Chocolate Hershey Kiss Cookies

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the kitchen.

The warmth, the nostalgia, and of course, the promise of something sweet. But when it’s Chocolate Hershey Kiss Cookies, the experience feels extra special. 

These aren’t just cookies — they’re little bundles of joy topped with a perfect, shiny Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie. Whether it’s the holiday season, a bake sale, or a simple afternoon craving, this recipe will hit the spot every single time.

But don’t be fooled by their fancy appearance — these chocolate blossom cookies are shockingly simple to make. With just a handful of dry ingredients and a few wet ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard without actually breaking a sweat. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step (and a few pro tips) to ensure your cookies are soft, rich, and perfect every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, these easy cookies are ideal for last-minute sweet cravings.
• Minimal Ingredients: No fancy shopping list here — just a box of chocolate cake mix, butter, eggs, and, of course, Hershey’s Kisses.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From Christmas cookies to Valentine’s Day treats, these cookies are crowd-pleasers that belong on every holiday cookie tray.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of chocolate cake mix and a Hershey’s Kiss creates a chocolate lover’s dream.
• Fun for the Family: Rolling the dough and adding the candy kiss on top is the kind of kitchen activity kids (and adults) love.

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The Story Behind Hershey Kiss Cookies

The classic peanut butter blossom cookies have been around for decades, but chocolate lovers needed a version of their own. Thus, Chocolate Hershey Kiss Cookies were born — and oh, what a brilliant idea it was. These cookies took the same concept of a soft, round cookie topped with a candy kiss but swapped out peanut butter for chocolate. The result? A rich chocolate flavor paired with the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of Hershey’s Kisses. It’s a dessert combo that has since become a holiday staple.

Many families now consider these cookies essential on a Christmas cookie platter or at holiday cookie swaps. Their visual appeal, with that glossy kiss perched in the middle of each cookie, makes them a centerpiece dessert. But don’t be fooled — these beauties aren’t just for the holiday season. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, bake sales, potlucks, and any day that calls for chocolate.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl (large bowl): Essential for blending all the dry and wet ingredients.
• Small bowl (separate bowl): Ideal for melting butter or prepping sprinkles/sugar.
• Cookie scoop: For evenly sized cookie dough balls.
• Prepared baking sheet: Use parchment paper for an easy cleanup or go classic with an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Cooling rack: Ensures your cookies cool evenly without getting soggy bottoms.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Chocolate Cake Mix: Acts as the “dry ingredients” base for the dough. It’s what gives these cookies their deep rich chocolate flavor.
• Butter: Use melted unsalted butter for the best consistency and flavor.
• Eggs: These help bind the cookie dough balls together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth and depth.
• Sprinkles or Sugar: Coating each dough ball creates a little crunch on the outside. For this recipe I used Christmas Mix Nonpareils.
• Hershey’s Kisses: The literal “cherry on top,” or rather, the “chocolate on top” in the middle of each cookie.

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How to Make Chocolate Hershey Kiss Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.

2. Prepare the Hershey Kisses

Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses and set them aside in a bowl for easy grabbing. Trust me, you’ll want them ready to go once the cookies come out of the oven.

3. Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the following:

• Chocolate cake mix (the dry ingredients)
• Melted butter (part of the butter mixture)
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Mix everything until a soft dough forms. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

4. Shape and Coat the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or teaspoon to portion the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then coat it in sugar or sprinkles.

5. Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie dough balls on a prepared baking sheet (use parchment paper if you want easy cleanup). Bake for 9–10 minutes.

6. Add the Hershey Kisses

Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. They’ll soften, so be gentle.

7. Cool and Set

Let them cool for a few minutes on the prepared baking sheet, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

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Chef Secrets & Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temp butter and eggs blend better, making the dough more uniform.
• Work Quickly: The moment the cookies come out, press that candy kiss in while the cookie is still warm.
• Perfect Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop to get uniform balls for even baking.
• Don't Overbake: They may look soft when they come out, but they’ll firm up on the cooling rack.
• Pro Tip: Add crushed candy cane for a holiday twist, or use flavored Hershey’s Kisses for variety.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these decadent cookies alongside a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. Want to go big? Pair them with chocolate-dipped strawberries for a Valentine’s Day treat. These look stunning on holiday cookie trays!

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Commonly Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze the cookie dough balls (before coating them in sugar) on a wax paper-lined tray. Once firm, transfer to a bag.

2. Can I use unsalted butter?
Absolutely. It gives you more control over the salt level.

3. Can I use different flavored kisses?
Yes! Try caramel, mint, or even cookies-and-cream Hershey’s Kisses.

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Storage Tips

• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a wax paper-lined sheet before placing them in a bag.

These Hershey’s Kiss Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgia, simplicity, and irresistible chocolatey goodness. Every bite delivers that soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture with the silky smoothness of a Hershey’s Kiss nestled in the middle of each cookie. 

Whether you’re making them for the holiday season, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these cookies will make your kitchen smell like chocolate heaven. So roll up your sleeves, grab a large bowl, and let's bake!

Enjoy every gooey, chocolatey, sweet moment! 

More Holiday Favorites

Candied Cranberries: Sweet, tart, and sparkling with sugar, these glossy candied cranberries are a stunning garnish or a poppable holiday snack.

Ginger Molasses Cookies: Soft, chewy, and spiced to perfection, these classic cookies bring the warm, nostalgic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses to every bite.

Pumpkin Dump Cake: All the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie in an easy-to-make cake. With a buttery, crunchy topping and spiced pumpkin base, it’s an effortless fall favorite.

Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies: These cookies are delightfully crisp and buttery, with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture reminiscent of a classic old-fashioned sandie.

Sticky Toffee Pudding: Rich, moist sponge cake soaked in buttery toffee sauce for a decadent British dessert that melts in your mouth with every warm, gooey bite.

Symphony Brownies: Fudgy, chocolatey brownies layered with Symphony chocolate bars for an ultra-decadent twist on the classic brownie — every square is pure indulgence.