Name: Soft and Sweet Christmas Kiss Cookies for Festive Joy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened); 1 cup Sugar (adjust according to taste); 1 large Egg (acts as a binder); 2 tablespoons Milk (can substitute with any milk alternative); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (swap with peppermint extract for a festive twist); 2 cups Cocoa powder (unsweetened is recommended); 1 teaspoon Baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 2 cups Flour (all-purpose flour is suggested); 1 cup Christmas-colored sprinkles; 24 pieces Hershey’s kisses (experiment with different flavors if desired)

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As I reached into the holiday cookie box, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, reminding me of my grandmother’s cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of chocolate and warmth. Today, I’m excited to share my Easy Christmas Kiss Cookies, a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the season. These soft chocolate cookies, topped with a Hershey’s Kiss and sprinkled with festive colors, are not only quick to whip up but also guaranteed to bring smiles to your holiday gatherings. Their fudgy texture perfectly complements the melty kiss in the center, making each bite a moment of sweet joy. Plus, they’re nut-free, so everyone can indulge without worry. Ready to fill your kitchen with holiday magic? Let’s dive into this fun and easy recipe!

Why are Christmas Kiss Cookies special?

Irresistible flavor: Each bite of these cookies brings rich chocolate goodness combined with a gooey Hershey’s Kiss, ensuring they are a favorite during the festive season.

Quick preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Crowd-pleaser: They’re not just cookies; they’re conversation starters. Perfect for cookie trays or gifts, everyone will reach for these festive delights at your celebrations.

Kid-friendly fun: With colorful sprinkles adorning each cookie, your little ones can help in the kitchen, transforming baking into a joyful holiday tradition.

Versatile alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different flavors, such as using peppermint extract or trying various types of Hershey’s Kisses to keep things exciting. If you love chocolate goodness, don’t miss exploring more treats like my Healthy Chocolate Cookies or Chocolate Oat Cookies.

Christmas Kiss Cookies Ingredients

• For the Cookies

Butter – provides richness and moisture; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Sugar – adds sweetness and aids in texture; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
Egg – acts as a binder for structure; a large egg works best for this recipe.
Milk – adds moisture; can substitute with any milk alternative if desired.
Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor; swap with peppermint extract for a festive twist.
Cocoa powder – delivers the rich chocolate flavor; unsweetened is recommended for best results.
Baking soda – a leavening agent that helps cookies rise; never skip this!
Salt – balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Flour – provides structure; all-purpose flour is suggested for this recipe.

• For the Topping

Christmas-colored sprinkles – adds a festive touch and crunch; use your favorite type.
Hershey’s kisses – the signature topping that makes these cookies unique; you can experiment with different flavors if you like.

Enjoy creating your delicious Christmas Kiss Cookies that are perfect for holiday gatherings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface for your baking and ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients to make the process smooth and efficient, allowing you to focus on pulling together these lovely Christmas Kiss Cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the butter, helping your cookies achieve that irresistible soft texture. Scraping down the sides is advised to incorporate all ingredients fully.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the large egg and milk to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined, then gently stir in the vanilla extract. This enriching blend will contribute to the delightful flavor profile of your Christmas Kiss Cookies, setting a sweet foundation for the chocolate goodness to come.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder to the mix. Beat on low speed until everything is fully integrated. This will create a rich chocolate batter, essential for the fudgy texture of your cookie. Make sure to stop the mixer to scrape the bowl, ensuring no dry ingredients are left unstirred.

Step 5: Add Flour to Form Dough
Gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may need to increase the mixer speed slightly but stop once you see the dough has formed. This dough consistency is vital for achieving the perfect chewy Christmas Kiss Cookies, so be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Prepare the Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball in your hands. Once formed, coat each ball in the Christmas-colored sprinkles for a festive touch. This step adds both color and a delightful crunch to your cookies that complements the soft chocolate base.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheets
Place the sprinkle-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart. This spacing is important, as it allows the cookies to spread without merging into one another while baking. Visualize an inviting array of brightly colored delights awaiting their turn in the oven.

Step 8: Bake and Add Hershey’s Kisses
Bake the Christmas Kiss Cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the edges to look set while the centers remain slightly soft. As soon as you remove them from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, allowing the chocolate to melt slightly and create a tempting topping.

Step 9: Cool and Transfer
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This crucial step allows them to firm up without losing their soft, fudgy texture. After cooling, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This final touch will ensure your Christmas Kiss Cookies maintain their delightful shape and texture as they cool down to the perfect temperature for enjoying.

Expert Tips for Christmas Kiss Cookies

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 15-30 minutes. This prevents excessive spreading while baking.
Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to create evenly sized dough balls. This ensures that all your Christmas Kiss Cookies bake at the same rate, avoiding any undercooked or overbaked treats.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should appear set but still soft in the center to maintain that fudgy texture characteristic of Christmas Kiss Cookies.
Pressing Kisses: Place the Hershey’s Kisses into the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. This allows the chocolate to melt slightly, creating a luscious, gooey topping.
Don’t Skip the Salt: A pinch of salt not only balances out the sweetness but also enhances the chocolate flavor, making each bite of your cookies even more delicious.
Storage: For freshness, store your Christmas Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy them within a week for the best taste!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Kiss Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop the dough into balls, roll them in sprinkles, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the entire sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy these festive treats, bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, your cookies will be just as delicious, and the prep work will be done well ahead of your holiday gatherings!

