Hershey Kiss Cookies

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Introduction

Hershey Kiss Cookies are a beloved classic, offering the perfect balance of soft, chewy texture with a deliciously sweet, chocolatey surprise. These delightful cookies feature a soft, buttery cookie base topped with a single Hershey’s Kiss chocolate, making them an irresistible treat for all ages. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a family get-together, or a cozy afternoon snack, Hershey Kiss Cookies are always a hit. The recipe is simple to follow, quick to prepare, and guarantees a batch of cookies that will be devoured in no time.

With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you’ll have a plate full of these delectable cookies ready to share or enjoy on your own. And the best part? These cookies are completely Halal-friendly—no pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol involved—so everyone can enjoy them.

Perfect for:

• Holiday celebrations and gatherings
• Gift-giving
• Bake sales
• School lunches or snacks
• Chocolate lovers
• Family bonding in the kitchen

Why You’ll Love This Recipe – Hershey Kiss Cookies

There are plenty of reasons why Hershey Kiss Cookies will quickly become your go-to cookie recipe:

• Classic Flavor Combination: The combination of a buttery, soft cookie and the iconic Hershey’s Kiss creates the perfect balance of flavors.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookies have a soft, chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the smooth chocolatey center from the Hershey’s Kiss.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have fresh cookies ready to enjoy in less than an hour.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a hit at parties and gatherings, making them the perfect dessert for a crowd.
• Customizable: You can customize the recipe by using different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, like the special milk chocolate, caramel, or even dark chocolate varieties.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 24-30 cookies
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

To make your own batch of Hershey Kiss Cookies, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped) – milk chocolate variety
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the dough balls)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: Butter provides the rich, tender texture for the cookie dough, making the base soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Sugar: The combination of granulated sugar helps sweeten the dough and adds to the chewy texture of the cookies.
• Hershey’s Kisses: These chocolate kisses are the star of the show, offering the perfect touch of smooth chocolate in every bite. The center of the cookie provides a burst of sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the buttery cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor and brings out the sweetness of the cookies.

Step-by-Step

Instructions – Hershey Kiss Cookies

Follow these easy steps to create a batch of mouthwatering Hershey Kiss Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and even baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring the wet ingredients are fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in small batches, stirring until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as that could result in dense cookies.

Shape the Cookies:

6. Roll the Dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in the ¼ cup of granulated sugar until coated. This will give the cookies a subtle sweetness on the outside.
7. Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your hand.

Add the Hershey Kisses:

8. Top with Hershey’s Kisses: Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses and gently press one Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each dough ball. Be careful not to press too hard, as the chocolate may break.

Bake the Cookies:

9. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers will remain soft, and the Hershey’s Kisses should look slightly melted.
10. Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The Hershey’s Kisses may look slightly melted initially, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.

Serve and Enjoy:

11. Serve: Once the cookies have cooled, serve them on a platter to share with friends and family. They are delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a glass of milk or tea.

How to Serve Hershey Kiss Cookies

Hershey Kiss Cookies are a versatile treat that can be served in various ways:

• With Milk: These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk for a classic, comforting treat.
• As a Gift: Pack a batch of Hershey Kiss Cookies into a cute gift box or jar for a sweet and thoughtful homemade gift.
• For Parties: Serve these cookies on a dessert platter along with other favorites like brownies, cupcakes, or mini pies for a crowd-pleasing spread.
• With Ice Cream: Top a warm Hershey Kiss Cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• With Tea or Coffee: These cookies make a great addition to your afternoon tea or coffee time.

Additional Tips for Hershey Kiss Cookies

To ensure your Hershey Kiss Cookies turn out perfectly, here are some additional tips:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ingredients.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
• Use Fresh Hershey’s Kisses: Make sure your Hershey’s Kisses are fresh and unwrapped before adding them to the cookies.
• Test for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. You want the edges to be golden, but the center should remain soft. If the edges brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature by 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Recipe Variations for Hershey Kiss Cookies

Here are 10 variations of Hershey Kiss Cookies you can try to mix things up:

• Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the cookie dough for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination.
• Caramel Kiss Cookies: Swap the regular Hershey’s Kisses with caramel-filled Hershey’s Kisses for a gooey, sweet surprise inside each cookie.
• Mint Chocolate Kiss Cookies: Use Hershey’s Mint Chocolate Kisses to add a refreshing minty twist to these cookies.
• Pumpkin Spice Kiss Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dough for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Almond Kiss Cookies: Add slivered almonds to the dough and top with Hershey’s Kisses for a crunchy, nutty twist.
• Dark Chocolate Kiss Cookies: Replace milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses with dark chocolate for a more intense, bittersweet flavor.
• Coconut Kiss Cookies: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
• Toffee Kiss Cookies: Incorporate bits of toffee into the dough and top with a Hershey’s Kisses for an extra caramel crunch.
• Cherry Kiss Cookies: Add maraschino cherries to the dough for a fruity surprise under the chocolate kiss.
• S’mores Kiss Cookies: Incorporate mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs into the dough for a s’mores-inspired version.

Freezing and Storage for Hershey Kiss Cookies

• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but they are best when fresh.

Special Equipment for Hershey Kiss Cookies

Here are a few items that can help you make these cookies even easier:

• Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer helps cream the butter and sugar quickly, especially when making large batches.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps you evenly portion the dough for uniform cookies.
• Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats ensures easy removal of the cookies from the baking sheet.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack is essential for cooling the cookies evenly without them becoming soggy.

FAQ Section – Hershey Kiss Cookies

1. Can I use any other chocolate instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
   Yes, you can use any type of chocolate, but Hershey’s Kisses work best due to their size and texture.
2. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter and use dairy-free chocolate for a completely dairy-free version.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check the texture and adjust accordingly.
4. How can I make the cookies more festive?
   Add colored sprinkles on top or use different Hershey’s Kisses flavors for various occasions or holidays.
5. Can I freeze the dough for later?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Just make sure to roll the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a zip-top bag.

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Conclusion – Hershey Kiss Cookies

Hershey Kiss Cookies are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and chocolatey surprise, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just craving something sweet, these cookies are the perfect choice. Customize them with your favorite Hershey’s Kisses, share them with loved ones, or keep them all for yourself—they’re a treat that everyone will enjoy!