These Hershey Kiss cookies are a classic for a reason! They’re incredibly easy to make, wonderfully festive, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe is your ticket to melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Who can resist that perfect combination of a soft, chewy cookie topped with a smooth, chocolatey kiss? Certainly not me! This recipe is perfect for holiday baking or any time you need a quick and satisfying sweet treat. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful cookies!
Table Of Contents
After mastering these treats, consider exploring our collection of classic christmas cookie recipes for more festive inspiration.
Ingredients for Hershey Kiss Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work well)
- Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped (about 48-60 kisses, depending on cookie size)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cream Together Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Think of it like whipping air into the mixture, creating that perfect soft texture.
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Beat in Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to a perfect rise.
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Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
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Stir in Nuts (Optional): If you’re using nuts, stir them in now. Nuts add a lovely crunch and complement the chocolate perfectly.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Shape and Bake: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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Add Hershey’s Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will soften the chocolate, creating that signature melty look.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Hershey Kiss Cookies Ingredients
Tips for the Best Hershey Kiss Cookies
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Use good quality butter: The flavor of the butter really shines in these cookies, so using a high-quality butter makes a difference.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
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Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin.
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Use parchment paper: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
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Don’t overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Aim for lightly golden brown edges.
Looking for more holiday cookie ideas? Check out this fantastic holiday cookies recipe.
Variations on the Classic Hershey Kiss Cookies
- Peanut Butter Kisses: Substitute peanut butter chips for the Hershey’s Kisses for a peanut buttery twist. You can also find a dedicated peanut butter kiss cookie recipe for a more specialized approach.
- Mint Kisses: Use mint-flavored Hershey’s Kisses for a refreshing change.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the dough before baking for a festive touch.
- Different Nuts: Experiment with different types of nuts, such as macadamia nuts or almonds.
Hershey Kiss Cookies Dough
Troubleshooting Hershey Kiss Cookies
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Cookies spread too thin: The dough might not have been chilled enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
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Cookies are too hard: They might have been overbaked. Reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
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Kisses didn’t melt: The cookies might have cooled down too much before adding the kisses. Try pressing the kisses in immediately after removing the cookies from the oven.
For more delicious chocolatey treats, explore our hershey recipes chocolate cookies collection.
FAQ
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Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
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How long do these cookies last? Stored in an airtight container, they should last for about a week.
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Can I use different types of chocolate? While Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, you can experiment with other types of chocolate, such as chocolate chips or chunks.
Hershey Kiss Cookies Baking
Conclusion
This hershey kiss cookies recipe is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a classic treat. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a batch of delicious cookies that are perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of happiness! Don’t forget to try the variations and share your baking triumphs with us. Happy baking!
Perhaps you’re looking for a different festive treat? Our christmas cookies recipe offers a delightful variety of seasonal favorites.
