Chocolate Kiss Cookies

Name: Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, room temperature; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon salt; 2/3 cup cocoa powder; 1¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 24 Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped; 1/3 cup sugar for rolling

By:

Marry

Published:

November 24, 2025

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Chocolate Kiss Cookies are one of those delightful treats that manage to combine nostalgia, comfort, and a touch of chocolate magic all in one. Just thinking about them might make your mouth water! These cookies bring back memories of family gatherings and holiday cheer, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy nights in. With their soft and chewy texture, along with the surprise of melted chocolate from the Hershey’s Kisses on top, each bite is truly a celebration of flavors. Plus, the best part? They are super easy to whip up, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s make some laughter-filled memories in the kitchen while baking these Chocolate Kiss Cookies!

Why This Recipe Works

Nothing can quite compare to the perfect combination of soft and chewy texture found in these cookies. Each bite gives you that rich chocolate flavor, thanks to the cocoa powder layered into the dough. Adding the Hershey’s Kisses on top doesn’t just add a sweet touch; their visual appeal is a charming bonus. Plus, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps makes this recipe accessible for everyone, even if you’re just starting in the kitchen. What could be better than whipping up a batch of cookies that are both easy and delicious?

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Kiss Cookies

These Chocolate Kiss Cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges. They stir up feelings of nostalgia, taking you back to childhood days filled with sweet treats. Feel free to customize them! You can swap out Kisses for your favorite chocolate candies or add different ingredients. And guess what? You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. With quick preparation time, you can enjoy more moments with your loved ones while sharing these delightful cookies.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
1/3 cup sugar for rolling

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While it’s warming up, grab your standing mixer and combine the room temperature butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Using the paddle attachment, cream these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes. That’s the key to achieving the right texture!

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, slowly add the egg and egg yolk, along with the vanilla extract, to your creamed mixture. Mix on low until everything is nicely combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go. This ensures you catch every bit of goodness!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your salt, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft. You don’t want any lumps of butter hanging around, so make sure everything mixes smoothly.

Shape the Cookie Dough

Now it’s time to shape your cookie dough! Scoop and roll the dough into approximately 24 balls, each about 1¼ inches in diameter. Then, roll each of these dough balls in the 1/3 cup of sugar. This will give them a lovely sweet crust!

Baking the Cookies

Place and Flatten the Cookie Balls

Arrange the cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart from one another. Use the palm of your hand to gently flatten each ball a little bit; this ensures they’ll bake evenly.

Bake the Cookies

Pop the cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—they’re ready when the edges are lightly browned, and the tops start to crack. The anticipation will be worth it!

Add Hershey’s Kisses

Once the cookies are out of the oven, don’t wait! Immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them sit on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes to cool before transferring them to a cooling rack. This cooling step helps achieve that soft center we all love.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your cookies are ready, how will you serve them? Here are a few ideas:
– Pair them with a cold glass of milk or warm hot chocolate.
– They make a perfect addition to a colorful holiday cookie platter.
– Think about using them in gift boxes or as party favors during festive seasons. Everyone loves homemade goodies!

Tips for Success

To make the best Chocolate Kiss Cookies:
– Ensure your butter is at room temperature for proper creaming.
– Avoid overmixing the dough after you add the dry ingredients; this helps keep that sought-after soft texture.
– For an extra chocolatey kick, toss in some chocolate chips to the dough. Chocolate never hurts!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Consider these fun variations:
– Instead of Hershey’s Kisses, swap in different chocolate candies like Rolos or Caramel Kisses. Who doesn’t love caramel?
– Add crushed nuts into the dough for a bit of crunch.
– Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist.

Storage Tips

Storing these cookies is easy! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you want to prepare ahead, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls. When the craving hits, simply bake fresh cookies whenever you want!

Pairing Ideas

For that perfect treat moment, think about these pairing ideas:
– Enjoy your cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
– They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or espresso, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
– Serve them next to some fresh fruit for a balanced dessert spread!

FAQs

1. Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder?
Absolutely! Unsweetened cocoa powder will work perfectly, giving you a rich chocolate flavor in your cookies.

2. How should I store leftover cookies?
Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll be set.

4. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped nuts can add an interesting flavor and texture to the cookies.

5. How can I make my cookies soft?
To keep them soft, avoid overbaking. The cookies should be set on the edges but still soft in the center when removed from the oven.

These Chocolate Kiss Cookies are more than just delicious treats; they’re a celebration of flavor and emotion packed in each bite. Whether during holidays or as a weekday snack, they bring warmth to any gathering. Embrace this easy recipe, and share these delightful cookies with family and friends to create sweet memories together. Enjoy the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary!