Homemade Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies Recipe

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One recipe that never fails to make an appearance in my home is the classic Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies. They’re not only delicious but also ridiculously fun to make—it’s almost like getting a warm hug from a cookie!

How to make Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies

Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies are festive holiday treats made by combining classic cookie dough with the signature Hershey’s Kisses chocolates.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• About 30 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
• Additional granulated sugar for coating the dough balls

Instructions:

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. Preheat your oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses: Do this in advance so they’re ready to go when the cookies come out of the oven.

Making the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add peanut butter and egg: Beat in the peanut butter until well combined, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies:

1. Roll the dough: Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sparkly finish.
2. Arrange on baking sheets: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set.
4. Add the Hershey’s Kiss: As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The cookies will crack slightly around the edges; this is okay.
5. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies:

• Consistency: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and measure your ingredients carefully for the best texture.
• Chill the dough: If your dough is too sticky to roll, you can chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
• Unwrap the Kisses ahead of time: This is a great task for kids or helpers to speed up the process after baking.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, but are best enjoyed within a few days.
• Variations: For a festive touch, try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar or adding sprinkles before baking. You can also experiment with different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, such as caramel or mint.

What to serve with

Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies are so delicious on their own, but when paired with the right treats, drinks, or accompaniments, they can become a centerpiece of your festive celebration.

• Hot Cocoa: There’s no better match! Serve a creamy cup of hot chocolate alongside your cookies for a chocolate-filled treat. Add whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
• Coffee or Lattes: A strong coffee or espresso pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies. For a holiday twist, try serving them with a peppermint mocha, gingerbread latte, or caramel cappuccino.
• Hot Apple Cider: The cinnamon-spiced warmth of apple cider is a wonderful pairing, adding balance to the decadence of the Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies.
• Chai Tea: The bold, spiced flavor of chai works well alongside the peanut buttery and chocolatey goodness of the Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies.

Ingredients Substitutes

No need to worry if you’re out of certain ingredients or catering to dietary restrictions—the magic of baking is that you can make delicious swaps to suit your needs!

1. Flour Substitutes

The base of the cookie dough is traditionally all-purpose flour, but there are alternatives depending on dietary preferences or what you have on hand:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Replace 1:1 with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that already contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Almond Flour: Use almond flour for a slightly nutty, grain-free version. Note that cookies may be softer and spread more unless combined with a binder like an additional egg or xanthan gum.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option, substitute all-purpose flour partially or entirely with whole wheat flour. The cookies may be a little denser, but still delicious. Use 1:1, but add 1-2 teaspoons more liquid if the dough feels dry.

2. Sugar Substitutes

Both granulated and brown sugar are used in the recipe for sweetness and moisture. Here are some alternatives:

Granulated Sugar Substitutes:

• Coconut Sugar: Swap 1:1 for a more natural, slightly caramelized flavor. It works well and has a lower glycemic index.
• Maple Sugar: Use this 1:1 for a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.
• Granulated Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-carb, keto-friendly option, use monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar.
• Stevia or Erythritol Blends: These work as sugar-free options. Refer to the brand’s package for specific conversion ratios.

Brown Sugar Substitutes:

• Coconut Sugar: Works as a 1:1 replacement for brown sugar.
• Homemade Brown Sugar: Mix 1 cup of granulated white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses to mimic the texture and flavor of brown sugar.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Use ¾ cup for every 1 cup of brown sugar, but reduce other liquids in the recipe slightly.

3. Butter Substitutes

Butter provides richness, flavor, and moisture, but there are plenty of substitutes if you’re out of butter or need a dairy-free option:

• Vegan Butter or Margarine: Use a plant-based butter or margarine for a dairy-free alternative. Choose a high-fat option for the best results. Substitute 1:1.
• Coconut Oil: This works well in place of butter. Use solid coconut oil for a 1:1 substitution. It adds a mild coconut flavor, which pairs well with chocolate.
• Vegetable Shortening: Replace in a 1:1 ratio for a slightly less rich flavor but still soft cookies.
• Applesauce: Use ½ cup applesauce for every 1 cup butter, but note this will result in softer, slightly chewier cookies.

4. Peanut Butter Substitutes

Peanut butter is a key ingredient in the traditional cookie base, but there are some great alternatives for those with peanut allergies or looking for something different. Substitutes can be swapped at a 1:1 ratio unless specified:

• Almond Butter: Offers a similar nutty flavor and creamy texture but with a slightly different taste.
• Sunflower Seed Butter: Perfect for a peanut-free and nut-free option. The flavor is mild, making it ideal for recreating the original recipe.
• Tahini: The sesame seed paste adds a unique, slightly earthy flavor and works well as a nut-free alternative.
• Wowbutter or Soy Nut Butter: These allergy-friendly, peanut-free spreads are perfect substitutes.
• Cookie Butter: Swapping peanut butter with cookie butter gives a rich, spiced, and sweet twist to the cookies.

5. Egg Substitutes

Eggs act as a binder in the cookie dough. If you’re baking for someone with an egg allergy or prefer a vegan option, try these alternatives for 1 egg:

• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2½ tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a “flax egg.”
• Chia Seeds: Similar to flaxseed, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 2½ tablespoons of water.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg.
• Mashed Banana: ¼ cup of ripe mashed banana also works but may add a mild banana flavor.
• Yogurt or Buttermilk: Use ¼ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk for a dairy-based binding option.

6. Hershey’s Kiss Substitutes

The Hershey’s Kiss is the star of these cookies, but you can substitute different chocolates for a unique twist or to suit your preferences:

• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Use small or chopped Reese’s Miniatures for an intense peanut butter-chocolate combo.
• Chocolate Squares: Break up Ghirardelli squares or any chocolate bar into smaller pieces and place them on the cookies.
• Chocolate Chips: A few large chocolate chips pressed into the center can work as budget-friendly replacements.
• Holiday-Themed Chocolates: Swap out classic Hershey’s Kisses for peppermint-flavored Kisses, candy cane Kisses, or festive chocolates like red and green foil-wrapped varieties.
• Marshmallows: Add a mini marshmallow for an ooey-gooey alternative, or toast them lightly under the broiler for a s’mores-inspired treat.

7. Vanilla Extract Substitutes

Vanilla adds depth and warmth to the flavor of the cookies. If you’re out, try these substitutes:

• Maple Syrup: Use the same amount for a slightly different but delicious flavor.
• Almond Extract: A very small amount (½ teaspoon) can be substituted for a nutty aroma.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and warmth.
• Peppermint Extract: Add a festive twist by replacing vanilla with peppermint (use sparingly—only ¼-½ teaspoon).

8. Granulated Sugar Coating

If you roll the cookie dough in sugar before baking but want to switch things up, here are some coating alternatives for more texture, color, or flavor:

• Colored Sanding Sugar: Red and green sugar lends a colorful, festive appearance.
• Powdered Sugar: Roll cookies in powdered sugar for a crackled, snow-kissed look.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Add a seasonal flavor by mixing granulated sugar with a teaspoon of cinnamon.
• Crushed Candy Canes: A fun and crunchy holiday twist!

Final Thoughts

Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of treats, beverages, and snacks.

More Cookie Recipes:

• Taco Bell Confetti Cookie Freeze Recipe
• Homemade Target Sugar Cookie Milk Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Gingerbread Cookies Recipe