Name: Hershey's Hugs and Kisses Cookies for Joyful Holiday Baking
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (Softened); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 4 large Egg Yolks; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or almond extract); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder (High-quality recommended); 1/4 cup Sanding Sugar (or coarse sugar); 24 pieces Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Chocolates (Unwrapped)

The scent of freshly baked cookies curling through the kitchen instantly brings back memories of holiday gatherings and family traditions. Today, I’m excited to share my take on Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies, which are not only whimsical but also incredibly simple to whip up, requiring no chilling of the dough. These delightful treats pack a delicious punch with a fun combination of vanilla and cocoa, then topped with iconic Hershey chocolates for a sweet finish. Perfect for gifting or serving at your next holiday soiree, they’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to keep the little ones involved in the baking fun! Would you like to learn how to make these adorable cookies that are perfectly marbled and dusted with sparkling sugar? Let’s dive in!

Why Make Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies?

Ease of Preparation: This recipe requires no chilling, allowing you to create delightful cookies in no time!

Fun Design: The marbled effect combined with a sprinkling of sanding sugar creates a visual treat that’s sure to impress friends and family.

Decadent Flavor: Each bite offers a rich blend of cocoa and creamy sweetness from the Hershey’s chocolates, making them irresistible.

Versatile Options: Feel free to switch up the chocolate types or add some nuts for a personalized touch!

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. For another delightful sweet treat, check out my Valentine Ganache Cookies!

Family-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in the baking process; they’ll love rolling the dough and adding the chocolate on top!

Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Butter – Softened for easy mixing, it provides richness and moisture to the cookies.
Sugar – Granulated sugar works best for the right texture and sweetness in these delightful cookies.
Egg Yolks – They add richness and help bind the dough, making each cookie perfectly chewy.
Vanilla Extract – A flavor enhancer that elevates the taste; you can substitute with almond extract for a unique twist.
All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure, it forms the cookie base and gives them that perfect chewiness.
Cocoa Powder – This adds a deep chocolate flavor; using high-quality cocoa will yield the best results.

For the Coating

Sanding Sugar – This sparkling sugar provides a crunchy texture and a lovely finish, though coarse sugar works as a substitute if needed.

For the Topping

Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Chocolates – A signature ingredient that adds creamy texture and irresistible sweetness to these holiday cookies, making them truly special.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. The smell of the heating oven will get you excited for the delicious batch of Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies to come!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air, giving the cookies their delightful texture. The mixture should appear pale and creamy before you proceed.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, beating them into the buttery mixture until fully combined and smooth. This will enrich the dough and enhance the flavor of your Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well blended.

Step 4: Mix in Flour
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a crumbly dough forms. It’s important not to overmix at this stage; the dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together. Once it reaches this consistency, set aside half of the dough in a separate bowl.

Step 5: Incorporate Cocoa Powder
Take the reserved half of the dough and add cocoa powder to it, mixing until it is fully incorporated. This will create the chocolate portion of your dough. The rich, dark color signals that you’ve successfully combined the cocoa, setting you up for that delicious marbling effect later on.

Step 6: Shape the Dough
Divide each dough portion into smaller sections and roll them into 12-inch logs, alternating colors to create a marbled effect. Aim for a thick and consistent shape so that your Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies have a beautiful swirl once baked. This mesmerizing design will make every cookie stand out on your dessert table.

Step 7: Create a Spiraled Log
Carefully combine the two colored logs by twisting them together to form a 20-inch spiraled log. Cut the log into 1-inch sections, producing equal-sized pieces. This step is essential to ensure that your cookies bake evenly and maintain a consistent shape, with each piece showcasing the stunning marbled effect.

Step 8: Roll in Sanding Sugar
Roll each cookie ball in sanding sugar, ensuring they are evenly coated for a delightful crunch when baked. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. The sparkle from the sugar will create a festive look that adds visual appeal to your holiday treats.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until they look set but not overly brown. The edges will firm up while the centers remain soft, offering the perfect chewy texture. As the cookies bake, the aroma filling your kitchen will surely add to the excitement of this homemade delight.

Step 10: Add Hershey’s Chocolates
Once the cookies are out of the oven, immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug or Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warm cookies will slightly melt the chocolates, creating a delectable combination. Allow them to rest for 3-5 minutes where the chocolate will set just enough for easy handling.

