Name: Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup white granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 egg, room temperature; 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 20-24 Hershey chocolate kisses; 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar (for rolling)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 44 reviews

If you are looking for a cookie that perfectly blends rich chocolate flavor with a delightfully soft texture, then the Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These charming treats pair the fudgy goodness of cocoa with the iconic Hershey’s Kiss nestled right in the center, making every bite a nostalgic celebration. Whether you are sharing them at a holiday gathering or craving a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe delivers a simple yet irresistible way to satisfy your chocolate cravings with that classic homemade feel.

Ingredients You’ll Need

An overhead view shows small clear glass bowls and cups arranged on a dark brown wooden surface, each filled with different baking ingredients. There are two large bowls filled with fine white flour, two small bowls with white powders like baking soda and salt, a medium bowl with rich brown cocoa powder, a medium bowl of cubed yellow butter, and two small bowls containing cracked raw eggs with bright orange yolks. A tiny bowl holds dark amber vanilla extract. Around the bowls, silver-wrapped chocolates with blue and white labels are scattered, adding a shiny metallic contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients for this Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each element plays a crucial role, from creating the cookie’s tender crumb to giving it that deep, chocolatey complexity and signature sweet crunch on top.

1 cup white granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that perfect lightly crisp outside.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and tenderness to every bite.
1 egg (room temperature): Acts as a binder and adds moisture for a chewy texture.
1 egg yolk (room temperature): Adds extra richness and helps the cookies stay soft.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor, giving the cookie a warm, inviting aroma.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation, giving structure without being too dense.
1/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened): Adds a deep chocolate flavor that balances sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without spreading too thin.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate notes and balances the sweetness.
20-24 chocolate kisses: The star of the show, placed right at the center for indulgence.
2 tablespoons white granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a slightly crunchy coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft center.

How to Make Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Sugar and Butter

Begin by beating the white granulated sugar and unsalted butter together at medium speed until the mixture transforms into a light and fluffy cream. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in cloud-like soft cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat everything together until combined, making sure to periodically scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. This ensures a perfectly uniform dough, which helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This preparation distributes the leavening agent and cocoa evenly, preventing any lumps and ensuring that each cookie delivers a rich chocolate burst.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, beating on low speed until everything is just combined. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see a cohesive dough forming.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, which means your cookies won’t spread too thin during baking and will hold their soft, chewy texture perfectly.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare for Baking

When you’re ready to bake, set your oven to 350 degrees F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step helps your cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.

Step 7: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies

Divide the dough into 20-24 balls, each about an inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the extra white sugar to give your cookies a pretty, crunchy outer layer. Place each sugared ball on the baking sheet with about 2 inches between them, so they have room to spread without merging.

Step 8: Bake Till Slightly Browned

Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll want to catch them when the edges are just starting to brown, signaling that they are perfectly baked but still soft and tender inside.

Step 9: Add the Hershey Kisses

Immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Do this while they’re still warm so the chocolate melts slightly and adheres nicely without losing shape.

Step 10: Cool on Rack

Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely. This final resting helps the chocolate set up beautifully, turning these cookies into a perfect chocolate masterpiece.

How to Serve Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe

The image shows close-up chocolate thumbprint cookies covered in coarse white sugar crystals, each with a smooth, glossy chocolate kiss candy placed in the center indentation. The cookies have a dark brown, slightly rough texture from the sugar, and they are arranged on a white marbled surface. The cookies appear soft and round, with slight cracks around the edges of the chocolate center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic look of these cookies is stunning on its own, you can sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar or a tiny drizzle of white chocolate on top for a festive touch. Shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts around the base of the Hershey Kiss can also add interesting texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

The rich chocolate and buttery base make these cookies perfect with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For a party, set out a platter with fresh berries or a bowl of vanilla ice cream to complement the deep chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can elevate your Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe to new heights, especially for gifting or parties. Arrange them in a festive tin or wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon. Stack them with parchment paper in between for neat cookie towers, or serve them on a rustic wooden board alongside other chocolate treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hershey Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the soft texture intact and prevents the chocolate center from drying out or melting too much.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies after baking and cooling by placing them in a tightly sealed freezer container or bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving or reheating.

Reheating

When you want to enjoy these cookies warm again, simply microwave one or two for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that gooey chocolate center and soften the cookie for a freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate or another type of chocolate instead of Hershey Kisses?

Absolutely! While traditional Hershey Kisses give these cookies their iconic charm, you can substitute with any bite-sized chocolate or even caramel candies for a twist on the original.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough for at least an hour is key to preventing spreading. Also, be sure to space the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart to allow room for expansion.

What if I don’t have cocoa powder? Can I use melted chocolate?

While cocoa powder provides that intense chocolate flavor without added fat, you can substitute with melted unsweetened or bittersweet chocolate. Just reduce the butter slightly to compensate for the extra fat in melted chocolate.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are also labeled gluten-free.

Is it okay to chill the dough overnight?

Definitely. In fact, chilling the dough overnight can deepen the flavors and improve the texture, making your Hershey Kiss Cookies even more delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipe is a true comfort dessert that’s simple enough for weeknight baking yet special enough for celebrations. Its perfect balance of soft, chewy cookie and gooey chocolate kiss melts hearts every time. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these irresistible chocolate gems. You will be so glad you did!