What makes a cookie truly special is the surprise inside, like a melted Hershey Kiss in the center of a soft baked treat. This easy homemade cookie recipe is a family favorite, perfect for a weeknight dinner dessert, featuring simple ingredients like peanut butter and chocolate. Save this idea for your next baking session, it’s a game changer. Try it soon and enjoy the ooey gooey goodness.

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

Introduction

Baking cookies is a timeless delight that brings joy to both the creator and the consumer. Among the myriad of cookie recipes, one stands out for its simplicity, flavor, and creativity: the Hershey Kiss Cookies. Imagine a plate filled with an assortment of cookies, each one a masterpiece in its own right, but one catches your eye – a cookie filled with a Hershey’s Kiss, melding the warmth of baked goods with the richness of chocolate. This recipe is not just about baking; it’s about creating a moment of bliss with everyday ingredients. It’s remarkably easy, requires minimal effort, and the result is nothing short of impressive. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of the cookie dough with the Hershey’s Kiss creates a perfect balance of flavors. The ingredients are easily accessible, making this a go-to recipe for any occasion.
• Ease of preparation: The simplicity of this recipe is part of its charm. It requires basic baking skills and minimal preparation time, making it perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity, the end result is visually appealing and delicious, sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and Hershey’s Kisses. For practical substitutions, you can use margarine instead of butter and adjust the type of sugar to your taste. However, the Hershey’s Kisses are a crucial element and should not be substituted for the best results.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. 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. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
4. Step 4: Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you’re in a hurry, you can soften it in the microwave in 10-second increments, checking until it’s ready.
• Don’t overbake. The cookies should be lightly golden and still slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
• Experiment with different types of Hershey’s Kisses for varying flavors. For example, mint or almond can add a fun twist to the classic recipe.

Heat Control

For this recipe, maintaining the right oven temperature is crucial. Ensure your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C) before baking. The baking time will depend on your oven’s accuracy and the size of your cookies, but as a general rule, bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of underbaking than overbaking, as the cookies will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.

Crunch Factor

The texture of these cookies is part of their charm. The edges should be lightly crispy, while the centers remain soft, especially with the melty Hershey’s Kiss. To achieve this, don’t overbake, and consider taking the cookies out of the oven when they’re still slightly underdone, as they will firm up a bit as they cool. The immediate pressing of the Hershey’s Kiss into the warm cookie also helps in achieving a delicious, gooey center.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a more golden brown cookie, brush the tops with a little bit of egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) before baking.
• Chill the dough for a longer time if you want a more pronounced flavor and better texture. Overnight chilling can make a significant difference.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent cookies from spreading too much.

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 at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
• For reheating, a few seconds in the microwave can restore the cookies to their fresh-baked warmth and softness. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the cookies hard.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These cookies make a wonderful gift, especially during the holidays or for special occasions. Consider packaging them in decorative jars, tin cans, or even gift boxes. You can wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or cellophane bags and then place them in your chosen container. Add a ribbon or a gift tag with a personal message for a thoughtful touch. For a more rustic look, use burlap bags or paper cones filled with the cookies and tie with a twine.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist.
• Creative toppings: Before baking, sprinkle the tops with sea salt, chopped nuts, or even candy pieces for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Use peanut butter cups or other chocolate candies instead of Hershey’s Kisses for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cookies turn out too hard, they might have been overbaked. If they’re too soft, they might not have been baked long enough or the dough could have been too warm.
• Ingredient replacements: While some ingredients can be substituted, be cautious with replacements, especially with the Hershey’s Kisses, as they are a key component of the recipe.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cookies during the baking time. If the edges start to darken too quickly, they might be overcooking. Conversely, if they don’t show any signs of browning after the recommended baking time, they might need a bit more time in the oven.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. Freezing the dough allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever you want, while freezing the baked cookies is great for storing them for a longer period.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe includes all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours, though the result might slightly differ in texture and taste.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe if you’re planning to make a large batch. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and space in your oven.

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably special about baking cookies, and filling them with a Hershey’s Kiss adds an extra layer of magic. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or as a gift for someone else, these cookies are sure to bring a smile. Feel free to experiment with the recipe, try out different variations, and make it your own. The joy of baking lies not just in the end result but in the process itself, so enjoy every moment of it, and happy baking!