These melt-in-your-mouth chocolate kiss cookies are the perfect treat for any holiday gathering. With a soft, chewy texture and a rich, chocolaty flavor, each cookie is topped with a sweet Hershey’s Kiss for an extra indulgent touch. Whether you’re baking for a family event or simply craving a sweet bite, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 24 chocolate kisses (unwrapped)
Directions:
-
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the extra sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Remove from the oven and gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 120 kcal per cookie Servings: 24 cookies
Chocolate Kiss Cookies: A Sweet, Melty Treat for Any Occasion
Chocolate Kiss Cookies are the ultimate combination of a chewy, cocoa-flavored cookie and a smooth, melty chocolate center. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or just a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee. They’re easy to make, and the addition of a chocolate kiss in the center adds a touch of festive charm.
History and Origin of Chocolate Kiss Cookies:
Chocolate Kiss Cookies have a special place in American baking traditions, particularly around the holidays. These cookies are believed to have originated in the 1950s, inspired by the classic Hershey’s Kiss chocolates. Over the years, they’ve become a beloved cookie that is often associated with Christmas, but their versatility makes them a year-round favorite. The chocolate kiss in the center of the cookie is not just for decoration—it’s the perfect touch that melts into the cookie as it bakes, creating a rich, gooey surprise with every bite.
Ingredients for Chocolate Kiss Cookies:
This recipe calls for simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand. The key ingredients that make these cookies extra delicious are the cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor and the Hershey’s Kisses, which provide a smooth and creamy center that contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cookie.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the cookies their deep, chocolate flavor.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them their soft texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the texture.
- Unsalted Butter: For richness and a tender, chewy texture.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a hint of warmth.
- Hershey’s Kisses: The signature feature of this cookie. Choose from classic milk chocolate or a variety of flavored Kisses like caramel or peanut butter for a fun twist!
Directions:
This is a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment. You can easily make these cookies in your kitchen with basic tools like a bowl, a whisk, and a baking sheet. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for ensuring the cookies bake evenly.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which helps create a soft texture.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
- Roll and Coat: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in the extra sugar. This creates a sugary crust around the cookie, giving it a nice texture once baked.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls on a prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
- Add the Chocolate Kisses: As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will cause the chocolate to melt slightly, creating a gooey, indulgent center.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up and the chocolate to set.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Kiss Cookies:
- Use room temperature butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is soft before you start creaming it with the sugar. Cold butter will create a denser dough.
- Don’t overbake: These cookies bake quickly, so be sure to check them around the 8-minute mark. Overbaking will result in dry cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture we’re aiming for.
- Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and can prevent them from spreading too much.
- Try different Hershey’s Kisses: Experiment with different varieties of Hershey’s Kisses for a new twist. Almond Kisses, caramel-filled, or even the mint-flavored Kisses all make delicious alternatives!
Nutrition Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 150 calories per cookie (depending on size and chocolate type)
- Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
Why You’ll Love These Cookies:
- They’re easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients.
- The cookies stay soft and chewy, with a rich, chocolate flavor.
- The Hershey’s Kiss in the center adds a fun, delicious surprise that everyone loves.
- These cookies are perfect for gift-giving, holidays, or simply enjoying with family and friends.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving a sweet treat, Chocolate Kiss Cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
Conclusion:
Chocolate Kiss Cookies are a timeless classic that combines simple ingredients with irresistible flavors. The combination of rich cocoa in the cookie dough and the smooth chocolate kiss in the center creates the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a treat, these cookies are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth. Plus, they’re easy to make and fun to share, making them a great choice for gatherings, family celebrations, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Try making these melt-in-your-mouth cookies today, and you’ll see why they’re loved by so many. Don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container—though they’re likely to disappear quickly! Enjoy the deliciousness, and happy baking!