Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

Name: Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 container white sanding sugar; 1 bag chocolate-striped Hershey Kisses

By:

Thomas

Published:

November 26, 2025

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Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic holiday favorite. If you love the aroma of warm spices and the taste of chocolate, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Imagine the cozy feeling as the scent of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg fills your home while these delightful cookies bake. Not only are they scrumptious, but they also add a fun touch to your holiday celebrations. The combination of soft gingerbread and a melting chocolate kiss on top creates a sweet treat that’s simply irresistible. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on creating these delicious Gingerbread Kiss Cookies together!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines because it combines flavors that capture the essence of holiday baking. The warm spices—like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg—create a comforting aroma and taste that feels festive. By using butter and brown sugar, the cookies turn out rich and moist, offering depth in every bite. The soft gingerbread pairs beautifully with the chocolate kiss, providing a delightful contrast in texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

You’ll find these cookies perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy family night. They’ve got that festive flair, making them a crowd-pleaser and a treat you can make alongside your loved ones. Plus, they’re easy to whip up. With straightforward ingredients and techniques, you’ll have a batch of these adorable cookies ready in no time. It’s a festive treat that’s not just delicious but also brings smiles to everyone who gets a taste!

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 container white sanding sugar
1 bag chocolate-striped Hershey Kisses

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Prepare the Dry Mixture

To kick off the baking process, grab a large bowl. In it, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly combined, as this will ensure a balanced flavor in your cookies. The spices are what make these cookies stand out, so take your time to mix them well.

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Beat Together Brown Sugar and Butter

In a separate bowl (or use a stand mixer if you have one), beat the softened butter and brown sugar together. Keep mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming these two ingredients properly is crucial as it helps to create a lovely texture in your cookies.

Adding Egg and Molasses

Incorporate Egg and Molasses

Now it’s time to add some moisture to your mixture! Toss in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well until it’s fully combined. As you blend, you’ll notice the dough becoming richer and darker, reflecting the wonderful flavors waiting to burst forth.

Combining Ingredients

Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

As the next step, slowly add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. It’s essential to mix just until everything is combined; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. The dough should feel manageable and a little sticky but still hold together nicely.

Rolling the Cookies

Prepare for Baking

Before you start rolling the cookies, pour the sanding sugar into a bowl. This sugar will give your cookies a sweet and sparkling finish. Take small portions of the dough—about a tablespoon each—and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in the sanding sugar until fully coated. This adds a lovely sweetness and beautiful texture to your cookies.

Baking the Cookies

Bake the Cookies

Now, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on lined baking sheets, making sure to space them apart. Bake them for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them set but still soft in the center when they come out. This gives them that perfect chewy texture that everyone loves.

Adding the Chocolate Kisses

Top with Hershey Kisses

After taking the cookies out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 2-3 minutes. Then, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie before they cool completely. The warm cookie will help melt the chocolate slightly, creating a deliciously melty center that makes these cookies oh-so-good!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Gingerbread Kiss Cookies with steaming hot cocoa or a glass of spiced apple cider for an extra festive touch.
They’re also fantastic on dessert trays for holiday parties or as delightful gifts to share with friends and family. Just imagine the smiles they’ll bring!

Tips for Success

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, make sure the butter is softened properly for the best mixing results. Another essential tip is not to overbake the cookies; they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheets. This is the key to that soft, chewy center we all crave!

Variations

Feel free to play with the recipe! You could substitute chocolate kisses with caramel-filled candies for a different twist. If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts to the dough for added richness and texture.

Storage Tips

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze unbaked dough for up to three months. Just roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a container and bake when needed.

Pairing Ideas

For an indulgent dessert, you can pair these cookies with vanilla ice cream. Just imagine biting into a warm cookie while creamy ice cream melts on top—heavenly! Alternatively, enjoy them with a dollop of whipped cream for a fun twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes, dark brown sugar will add a deeper flavor to your cookies.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are set but still soft in the center.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.

5. Can I skip the sanding sugar?
While the sanding sugar adds sweetness and texture, you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet cookie.

This Gingerbread Kiss Cookies recipe brings joy and warmth to your kitchen, enveloping you in the delightful aroma of ginger and spice. Each bite offers a cozy reminder of festive cheer, making these cookies perfect for gatherings or quiet nights at home. The soft gingerbread with the chocolate kiss is a match made in holiday heaven. Enjoy baking and sharing this cherished treat!