Step 11: Cool and Serve
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, which will ensure they reach that perfect texture. Once completely cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed. The combination of flavors and textures in your Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion!

How to Store and Freeze Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This ensures they maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies in a food-safe container or zip-top bag for up to three months. This is perfect for saving delicious treats for later!
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy them warm, reheat the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, just until soft and slightly gooey in the center.

Expert Tips for Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies

Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing. This allows for better incorporation of sugar, leading to a light texture.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining flour, mix just until a crumbly dough forms to prevent tough cookies. It’s okay if the dough seems slightly crumbly; that’s ideal for your Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies!
Temperature Matters: Using room temperature chocolate kisses will prevent them from melting too much during baking; this keeps their shape intact for a perfect touch on top.
Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool slightly after baking; they finish setting up, and this enhances the flavors, making every bite even better.
Baking Consistency: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Removing them while the centers are still soft guarantees that chewy texture everyone loves!
Creative Variations: Feel free to experiment with different Hershey’s chocolates or add nuts. Personal touches can make your cookies even more delightful!

What to Serve with Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies

Satisfy your holiday cravings with delightful accompaniments that perfectly pair with these charming cookies.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: A classic beverage that enhances the cocoa flavor, bringing warmth and comfort to each bite.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream creates a heavenly contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies.
Fresh Berries: Bright, tangy berries offer a refreshing pop, balancing the rich sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Nuts and Dried Fruit Platter: Rustic and crunchy elements bring added texture and a touch of healthy indulgence to your festive spread.
Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider create a cozy atmosphere, complementing the holiday spirit while cooling down the cookie’s sweetness.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over cookies elevates them into a dessert experience that feels indulgent and special.
Peppermint Tea: A soothing herbal tea that adds a fresh, fragrant note, enhancing your experience of savoring these delightful treats.

Make Ahead Options

These Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. When you’re ready to serve, roll the chilled dough in sanding sugar, bake for 12 minutes, and top each with a Hershey’s chocolate after removing from the oven. This way, you’ll have fresh, delightful cookies with maximum convenience, making your holiday baking effortless and efficient!

Variations & Substitutions for Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delicious cookies!

Chocolate Kisses: Swap Hershey’s Hugs for classic Kisses for a timeless version. The flavor remains delightful while they maintain their iconic shape.
Flavored Extracts: Use almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor twist. This adds a delightful hint that pairs well with the chocolate!
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for an added crunch. Nuts bring a beautiful texture and enhance the flavor with every bite.
Sprinkled Cheer: Top the cookies with colorful holiday sprinkles before baking for an extra festive touch. The sprinkles not only look cute but also add a touch of sweetness.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter spread for a vegan-friendly version. Your cookies will still be delicious and slightly nutty in flavor!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cocoa powder for a warm, spicy kick. The heat balances out the sweetness, creating a uniquely bold flavor!
S’mores Delight: Incorporate mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs for a s’mores-inspired version. Imagine the melty marshmallows paired with chocolate—pure bliss!
Chocolaty Swirl: Mix in chocolate chips to the dough for double chocolate goodness. Melty chips paired with the smooth Hershey’s kisses create an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist!

No matter how you choose to mix things up, these cookies are sure to be a hit alongside other festive favorites like Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies or Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. Enjoy the journey of baking!

Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate should I use for the cookies?
For the perfect touch, I recommend using Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses chocolates, as they give a delightful creamy finish. However, you can experiment with other varieties, like semi-sweet or even almond chocolate for a twist!

How can I tell if my butter is at the right temperature?
Absolutely! Your butter should be soft enough to make an indent with your finger but not so soft that it’s melting. This texture helps in creating the ideal cookie dough. If you are in a hurry, cut the butter into small cubes, and let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes.

How long can I store the cookies, and what’s the best method?
Store your Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, freeze them in a food-safe container for up to three months. Just make sure they are completely cool before storing to avoid moisture build-up!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! To do this, shape it into logs or balls, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking as directed.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If you find that your dough is too crumbly, it’s likely that the butter wasn’t soft enough or you might have overmixed the flour into the dough. Simply add a teaspoon of milk or water to the dough and mix gently to bring it back together without overworking it.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
It’s best to avoid sharing Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Cookies with your pets. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and other animals, so keep these sweet treats just for yourself and your family!