Looking for the perfect treat to add a festive touch to your holiday celebrations? Christmas Kiss Cookies are a timeless classic that combines rich chocolate flavor, a delightful crunch of sprinkles, and the sweet surprise of a Hershey’s Kiss in the center. These cookies are not just delicious; they’re fun to make and guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake some magic this Christmas!
Recipe Overview :
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Servings: 25 cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
- 3/4 cup nonpareil sprinkles
- 25 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. Substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Milk: Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth (about 1 minute). Add granulated sugar and continue beating for 2 minutes until fluffy and well-creamed.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on high speed until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until a dough forms.
6. Shape and Coat
Pour the sprinkles into a shallow bowl. Scoop about 3 teaspoons of dough per cookie, roll into balls, and coat each ball thoroughly with sprinkles. Place on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
7. Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set but still soft.
8. Add the Hershey’s Kiss
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into 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.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Chill the Dough: For perfectly shaped cookies, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Flavor Twist: Use peppermint-flavored Hershey’s Kisses for a festive minty touch.
- Sprinkle Creativity: Experiment with red, green, or gold sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Dietary Labels: Vegetarian
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Enjoy cookies as-is or warm them slightly in the microwave for 5-7 seconds.
FAQ
1. Can I use dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a rich and slightly less sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the cocoa cookie base.
2. How do I prevent the Hershey’s Kisses from melting?
Press the kisses into the cookies immediately after baking and let them cool undisturbed. They’ll hold their shape perfectly.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
4. Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids will love rolling the dough balls in sprinkles and pressing the chocolate kisses on top.
Enjoy the warmth of Christmas with these delightful Christmas Kiss Cookies. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging yourself—because everyone deserves a little sweetness this holiday season! 🎅🍪
Print Christmas Kiss Cookies: A Sweet Holiday Delight
Looking for the perfect treat to add a festive touch to your holiday celebrations? Christmas Kiss Cookies are a timeless classic that combines rich chocolate flavor, a delightful crunch of sprinkles, and the sweet surprise of a Hershey’s Kiss in the center. These cookies are not just delicious; they’re fun to make and guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake some magic this Christmas!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients :
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients :
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration :
- 3/4 cup nonpareil sprinkles
- 25 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions :
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. Substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Cocoa Powder: Opt for Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Milk: Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth (about 1 minute). Add granulated sugar and continue beating for 2 minutes until fluffy and well-creamed.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on high speed until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until a dough forms.
6. Shape and Coat
Pour the sprinkles into a shallow bowl. Scoop about 3 teaspoons of dough per cookie, roll into balls, and coat each ball thoroughly with sprinkles. Place on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
7. Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set but still soft.
8. Add the Hershey’s Kiss
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into 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.
Hi there, I’m Chef Lisa, a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating delicious dishes that bring people together. With years of experience in the kitchen, I’ve honed my skills and developed a unique style that blends classic techniques with modern flavors. Whether I’m experimenting with new ingredients or putting a twist on a traditional recipe, my goal is always to create something that is both delicious and memorable. I’m excited to share my love of cooking with you and can’t wait to see what we’ll create together!
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