Hershey Kiss Cookies

These delightful Hershey Kiss Cookies are perfect for any occasion! With their soft sugar cookie base rolled in colorful sanding sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss, they bring joy to gatherings, celebrations, or simply a sweet treat at home. Their vibrant appearance and rich chocolate flavor make them stand out, ensuring they are loved by both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Festive Appeal: The bright sanding sugar adds a pop of color, making them ideal for holidays and celebrations.
• Chocolatey Goodness: Each cookie is crowned with a Hershey’s Kiss, delivering that perfect chocolate punch.
• Customizable: Change up the colors of the sanding sugar or use different types of kisses to suit the occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make great gifts or party favors. Everyone loves homemade treats!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Hershey Kiss Cookies, gather the necessary tools to streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer (or whisk)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking, making cleanup easy.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.

Ingredients

These bright and festive Hershey Kiss Cookies feature a soft sugar cookie base rolled in colorful sanding sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss.

For the Cookie Base

• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

For Topping

• Bright colored sanding sugar (any festive colors you prefer)
• 24 Hershey’s Kisses chocolates, unwrapped

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 125 calories

How to Make Hershey Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Unwrap all your Hershey’s Kisses so they’re ready for later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix until a soft cookie dough forms.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Roll each ball in bright colored sanding sugar until fully coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each cookie.

Step 5: Bake

Slide your cookies into the preheated oven. Bake for exactly 7 minutes; they should be just set but not browned.

Step 6: Add the Hershey’s Kisses

Quickly remove the cookies from the oven. Press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie while they’re still hot. The heat will slightly melt the bottom of the Kiss.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet until the Hershey’s Kisses firm up again. This will prevent any chocolate smears when moving them!

How to Serve Hershey Kiss Cookies

These delightful Hershey Kiss Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a sweet treat at home, there are plenty of fun ways to serve them.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter to create an eye-catching dessert display.
• Include a variety of cookies for a festive look, mixing in other favorites alongside the Hershey Kiss Cookies.

Gift Boxes

• Pack the cookies in decorative gift boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Tie with a ribbon and add a personalized note to make it extra special.

Dessert Bar

• Set up a dessert bar at your next event with Hershey Kiss Cookies as the star.
• Include toppings like sprinkles and chocolate drizzle for guests to customize their cookies.

Milk Pairing

• Serve these cookies with cold milk for a classic combination.
• Offer different types of milk, such as almond or chocolate, for added flavor options.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.
• Roll the edges in sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for extra fun.

Holiday Treat Bags

• Fill small bags with cookies to share with friends and neighbors during holidays.
• Add festive tags or stickers to enhance the presentation.

How to Perfect Hershey Kiss Cookies

Making the perfect Hershey Kiss Cookies is easy with a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out soft and delicious every time.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps achieve that light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar.
• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies as soon as they appear set; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
• Chill the dough: If time allows, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
• Choose vibrant sanding sugar: Bright colors not only enhance flavor but also make your cookies visually appealing.
• Press Kisses gently: When adding the Hershey’s Kisses, press them down gently so they stick without squashing the cookie.
• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and flavor for longer.

Best Side Dishes for Hershey Kiss Cookies

Hershey Kiss Cookies are sweet enough to stand alone but can be paired with delightful side dishes. These suggestions will complement their flavor perfectly.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream balances the sweetness of the cookies wonderfully.

2. Chocolate Pudding
   Serve rich chocolate pudding alongside for an indulgent dessert experience.

3. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Coffee or Espresso
   The bitterness of coffee enhances chocolate flavors, making it an ideal beverage choice.

5. Whipped Cream
   Light and airy whipped cream can be dolloped on top of each cookie for an extra touch of decadence.

6. Hot Chocolate
   Enjoying these cookies with hot chocolate creates a cozy treat perfect for chilly days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Hershey Kiss Cookies can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the right texture.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so measure your ingredients carefully. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precision to avoid dry or overly wet cookie dough.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Once you combine the flour with the wet ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated for a soft texture.

• Ignoring cooling time: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet. If you move them too soon, you risk messing up the melted Hershey’s Kisses on top.

• Forgetting to unwrap the Kisses in advance: Unwrapping all your Hershey’s Kisses before starting will save time when it’s crucial to press them into the cookies right after baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: Keep your Hershey Kiss Cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container.
• Duration: They typically last about 5 days in the refrigerator without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing Hershey Kiss Cookies

• Freeze before adding Kisses: You can freeze unbaked cookie balls rolled in sanding sugar for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers: Place them in a single layer and cover well to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Hershey Kiss Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 2 minutes for gentle warming while keeping them soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Hershey Kiss Cookies softer?

To make softer cookies, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven as soon as they are set but not browned.

Can I use other types of chocolate instead of Hershey’s Kisses?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other chocolates like caramel-filled or peanut butter Kisses for unique flavors.

What can I substitute for butter in Hershey Kiss Cookies?

You can use margarine or coconut oil as alternatives if you need a dairy-free option while still achieving great taste.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored correctly, these cookies remain fresh for about five days at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Hershey Kiss Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. With their colorful toppings and rich chocolate centers, they are sure to impress family and friends. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe by adding nuts or using different flavored Kisses! Try making them today and enjoy a delightful treat!