As Valentine’s Day approaches, my heart fills with warmth and excitement, especially when I think about baking Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies. These delightful treats are not just cookies; they are little bundles of love, perfect for sharing with family and friends. The moment you pull them from the oven, the sweet aroma of buttery dough and melting chocolate fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckons everyone to the kitchen. I cherish the memories of making these cookies with my kids, their laughter echoing as we unwrapped each Hershey’s Kiss. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate love, one delicious cookie at a time.
What is Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies?
Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies are a delightful fusion of soft, buttery cookies topped with a rich Hershey’s Kiss. This beloved American treat has become synonymous with the celebration of love, often enjoyed during the Valentine’s season. The origins of these cookies can be traced back to the classic chocolate chip cookie, but with a sweet twist that makes them perfect for gifting and sharing.
These cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth. They are a symbol of affection, often baked in homes across the country, bringing families together in the kitchen. The combination of textures—the soft cookie and the melty chocolate—creates a delightful experience that is both comforting and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies
- Convenient: Quick to prepare and bake, making them perfect for busy schedules.
- Delicious: The combination of buttery cookie and chocolate is irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: A fun baking activity that kids will love, fostering family bonding.
- Versatile: Great for various occasions, from school parties to cozy family nights.
Who It’s For
These cookies are ideal for busy families looking to create sweet memories in the kitchen. They appeal to food lovers who appreciate a classic treat with a twist, as well as health-conscious cooks who can easily adapt the recipe to suit their dietary needs. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these cookies are perfect for anyone wanting to spread a little love through baking.
When to Cook It
Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies are perfect for various occasions. Bake them for a romantic dinner, share them at school parties, or enjoy them during family gatherings. They also make a delightful surprise for your loved ones on a regular weeknight, turning an ordinary day into a special celebration of love.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Contributes moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used for rolling the cookie dough for a sweet finish.
- 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped: The star of the show, adding a chocolatey surprise.
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Form the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar until coated.
- Prepare for baking: Place the sugar-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Add the Hershey’s Kisses: Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Stevia: A natural sweetener that has no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels.
- Monk fruit: Another natural option that is calorie-free and has a low glycemic index.
- Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that mimics the taste and texture of sugar without the same impact on blood sugar.
It’s best to avoid honey or maple syrup as substitutes, as they can still affect blood sugar levels significantly.
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire rack for cooling
- Chill the Dough: Many chefs recommend chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a chewier texture.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality Hershey’s Kisses or even try flavored varieties like caramel or almond for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center for the best texture.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or sprinkles to the dough for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breakage.
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to two weeks. Just ensure they are well-sealed to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Thawing: If frozen, allow cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating for the best texture.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Aim for just combined ingredients for a tender texture.
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping this step can cause the cookies to spread too much while baking. Chilling helps maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and affect the cookie’s texture.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, while underbaking may result in a gooey center.
- Not Using Parchment Paper: Baking directly on the sheet can lead to sticking and uneven baking. Parchment paper ensures easy removal and even cooking.
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate for my Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies?
Yes, you can! Feel free to experiment with flavored Hershey’s Kisses, such as caramel or almond, to add a unique twist to your cookies.
Q: Are Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, these cookies freeze well! Store them in an airtight container for up to three months for a sweet treat anytime.
Q: Can I make Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies without eggs?
It depends. You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan version, but the texture may vary slightly.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough for Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies?
No, chilling the dough is not necessary, but it can help prevent spreading and enhance the flavor.
Q: How long do Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies stay fresh?
Yes, when stored in an airtight container, these cookies can stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature.
Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies are not just a treat; they are a heartfelt way to express love and joy. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to brighten someone’s day, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below. What variations did you try? Don’t forget to share this delightful recipe with your friends and family, spreading the love one cookie at a time!
Print
Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive cookies topped with a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Notes
- For a festive touch, use colored sugar instead of powdered sugar.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Valentine’s Day Hershey Kiss Cookies