Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Kiss Cookies are incredibly easy to make yet deliver a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The combination of buttery, slightly sweet cookies with the irresistible milk chocolate center creates a perfect balance of flavor. They’re ideal for holiday cookie exchanges, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of milk. The best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, especially with the surprise chocolate kiss waiting inside each bite.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1 cup milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional)
24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add the milk: Stir in the milk until the dough comes together. If you’re using chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, fold them in at this point.
Shape the dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake, as you want them to remain soft.
Press in the Kisses: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, gently pressing down so it sticks. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve: Once the cookies are completely cooled, enjoy them with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes

Variations

Nutty addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Flavored dough: Spice things up by adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to the dough for a unique twist.
Different Kisses: Experiment with different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, such as caramel-filled, almond, or even peppermint Kisses for a fun, seasonal variation.
Dark chocolate: If you prefer a less sweet option, try using dark chocolate Kisses instead of milk chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay soft and fresh for several days.
Freezing: You can freeze the dough by rolling it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds, or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to warm them up.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without Hershey’s Kisses?

Yes! You can substitute Hershey’s Kisses with other chocolates such as chocolate chunks, chocolate chips, or even caramel-filled chocolates for a different flavor.

2. How do I keep the Kisses from melting too much?

The key is to press the Hershey’s Kisses into the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. The residual heat will soften the chocolate but won’t melt it entirely, preserving its shape.

3. Can I use any other type of chocolate?

Definitely! You can use any chocolate you prefer, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter cups for a twist.

4. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready to enjoy them. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough as described above.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, as this will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. You can also try using a slightly cooler oven.

6. Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes! You can experiment with different sugars, such as coconut sugar or brown sugar, depending on your preference. However, this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.

7. Can I make these cookies without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

8. How can I make these cookies more festive?

For a holiday twist, sprinkle the cookies with festive-colored sugar, or drizzle them with melted white or dark chocolate once they’ve cooled.

9. Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or a pinch of sea salt for a unique flavor profile.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you need to make more cookies. Just be sure to adjust your baking time if you’re baking multiple trays at once.

Conclusion

Chocolate Kiss Cookies are a classic treat that combines the perfect balance of chewy cookies and a rich, milk chocolate center. They’re simple to make, and the results are always delightful, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special event, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

Chocolate Kiss Cookies