Storage Tips for Christmas Kiss Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your Christmas Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and delightful for snacking anytime.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep them in the fridge for extra freshness, where they will last for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they are sealed properly to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply microwave for about 10-15 seconds, allowing the Hershey’s Kiss to melt lightly—it’s a fantastic way to experience that fresh-baked taste again!

What to Serve with Christmas Kiss Cookies

Indulging in these festive delights is even sweeter when paired with complementary sides and drinks that enhance the holiday spirit.

Hot Cocoa: This classic beverage’s rich chocolate flavor harmonizes beautifully with the cookies’ fudgy texture, making it a cozy, nostalgic pairing.
Peppermint Bark: Adding a crunchy, minty twist, this treat brightens the chocolate richness and brings an extra festive flair to your dessert table.
Milk: A glass of cold or warm milk creates a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making it a timeless combination everyone loves.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop beside your cookies for a creamy contrast; the melted chocolate topping blends deliciously with the cold vanilla.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing side of tangy berries and sweet citrus cuts through the cookies’ richness, bringing balance to your holiday feast.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm, spiced cider offers comforting flavors that evoke a sense of the season while complementing the chocolate perfectly.
Christmas Cake: A slice of traditional fruitcake or gingerbread enhances the holiday mood, showcasing a variety of festive flavors and textures.
Nutty Snack Mix: A bowl of nut-free snack mix adds crunch and salty contrast, making it an ideal crunchy counterpart for your sweet cookies.
Holiday Punch: A fruity punch with sparkling elements matches the festive spirit and is a delightful way to celebrate with friends and family.

Christmas Kiss Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these Christmas Kiss Cookies to suit your taste buds and holiday festivities!

Minty Fresh: Swap vanilla extract for peppermint extract to give your cookies a refreshing twist that’s perfect for the season.
Flavorful Kisses: Experiment with different types of Hershey’s Kisses, like almond or caramel-filled, to surprise your guests with delightful flavor variations.
Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the soft cookie base.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Replace some of the flour with mini chocolate chips to create double the chocolatey goodness in each bite.
Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and almond or oat milk instead of regular butter and milk for a dairy-free delight that everyone can enjoy.
Gingerbread Twist: Blend in ground ginger and cinnamon for a festive gingerbread flavor, perfect for warming up those chilly holiday nights.
Sugar-Free Variation: Use a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option that doesn’t skimp on sweetness. These cookies will still satisfy your sweet craving!
Sprinkle Fun: Customize the colors of your sprinkles for the occasion or use themed sprinkles like snowflakes or holly for added cheer.

Whatever variation you choose, these Christmas Kiss Cookies are sure to be a hit! Looking for more delightful treats? Don’t miss out on my Gingerbread Men Cookies that’ll spread more holiday cheer.

Christmas Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ripeness of ingredients, especially butter?
Absolutely! For your Christmas Kiss Cookies, make sure to use softened butter; it should be at room temperature, which means it should easily hold an indentation when pressed with a finger. Avoid melted butter, as it can lead to overly greasy cookies. If you forgot to leave the butter out, you can cut it into small cubes and microwave it for about 10 seconds to speed up the softening process, but be careful not to melt it!

What’s the best way to store leftover Christmas Kiss Cookies?
Very! To keep your Christmas Kiss Cookies soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer cold treats, you can refrigerate them, but ensure they’re sealed to prevent drying out. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste!

Can I freeze Christmas Kiss Cookies for later enjoyment?
Absolutely! You can freeze your Christmas Kiss Cookies for up to 3 months. Start by placing the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, separating layers with parchment paper. To thaw, leave them at room temperature, or microwave for 10-15 seconds if you want to enjoy that soft, fresh-baked effect.

How can I troubleshoot if my Christmas Kiss Cookies don’t turn out right?
Very! If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking, as this helps firm them up. If they end up too dry, check the flour measurement; too much flour can lead to dryness. Always measure flour with a spoon and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. If you’re unsure about baking time, start checking at the lower end of the suggested time—cookies should look set but remain slightly soft in the center.

Are Christmas Kiss Cookies safe for people with allergies?
Absolutely! These cookies are nut-free, making them a safer option for those with nut allergies. However, always check your ingredients, especially the chocolate kisses, for potential allergens. If you are concerned, consider using allergy-friendly chocolate alternatives. Always inform your guests about the ingredients used to ensure everyone can indulge safely.

What should I consider regarding ingredient substitutions?
Very! If you’re out of an ingredient, you can use a milk alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk instead of regular milk. For the frosting, feel free to swap vanilla extract with peppermint for a festive twist. Just check that any substitutes align with dietary considerations, especially if your guests have allergies or intolerances!