Description
These Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are a festive and delightful treat, perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a warm, spiced cookie. The soft, chewy gingerbread cookie base is perfectly complemented by a creamy Hershey’s Hugs kiss pressed into the center. The sanding sugar coating adds a touch of sparkle and sweetness, making these cookies both delicious and visually appealing. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a batch of cookies that are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¾ cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 30 Hershey’s Hugs kisses, unwrapped
- Sanding sugar, for coating the cookie dough balls
Preparation:
Step 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice. Set aside.
Step 2: Using a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed), cream the softened butter for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step 3: Add the brown sugar and continue mixing on medium-high for 1 minute, until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix just until well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
Step 6: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
Step 7: Just before removing the dough from the refrigerator, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 8: Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out the cookie dough. Roll each portion of dough into a ball.
Step 9: Coat each dough ball in sanding sugar, ensuring it is evenly covered. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 10: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly golden.
Step 11: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes.
Step 12: Gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Hugs kiss into the center of each cookie.
Step 13: Allow the cookies to cool for another 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These Gingerbread Kiss Cookies offer a perfect blend of warm spices and sweet chocolate, making them irresistible. The soft, chewy texture of the gingerbread cookie, combined with the creamy Hershey’s Hugs kiss, creates a delightful contrast. They’re easy to make and visually appealing, making them a great addition to any holiday gathering or cookie exchange. Plus, the recipe is versatile – you can easily adapt it by adding other spices or decorations to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea.
- Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday gatherings.
- Package them in decorative boxes or bags as gifts for friends and family.
- Enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner or as a midday snack.
- Pair them with other holiday cookies for a diverse and appealing cookie platter.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best cookie texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Press the Hershey’s Hugs kisses into the cookies while they are still warm for the best adhesion.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
- For a festive look, use different colors of sanding sugar.
- If you don’t have Hershey’s Hugs, you can use other small chocolate candies like chocolate stars or miniature peanut butter cups.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling time)
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
- Calories: Approximately 150-180 per cookie
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sodium: 50-70mg
Conclusion
These Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the warmth and spice of gingerbread together with the sweetness of Hershey’s Hugs. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a comforting cookie, these Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies with your loved ones!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter? A: Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients to compensate for the lack of salt in the butter.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.
Q3: Can I freeze the baked cookies? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Q4: What if I don’t have sanding sugar? A: If you don’t have sanding sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar or leave the cookies plain. The sanding sugar adds a nice sparkle and texture, but it’s not essential.
Q5: Can I use different spices in the dough? A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a different flavor profile. Just be careful not to add too much, as some spices can be overpowering.
