Chocolate Kiss Cookies

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Chocolate Kiss Cookies are a delightful combination of soft, chewy chocolate cookies and a rich, gooey chocolate kiss on top. These cookies have the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness, with the melt-in-your-mouth kiss adding an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just satisfying a chocolate craving, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.

I first made these Chocolate Kiss Cookies when I was looking for a fun, festive treat to share with friends and family. The dough is simple to prepare, and once they’re baked, you press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie for that signature touch. The result is a beautiful and delicious cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. What I love about these cookies is their versatility—you can experiment with different types of chocolate kisses or add a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast. They’re always a hit at parties and make for the perfect gift during the holidays!

Perfect for:

  • Christmas cookie exchanges
  • Holiday baking
  • Family gatherings
  • Sweet treats for any occasion
  • Chocolate lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Chocolate Delight: The cookies are soft and chocolatey with an added surprise of a sweet Hershey’s Kiss on top.
  2. Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in a snap, with minimal ingredients and prep time.
  3. Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and decorate, perfect for involving kids in holiday baking.
  4. Soft and Chewy: The cookies are perfectly chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  5. Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make wonderful gifts when packaged in festive tins or bags.
  6. Holiday Perfect: With the Hershey’s Kiss topping, they’re a classic cookie for the holiday season.
  7. Customizable Toppings: Use different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses or roll the dough in sprinkles for added flair.
  8. Make-Ahead: These cookies can be made ahead and stored for up to a week, making them ideal for busy bakers.
  9. Simple Ingredients: You likely already have the ingredients in your pantry.
  10. Everyone’s Favorite: A crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to disappear quickly at any gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 10 minutes (optional)
  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Carbs: 16g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the dough)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Hershey’s Kisses: These chocolates add a delightful, creamy center and make the cookies a festive treat.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides a rich chocolate flavor for the base of the cookie.
  • Butter: Helps create a soft, chewy texture in the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate outer texture when rolling the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined. Add milk and stir to combine.
  6. Chill Dough (Optional): For easier handling, refrigerate the dough for 10-15 minutes, but this step is optional.

Shape the Cookies:

  1. Roll the Dough: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar for a sweet outer coating.
  2. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Bake the Cookies:

  1. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they appear set. The edges should look slightly firm, and the center should still be soft.
  2. Cool Slightly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes.

Add the Hershey’s Kiss:

  1. Top with Kiss: Gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

How to Serve

  • Serve as part of a holiday cookie platter.
  • Package them in a tin or festive gift box for a homemade gift.
  • Pair with a hot beverage like milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for a sweet treat.

Additional Tips

  • Use Hershey’s Kisses: For the classic look and flavor, opt for regular-sized Hershey’s Kisses or try other varieties like caramel-filled or special dark chocolate for a twist.
  • Chill the dough: After mixing the cookie dough, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough holds its shape better and prevents cookies from spreading too much.
  • Don’t over-bake: These cookies should be soft and chewy. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers may look slightly underdone.
  • Roll dough in sugar: For a little extra sweetness and crunch, roll your cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking.
  • Use room-temperature butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth, well-blended dough. This helps with even spreading while baking.
  • Press the Kisses gently: When pressing the chocolate Kisses into the hot cookies, do so gently to avoid cracking the cookie or melting the chocolate too quickly.
  • Add a pinch of salt: A small pinch of salt in the dough enhances the flavor of the chocolate and balances the sweetness.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats: To prevent cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
  • Try different flavors: Mix things up by using flavored Kisses, such as almond, mint, or peanut butter, to create a unique taste experience.
  • Store properly: Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. To keep the chocolate Kisses from melting, you can even refrigerate them.

Recipe Variations

  • Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies: Use peanut butter cookie dough instead of chocolate for a variation on the classic.
  • Mint Chocolate Kiss Cookies: Replace the classic Hershey’s Kiss with mint-flavored Kisses for a refreshing twist.
  • Chocolate Dipped Kisses: After adding the Hershey’s Kiss, dip the bottom of the cookie in melted chocolate for extra decadence.
  • Sprinkles or Crushed Candy Cane: Roll the dough in sprinkles or crushed candy canes for extra festive flair.

Special Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls – For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer – To easily cream together the butter and sugar.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Baking Sheets – To place your cookie dough and bake them.
  • Parchment Paper – To line your baking sheets and prevent sticking.
  • Cookie Scoop – To create uniform cookie dough balls.
  • Cooling Rack – To cool the cookies after baking.
  • Rubber Spatula – To mix the dough thoroughly and scrape down sides of the bowl.
  • Oven Thermometer – To ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
  • Chocolate Kisses – The signature ingredient, which you’ll need to press into the cookie dough once baked.

FAQ Section

  1. What are Chocolate Kiss Cookies?
    Chocolate Kiss Cookies are soft and chewy cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss candy, creating a delicious contrast between the warm cookie and the smooth chocolate.
  2. How do I store Chocolate Kiss Cookies?
    Store your Chocolate Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  3. Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
    Yes! You can substitute Hershey’s Kisses with any chocolate candy, such as chocolate chips, or even mini peanut butter cups, depending on your taste preferences.
  4. Can I make Chocolate Kiss Cookies without gluten?
    Yes, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make gluten-free Chocolate Kiss Cookies.
  5. Are Chocolate Kiss Cookies suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
    Traditional Chocolate Kiss Cookies contain butter and eggs, making them unsuitable for vegans.
  6. How can I make my Chocolate Kiss Cookies more festive?
    You can decorate the cookies with sprinkles, colored sugars, or even mini holiday-themed chocolates on top of the Hershey’s Kiss for a fun, festive look.
  7. Why do my Chocolate Kiss Cookies spread too much?
    If your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
  8. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
    Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, bake them directly from the freezer.
  9. How do I prevent the Hershey’s Kiss from melting completely?
    To prevent the Hershey’s Kiss from melting too much, press it onto the cookie after it’s done baking and immediately out of the oven. Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
  10. What’s the best way to ensure my Chocolate Kiss Cookies stay soft?
    To keep your cookies soft, be sure to avoid overbaking. Remove them from the oven when they’re slightly golden on the edges and still soft in the center.

Conclusion

Chocolate Kiss Cookies are a sweet and irresistible holiday classic that combines a soft, chewy cookie with the rich, creamy indulgence of a chocolate kiss in the center. These cookies are simple to make but look and taste like something special. The base is made from a buttery dough that’s rolled in sugar, and once baked, each cookie is topped with a delicious chocolate kiss that melts just slightly for the perfect finishing touch.

These cookies are not only perfect for holiday baking but also great for gift-giving, cookie swaps, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or cocoa. Their combination of texture and flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser, and the chocolate kiss adds a delightful surprise in every bite.

I can’t wait to see how your Chocolate Kiss Cookies turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these cookies your own!

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