Description
Delight in these classic Hershey Kiss Cookies, featuring a rich chocolate dough rolled in sugar and topped with a melted chocolate kiss. Perfectly soft with a hint of cocoa and a sweet surprise in the center, these cookies are a beloved treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
Topping
- 20-24 Hershey chocolate kisses
- 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of sugar with the unsalted butter using a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring to evenly distribute.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in small portions, beating continuously until the dough is fully blended and smooth.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Form Dough Balls and Sugar Roll: Divide the chilled dough into 20-24 equal portions, roughly 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to coat evenly and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned but the centers remain soft.
- Top with Hershey Kisses: Remove cookies from the oven, let them cool for 2-3 minutes so they’re still warm but not hot, then gently press one Hershey chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
- Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool entirely, enabling the chocolate kiss to set while the cookie solidifies to the perfect texture for enjoying.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature to create a smooth dough.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft with a chewy center.
- Refrigerating the dough is crucial for controlling the cookie spread and enhancing flavor.
- You may substitute Hershey’s Kisses with any individually wrapped chocolate candies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
