Hershey’s Secret Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of a classic butter cookie with the surprise of a chocolate kiss hidden inside. This recipe is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply as a sweet indulgence. Follow our comprehensive guide to make the best Hershey’s Secret Kiss Cookies that will leave everyone craving for more.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. - Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Forming the Cookies
- Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes it easier to handle and shape. - Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Shape the Cookies
Take about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly. Place a Hershey’s Kiss in the center and wrap the dough around it, rolling it into a ball. Ensure the chocolate is completely covered.
Baking
- Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake as the cookies should remain soft. - Cool and Coat
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
Tips for the Perfect Hershey’s Secret Kiss Cookies
Choosing the Right Ingredients
- Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for a richer flavor.
- Sugar: Ensure the sugar is finely granulated for a smoother dough.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is preferable over imitation for a better taste.
- Hershey’s Kisses: Experiment with different varieties of Hershey’s Kisses, such as dark chocolate or almond-filled, for a unique twist.
Baking Techniques
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling helps in handling and shaping the dough, preventing it from becoming too sticky.
- Consistent Size: Make sure each dough ball is of uniform size to ensure even baking.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking will make them too hard, losing the desired softness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cookies fresh with a cold glass of milk or hot cocoa.
- They make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative tins or boxes.
FAQs
Can I use different types of Hershey’s Kisses?
Yes, you can experiment with various flavors such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or caramel-filled Hershey’s Kisses to add a different twist to the cookies.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before shaping and baking.
What if I don’t have a wire rack for cooling?
If you don’t have a wire rack, you can cool the cookies on a plate or any flat surface. Just make sure to let them cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid melting the sugar.
Conclusion
Hershey’s Secret Kiss Cookies are a simple yet indulgent treat that is sure to impress. With a perfect balance of buttery cookie dough and a surprise chocolate center, these cookies are a must-try for any occasion. Follow our detailed recipe and tips to create cookies that will be the star of your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1¾ cups flour
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 6 ounces Hershey kisses milk chocolate (about 36)
- Confectioners' sugar (Powdered Sugar)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl combine butter, sugar and vanilla.
2. Add flour and walnuts. Stir until well blended.
3. Cover and leave the mixture in the fridge for 1 hour to cool.
4. Heat oven to 375 F degrees.
5. Remove wrappers from chocolates.
6. When dough is firm enough to handle, take the dough with a measure of about 1 tablespoon and shape it
around each chocolate kiss and roll it to make a ball.
7. (Cover each chocolate completely.)
8. Place balls on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
9. Bake at 375F for 12 minutes or until cookies are set but not browned.
10. Cool slightly and remove from baking sheet.
11. Roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm.
12. Before serving, add more powdered sugar, if desired.
