What makes a cookie truly special – is it the surprise inside? These easy homemade treats feature a Hershey Kiss center, adding an extra layer of chocolatey goodness to each bite, perfect for a family favorite weeknight dessert, save this idea

there are several cookies on the plate and one is filled with hershey kiss cookies

Introduction

Imagine a plate filled with an assortment of delicious cookies, each one a masterpiece of flavor and texture, and among them, a special gem: a cookie filled with the unmistakable delight of a Hershey’s Kiss. This treat is not just a cookie, but an experience that combines the warmth of freshly baked goods with the richness of chocolate. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients and some simple steps. This recipe is perfect for those looking to impress with minimal effort, making it a great choice for gatherings, gifts, or just a sweet surprise for the family.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of a soft-baked cookie and the melty, chocolatey center of a Hershey’s Kiss creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that is hard to resist. Plus, the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making it accessible to everyone.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive outcome, this recipe requires minimal preparation time and effort. The dough comes together quickly, and the baking time is short, making it a great option for a last-minute dessert or snack.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The presentation of these cookies, especially when they’re fresh out of the oven and the chocolate is still melty, is sure to impress. They look like they came from a professional bakery, but the secret is how simple they are to make.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for these delightful cookies include all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and of course, Hershey’s Kisses. For the cookie dough, you can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. If you choose to use salted butter, you might want to omit or reduce the amount of salt called for in the recipe. Additionally, having some parchment paper on hand for lining your baking sheets will make the baking and cleanup process much easier.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
4. Step 4: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will melt the chocolate slightly, creating a delicious pocket of chocolate in the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overbake the cookies, as this can cause them to become too hard and less likely to retain the Hershey’s Kiss nicely. A slightly underbaked cookie will yield a better texture when cooled.
• If you find that your cookies are spreading too much, try refrigerating the dough for a longer period or adding a little more flour to the dough.
• Experiment with different types of Hershey’s Kisses for varying flavors. For example, you could use Hugs for a peanut butter and chocolate combination or Special Dark Kisses for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking these cookies is 375°F (190°C), and the baking time should be around 10-12 minutes. It’s crucial to keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking, as the perfect doneness can quickly turn into overcooking. Look for the edges to be lightly golden; this is a good sign that the cookies are done. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook a bit after they’re removed from the oven, so it’s better to err on the side of undercooking than overcooking.

Crunch Factor

The texture of these cookies is soft and chewy on the inside, with a slight crispiness on the edges. The key to achieving this texture is not to overbake them. The moment you press the Hershey’s Kiss into the warm cookie, the chocolate starts to melt, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. To enhance the crunch factor, you could also sprinkle some chopped nuts or sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an extra crispy exterior and chewy interior, try chilling the cookie dough balls in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before baking. This trick, known as “flash freezing,” helps the cookies to retain their shape better and bake up with a nicer texture.
• Invest in a cookie scoop to ensure your cookies are all uniform in size. This not only makes the baking process more efficient but also ensures that all the cookies bake evenly.
• To make cleanup easier, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This way, you can simply throw away the parchment paper or wipe down the mat after baking, saving you time and effort.

Storage Tips

• These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you won’t be consuming them within this timeframe, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave the cookies at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
• For gifting, consider packaging the cookies in decorative jars or bags and tying them with a ribbon. You could also include a few extra Hershey’s Kisses on the side for an added touch.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These cookies make perfect gifts for friends, family, or coworkers. Consider packaging them in decorative tins, jars, or bags. Adding a personal touch, such as a handwritten note or a ribbon, can make the gift even more special. If you’re gifting them during the holidays, you could package them in holiday-themed containers or bags for an extra festive touch. Don’t forget to include a few extra Hershey’s Kisses for the recipient to enjoy on their own.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• Creative toppings: Before baking, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even candy pieces for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Experiment with different types of sugar, like brown sugar or turbinado sugar, for a deeper flavor. You could also substitute the butter with coconut oil or another dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cookies turn out too hard, it might be because they were overbaked. Try reducing the baking time in your next batch. Conversely, if they’re too soft, they might have been underbaked or the dough might have been too warm, causing them to spread too much.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a particular ingredient, don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions. For example, if you don’t have brown sugar, you could make a substitute by mixing white sugar with a bit of molasses.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cookies during the baking time. If the edges start to darken too quickly, it might be a sign that your oven is running hot, and you should adjust the baking time accordingly.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, these cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as stated contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to make a gluten-free version. Note that gluten-free baking can be more unpredictable, and you might need to adjust the ratio of flours and add some xanthan gum to help with texture.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe if you’re planning to make a large batch of cookies. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re baking more cookies at once, as the baking sheet will be more crowded.

Conclusion

Making cookies filled with Hershey’s Kisses is a fun and rewarding baking project that’s sure to delight both kids and adults. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and special. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a few, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, get baking, and share the joy of these chocolate-filled treats with those around you!