Serving Suggestions
I love serving these cookies on a big holiday platter alongside sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, and peppermint bark. The chocolate kiss in the middle makes them stand out beautifully. They’re always among the first cookies to disappear because the combination of chocolate and sugar cookie is irresistible.
When I’m hosting a winter movie night, I like to pair these cookies with mugs of hot cocoa or peppermint lattes. The warmth of the drink melts the chocolate kiss slightly as you bite into the cookie, creating an even richer experience. It feels like pure winter comfort.
These cookies also make amazing edible gifts. I often arrange them in small boxes lined with wax paper and tie them with ribbon. They travel surprisingly well, and everyone loves opening a box to find those shiny Hershey’s Kisses peeking from the center of each cookie.
For parties or cookie exchanges, I’ve served them with a dusting of extra coarse sugar on top right before packaging. It adds a pretty sparkle and makes them feel extra festive and special—especially when displayed under holiday lights.
Variations & Customizations
One of my favorite variations is swapping the milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses for the peppermint or hot cocoa seasonal versions. It adds a fun twist and transforms the entire flavor profile with almost no extra effort. Peppermint kisses make these cookies feel incredibly Christmasy.
Another version I’ve tried uses dark cocoa powder instead of regular. It gives the cookies a deeper flavor and a slightly less sweet taste that chocolate lovers adore. If you’re a dark chocolate fan, this variation is absolutely worth trying.
For a playful twist, you can roll the dough in colored sanding sugar—red, green, gold, or even rainbow. I’ve made birthday versions with rainbow coarse sugar, and kids get so excited when they see the bright, sparkly coating.
You can also replace the sugar cookie dough with peanut butter cookie dough for a chocolate-peanut butter blossom. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a classic that never fails. But do keep the cocoa powder—peanut butter and chocolate together make the dough extra decadent.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
These cookies store beautifully. I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft for up to five days. The chocolate kiss stays firm enough not to smudge but soft enough to melt slightly with each bite. They’re the perfect make-ahead holiday cookie.
If I want to freeze them, I freeze the dough balls (before baking) rolled in coarse sugar. They freeze perfectly on a parchment-lined tray, and once solid, I transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I pop them into the oven straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. Just add a minute to the baking time.
You can also freeze fully baked cookies. I place them in a single layer in a container and separate layers with parchment paper. They thaw quickly on the counter, and the texture stays surprisingly perfect. Just be gentle so you don’t break the chocolate kisses.
There’s no real reheating needed, but if you like the kisses slightly melty, you can warm the cookies in the microwave for just 5–7 seconds. Any longer and the chocolate melts too much, but that tiny warm-up creates the most amazing soft center.
Nutrition Information
These cookies are definitely a treat, but they’re perfectly portioned, so one or two satisfy that chocolate craving beautifully. Each cookie offers a balance of carbohydrates from the sugar and dough, and a little fat from the cookie base and chocolate kiss.
If you’re watching calories, you can make them slightly smaller—just reduce the baking time by a minute. I often make mini versions for parties because they’re easy for guests to snack on without committing to a full-sized cookie.
The chocolate kiss in the center adds a delightful richness without overwhelming the cookie. It provides just enough chocolate for flavor without making the cookie feel heavy. If anything, the kiss turns the cookie into a mini dessert.
Overall, these Hershey Chocolate Kiss Cookies are a fun, nostalgic indulgence. They’re not meant to be a health food, but they are meant to bring joy—and honestly, a cookie that brings joy is worth every sweet bite.
FAQ Section
Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of pre-made?
Yes! I’ve used homemade sugar cookie dough many times. Just make sure it’s a no-spread dough so the cookies stay thick enough to hold the kiss.
What if my kisses melt too much?
Press them in immediately after baking but don’t move the cookies. If the kisses start drooping, it means the cookies were too hot or baked too long, but they’ll still taste incredible.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Absolutely. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for months. Just roll in sugar right before baking.
What cocoa powder works best?
Any unsweetened cocoa powder works, but I prefer Dutch-processed for a smoother, richer chocolate flavor.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
It typically makes around 24–26 cookies, depending on your scoop size. Using a standard cookie scoop gives the most consistent results.
Conclusion
These Hershey Chocolate Kiss Cookies have become a staple in my holiday baking—and honestly, in my year-round baking too. They’re simple, nostalgic, and incredibly delicious, with that perfect combination of soft cookie, sparkling sugar, and melty chocolate kiss. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these just as much as I do, and that they bring warmth, sweetness, and lots of smiles to your kitchen. Happy baking!