Kiss Cookies Recipe: Fun and Easy Holiday Cookies
There’s something magical about baking cookies with family, especially when the recipe is as fun and versatile as this Kiss Cookies recipe! My daughter and I love making these colorful treats and experimenting with different variations.
The best part? You can customize these cookies with flavored Hershey’s Kisses, extracts, and sprinkles to match any occasion. In the photo, we used green sprinkles for milk chocolate kisses with vanilla extract, rainbow sprinkles for dark chocolate kisses, and yellow sprinkles for almond kisses with almond extract.
These cookies are as festive as they are delicious, and they’re sure to be the star of your holiday baking lineup!
Ingredients for Kiss Cookies Recipe
Cookie Dough:
- 48 Hershey’s Kisses (any flavor, unwrapped)
- ½ cup butter or margarine (1 stick), softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (or your favorite extract)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons milk
For Rolling:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar, colored sugar crystals, or powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Kisses and Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Unwrap all 48 Hershey’s Kisses and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until the dough comes together.
2. Shape and Roll the Cookies:
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar, colored sugar crystals, or powdered sugar.
- Place the coated balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
3. Bake the Cookies and Add the Kisses:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the cookies are set.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for 2–3 minutes.
- While the cookies are still warm, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Customizing Your Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Flavored Kisses: Try caramel, peppermint, or almond-flavored Hershey’s Kisses.
- Extract Swaps: Substitute almond, peppermint, or coconut extract for vanilla to enhance the flavor.
- Themed Sprinkles: Match your sprinkles to the season—red and green for Christmas, pink and red for Valentine’s Day, or pastels for springtime.
- Powdered Sugar: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar for a more traditional look.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookies (without the kisses) for up to 3 months. Add the kisses after defrosting.
Conclusion: A Festive Favorite
This Kiss Cookies recipe is perfect for bringing a little joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking with family or prepping for a party, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. The colorful sprinkles, rich chocolate centers, and endless customization options make them as fun to make as they are to eat.
Grab your favorite sprinkles and kisses, and start baking these delightful cookies today!
