Cozy Chocolate Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet chocolate Hershey kiss cookies bring pure bliss to any dessert moment.

My grandmother first shared this delightful recipe during holiday baking sessions.

Soft, pillowy cookie bases welcome those delicate chocolate kisses with open arms.

Warmth from the oven creates magical moments when chocolate melts into tender dough.

Simple ingredients dance together, producing irresistible treats that spark instant happiness.

Little hands love helping press kisses into warm cookie tops.

Kids and adults alike savor each delectable bite with pure joy.

Jump into this delicious adventure and make memories one cookie at a time.

What You Need for Chocolate Kiss Cookies

• Flour: Provides structure for the cookie base.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor.
• Butter: Creates a soft, tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cookie browning.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the dough.

• Hershey's Kiss, Granulated Sugar, Baking Soda, Salt: Provide final touch, sweetness, leavening, and flavor balance.

How to Bake Soft, Sweet Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F and grab a baking sheet.

Cover the sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in egg, vanilla extract, and milk.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are smoothly combined.

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir until a thick, rich dough forms.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter.

Gently coat each ball by rolling it in granulated sugar.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Place sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until cookie edges look set.

Step 8: Add Chocolate Kisses

Pull cookies from the oven and quickly press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.

Cookie Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Center

• Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create a more compact, round shape.
• Press Hershey's Kisses into cookies immediately after baking while they're still warm, allowing the chocolate to slightly melt and adhere perfectly.
• Use extra-fine granulated sugar for a more delicate, sparkling exterior that enhances the cookie's appearance and texture.
• Swap Hershey's Kisses with different chocolate varieties like caramel-filled or dark chocolate for unique flavor profiles.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Kiss Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Cookies will stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Place cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve texture and flavor.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore soft, fresh-baked texture.

What Goes Well with Chocolate Kiss Cookies

• Pair Decadent Chocolate Milk: Creamy, cold chocolate milk complements the rich chocolate cookie perfectly, enhancing the sweet Hershey Kiss flavor with its smooth, velvety texture.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream creates a delightful contrast against the warm, chocolatey cookie, offering a cool and creamy counterpoint to the intense chocolate notes.
• Match with Espresso Martini: For adult gatherings, an espresso martini provides a sophisticated pairing that highlights the cookie's deep chocolate essence while adding a sophisticated, slightly bitter adult twist.
• Enjoy with Raspberry Herbal Tea: A light, fruity herbal tea cuts through the richness of the chocolate, providing a refreshing palate cleanser that balances the cookie's intense sweetness.

Flavor Variations for This Classic Cookie

• Gluten-Free Kiss Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix, ensuring the same rich chocolate flavor while making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Bliss Bites: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free chocolate kisses to create a plant-based version of the classic cookie.
• Reduced Sugar Kiss Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use dark chocolate kisses to lower overall sugar content while maintaining a decadent taste.
• Nutty Chocolate Kiss Cookies: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the dough for added crunch and depth, creating a more complex texture and nutty undertone to the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of Hershey's Kisses?

Yes, you can experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even hugs Kisses for variety in flavor and appearance.

• How do I prevent the Hershey's Kiss from melting completely?

After baking, let the cookies cool for 1-2 minutes before adding the Kiss. This helps the chocolate maintain its shape while slightly softening.

• What if my dough is too sticky to roll?

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling. This helps firm up the butter and makes rolling easier.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months before baking.

Why These Hershey Kiss Cookies Are So Popular

• Super simple recipe that even baking beginners can master with minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
• Perfect for family gatherings, after-school snacks, or spontaneous dessert cravings with minimal preparation time and maximum enjoyment.
• Adorable cookies that look professionally made, featuring a classic Hershey's Kiss centerpiece that makes them attractive for holidays, parties, and special occasions.
• Adaptable recipe that works for multiple settings – from casual home baking to potlucks, with a rich chocolate flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.

Chocolate Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade chocolate hershey kiss cookies bring sweet comfort and warmth to classic holiday baking. Rich chocolate dough wrapped around smooth kisses creates irresistible moments of pure indulgence you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Fat and Sugar Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) brown sugar

Wet and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
• 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie baking.
2. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color.
4. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and milk into the sugar mixture, blending until smooth and fully integrated.
5. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until a cohesive, rich chocolate dough forms.
6. Shape the dough into small spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter, then delicately coat each ball with granulated sugar for a sparkling exterior.
7. Arrange cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving sufficient space between each to allow for spreading during baking.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for slightly set edges and a soft center indicating perfect doneness.
9. Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie, creating an indentation.
10. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create a more compact cookie shape.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
• Swap Hershey’s Kisses with dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly version of the cookie.
• For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg