The Ultimate Guide for Soft, Chewy Delights
Are you searching for a quick, irresistible treat that combines the rich flavor of cocoa with the delightful sweetness of a chocolate kiss? Look no further than Chocolate Kiss Cookies. These soft and chewy cookies are easy to make, require only a few ingredients, and are the perfect way to satisfy any chocolate craving. With a simple recipe that yields deliciously rich cookies every time, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
What Makes Chocolate Kiss Cookies So Special?
Chocolate Kiss Cookies are a classic cookie recipe with a twist. They start with a cocoa-infused sugar cookie base and are finished off with a chocolate kiss pressed into each warm cookie, creating an indulgent combination of textures and flavors. This recipe only requires four main ingredients, making it accessible and straightforward, even for beginner bakers. Here’s everything you need to know to bake up a perfect batch.
Ingredients for Chocolate Kiss Cookies
For this recipe, you’ll need only four simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 batch of no-spread sugar cookie dough (either use homemade or 1 roll of refrigerated sugar cookie dough)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup coarse sanding sugar (for coating the cookies)
- 26 Hershey’s milk chocolate kisses
These ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing with a sparkly sugar coating and a chocolate center.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Follow these steps to create the perfect chocolate kiss cookies. Each step is designed to ensure you achieve the right texture, flavor, and appearance every time.
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie dough and cocoa powder. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to mix thoroughly, ensuring the cocoa powder is evenly distributed throughout the dough. The result should be a soft, chocolatey dough that’s ready to chill.
2. Chill the Dough
Once the dough is thoroughly mixed, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about one hour. This chilling step is essential because it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and shape. Chilling also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, so don’t skip this step.
3. Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
4. Form the Cookie Dough Balls
After the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop to measure out even portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball between your palms to create a smooth surface. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and look uniform.
5. Coat in Sanding Sugar
Pour the coarse sanding sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each cookie dough ball in the sugar, coating it thoroughly. This step adds a beautiful sparkle to the cookies and enhances their sweetness.
6. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart. This distance allows the cookies to spread slightly without touching each other. Use the palm of your hand to gently flatten the tops of the dough balls just a bit—this will help them spread evenly and form a nice, round shape.
7. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes or until they are puffy and no longer look wet. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking can result in a dry texture. These cookies should be soft and chewy, so it’s best to err on the side of slightly underbaking if you’re unsure.
8. Add the Chocolate Kiss
As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press a chocolate kiss gently into the center of each one. The residual heat from the cookies will slightly melt the base of the chocolate kiss, helping it adhere to the cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Kiss Cookies
For the best results, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilled dough is easier to work with and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Use Coarse Sanding Sugar: Coarse sanding sugar not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies a beautiful sparkle. You can experiment with different colors of sanding sugar for a festive look.
- Add the Kiss While Warm: Make sure to press the chocolate kiss into the cookie while it’s still warm. This helps the chocolate adhere to the cookie and creates a lovely melted chocolate center.
Variations on Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Looking to switch things up? Try these variations to add a unique twist to your chocolate kiss cookies:
- Colored Sanding Sugar: For a festive touch, roll the cookies in colored sanding sugar. Red and green sugar is perfect for the holidays, while pastel colors are great for spring.
- Alternative Flavored Kisses: Hershey’s offers various kiss flavors, from dark chocolate to caramel-filled. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
- Peanut Butter Dough Variation: Swap out the sugar cookie dough for peanut butter cookie dough for a flavor reminiscent of classic peanut butter blossoms, with a chocolatey twist.
Troubleshooting Tips for Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Here’s how to handle some common issues that can arise with chocolate kiss cookies:
- Cookies Spread Too Much: If your cookies are spreading more than desired, make sure you’re using cold dough. Overmixing the dough can also lead to excessive spreading, so mix until just combined.
- Chocolate Kiss Doesn’t Stick: If the chocolate kiss isn’t sticking to the top of the cookie, it’s likely the cookie has cooled too much. Be sure to add the kiss right after the cookies come out of the oven.
- Cookies Are Too Hard: Overbaking is a common cause of hard cookies. Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as they’re puffy and the tops no longer look wet. Remember, the cookies will continue to bake slightly on the hot baking sheet after they’re removed from the oven.
Storage Tips for Chocolate Kiss Cookies
These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. To keep them soft, consider adding a slice of bread to the container; the bread helps maintain moisture in the cookies. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the dough in sanding sugar and bake as usual.
Can I use other types of chocolate for the center?
Absolutely. If you don’t have chocolate kisses on hand, try using chocolate chunks or even mini peanut butter cups for a fun variation.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll and shape. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.
Nutritional Information for Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for these cookies (per cookie):
- Calories: 56 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
- Sodium: 4mg
- Potassium: 25mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Calcium: 11mg
- Iron: 1mg
Enjoy making this delightful recipe! Chocolate Kiss Cookies are simple yet so satisfying, perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy treat for yourself.