: Use peanut butter-flavored Hershey Kisses for a nutty twist that pairs perfectly with cookie dough.
• Mint Chocolate: Swap regular Kisses for mint-flavored ones to add a refreshing flavor.
• Nutty Add-In: Mix chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these safe for gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and egg substitutes to keep the recipe plant-based without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Hershey Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming softened butter with brown and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in flour and baking soda to form a soft dough.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and to enhance the cookie’s texture.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Roll dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 4: Add the Hershey Kisses

Immediately after removing from the oven, press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie ball while warm, allowing the chocolate to melt slightly and stick.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and allow the chocolate centers to set perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Hershey Kiss Cookies

• Room Temperature Butter: Ensures even mixing and a smooth dough consistency.
• Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbake for a chewy cookie that complements the melty Kiss.
• Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Chill Dough for Best Results: Helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop better texture.
• Insert Kisses While Warm: Melts the chocolate just enough to create a gooey, fudgy center.

How to Serve Hershey Kiss Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top or add colored sugar crystals for a festive touch that adds a subtle crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair Hershey Kiss Cookies with cold milk, hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies in a decorative tin or wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon for gifting, or place them on a cake stand to wow guests at your next party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Hershey Kiss Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining their soft texture and chocolatey goodness.

Freezing

Dough balls can be frozen before baking—place them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time.

Reheating

Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked softness and melt the chocolate center just slightly.

FAQs

Can I substitute dark chocolate Hershey Kisses?

Absolutely! Using dark chocolate Hershey Kisses adds a richer flavor and pairs beautifully with sweeter cookie dough.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking and avoiding too much butter helps keep the cookies from spreading excessively.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can experiment with coconut sugar or all brown sugar for a deeper caramel taste, but it may slightly affect the texture.

Are these cookies suitable for kids to make?

Yes, the process is simple and fun, especially the part where kids get to add the Hershey Kiss on top of the warm cookies.

How long do Hershey Kiss Cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly, they remain fresh and chewy for up to a week, perfect for baking ahead for events or gifts.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a batch of Hershey Kiss Cookies, then biting into that warm, chewy cookie with chocolate melting right in the center. Whether you’re making the classic version or experimenting with some delicious twists, these cookies never fail to bring smiles and sweet moments. So go ahead, grab those Hershey Kisses, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible delights!

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