Hershey Kiss Cookies

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the aroma of warm cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? For me, nothing brings back sweet childhood memories quite like the delightful confection that is the Hershey Kiss Cookie. Each baked treat carries with it a little pop of chocolate at its center, wrapped in a soft, buttery exterior that’s impossible to resist. I remember the first time I made these cookies with my grandmother. We would spend lazy weekends mixing and melting, the delightful clang of the mixing bowl punctuating our laughter. Today, I find myself in my own kitchen making these cookies—recapturing that feeling of joy, one bite at a time.

## Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 15 minutes
• Active Cooking: 12 minutes
• Total Duration: 27 minutes
• Portion Size: About 24 cookies
• Complexity: Simple

## Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: 130
• Protein: 2 grams
• Carbs: 18 grams
• Fats: 7 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sugars: 9 grams
• Sodium: 85 mg

## Why You’ll Love This Hershey Kiss Cookies

There’s something magical about the combination of textures in Hershey Kiss Cookies—the way the rich chocolate kiss melts ever so slightly when pressed into the soft, chewy cookie base is simply divine. Each cookie seems to tell a story, combining the sweetness of the sugars with the rich, creamy undertones of butter. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy family gathering or a friendly cookie swap, and believe me, they’re always a hit!

## The Complete Cooking Journey

Imagine starting your day by enveloping your kitchen in the warm scent of baking cookies. It all begins with softening your butter, a crucial step that contributes to the cookies’ chewy texture. The ensuing mixing and rolling of the dough are methods that awaken your childhood with each delightful swirl. As the cookies bake, anticipation builds until the moment you punctuate each soft sphere with a Hershey’s Kiss. These are not just cookies; they are memories made tangible, little gifts of love that you get to share with others.

## Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

## Method:

### Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to start the baking process; you’ll want a warm welcoming space for your cookies.

### Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This step is essential as it creates a fluffy base for your cookies.

### Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is well incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract to bring warmth and a fragrant sweetness to the mix.

### Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this mixture into the creamed mixture until just combined, avoiding over-mixing.

### Step 5: Prepare the Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into small balls, about an inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet. Leave some space between each ball, as they’ll spread while baking.

### Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers still look soft. The magic begins here as your kitchen fills with delicious aromas.

### Step 7: Add the Hershey’s Kiss

Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss onto the center of each cookie right after removing them from the oven. Watch as the chocolate slightly melts into the cookie—a sweet reward for your hard work!

### Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience will pay off as you prepare to taste the delightful treats.

## Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Hershey Kiss Cookies are perfect on their own, or you can elevate your dessert table by pairing them with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa. Imagine a cozy winter evening, a plate of these cookies in hand, with just a touch of peppermint added for a festive twist—definitely a holiday favorite!

## Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store your Hershey Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Want them to stay fresher for longer? Freeze the baked cookies with the kisses for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them back up!

## Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

1. Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is softened for a creamy mixture that helps the cookies rise perfectly.
2. Chill Your Dough: If you find your cookies spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
3. Stop Overbaking: Pull them out when they still look slightly underbaked; they’ll firm up while cooling to perfection.
4. Customize Your Kisses: Swap out regular Hershey’s Kisses for flavored ones—like caramel-filled for an extra treat!

## Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Don’t hesitate to switch things up! For a nutty twist, incorporate chopped nuts into the dough. Prefer a chocolate explosion? Fold in some chocolate chips alongside the kisses. For a seasonal variation, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for the holidays!

## Reader Questions & Solutions

1. What do I do if my cookies spread too much?

   • Try chilling the dough before baking or using a little extra flour in the mix.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

   • Yes, but the flavor and texture may vary. Always use a stick margarine for best results.

3. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

   • You can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar plus a tablespoon of molasses.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

   • The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers will look slightly undercooked.

5. Can I make this dough in advance?

   • Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and freeze it. Just thaw and then proceed with baking when you’re ready.

## Wrapping Up

Baking these Hershey Kiss Cookies is not just about the ingredients or the process; it’s about creating a moment, weaving memories, and sharing sweetness with those around you. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookies will surely become a cherished part of your baking repertoire. So gather your loved ones, get mixing, and indulge in the joy that is homemade cookies. Happy baking!

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