Jolly Hershey Kiss Gingerbread Cookies Recipe for Winter Joy

Festive baking reaches new heights with this delightful Hershey kiss gingerbread cookies that dance between classic holiday charm and irresistible sweetness.

Warm spices swirl through each batch, creating a nostalgic aroma that fills your kitchen with comfort.

The rich molasses and ginger blend seamlessly, promising a treat that’s both soft and beautifully spiced.

Chocolate kisses crown these delectable cookies, adding a smooth, melting centerpiece to each perfectly shaped morsel.

Baking these cookies becomes a delightful winter ritual that connects generations through shared joy.

Soft, chewy, and wonderfully fragrant, these gingerbread cookies will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Grab an apron and let the baking magic begin!

Serving Gingerbread Cookies with Chocolate Kisses

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange these festive gingerbread Hershey kiss cookies on a beautiful ceramic platter, creating a delightful centerpiece that showcases their charming chocolate-topped appearance. Perfect for family gatherings and seasonal celebrations.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Serve these spiced cookies alongside a glass of sweet dessert wine like port or moscato, allowing the rich molasses flavor to complement the wine's subtle sweetness. A sophisticated treat for adult gatherings.
• Cozy Gift Packaging: Package these delicious cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or holiday ribbons. Attach a handwritten note for a personal touch, making them a heartwarming homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or teachers during the holiday season.
• Milk and Cookies Moment: Create a classic comfort experience by presenting these warm gingerbread cookies with a cold glass of milk. Kids and adults alike will adore dunking these spiced treats into a creamy beverage, creating a nostalgic and delightful snacking moment.

Storage Tips for Hershey Kiss Gingerbread Cookies

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let cookies rest completely on wire racks to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crisp texture. Remove each cookie carefully to avoid breaking delicate edges.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in sealed freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to retain original softness.
• Container Selection Tips: Choose airtight ceramic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids to keep cookies fresh. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain cookie shape.
• Smart Storage Rotation: Place a small piece of bread inside storage container to absorb excess moisture and keep cookies soft. Replace bread slice every few days for maximum freshness and delightful texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 25

Hershey Kiss Gingerbread Cookies Ingredient Rundown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookies, creating a soft and tender base. Choose unbleached flour for better flavor and nutrition.
• Ground Ginger: Delivers the classic warm, spicy gingerbread flavor. Opt for fresh, fragrant ground ginger for maximum taste.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie's flavor profile. Select high-quality, freshly ground cinnamon for best results.
• Ground Nutmeg: Contributes a subtle, nutty undertone to the gingerbread taste. Use freshly grated nutmeg for the most intense flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender texture. Ensure it's fresh and not expired for optimal leavening.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cookie texture. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Choose dark brown sugar for more intense flavor.
• Molasses: Gives the cookies their signature dark color and rich, deep sweetness. Select unsulphured molasses for a cleaner taste.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the cookies. Use room temperature egg for better mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor profile. Choose pure vanilla extract for the best taste.

• Hershey's Kisses: Adds a sweet chocolate center and decorative touch to the cookies. Select milk or white chocolate kisses based on preference.

Tools for Baking Hershey Kiss Gingerbread Cookies

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheets: Needed for baking cookie dough.
• Plastic wrap: Used to chill and store dough.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Spatula: Helpful for scraping bowl and mixing ingredients.

How to Prepare Gingerbread Cookies with Hershey Kisses

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Mix all dry spices and flour in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a fragrant foundation for your delightful cookies.

• Butter Sugar Magic

Whip butter and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture, then gently fold in molasses, egg, and vanilla for rich flavor depth.

• Dough Preparation

Slowly combine wet and dry ingredients, forming a soft dough. Shape into a compact disk, then let it rest in the refrigerator for several hours to develop deep, complex flavors.

• Cookie Shaping

Roll chilled dough into petite spheres, coating each in sparkling sugar crystals. Arrange carefully on baking sheets, giving each cookie space to breathe and expand.

• Baking Transformation

Slide cookies into a warm oven, watching them turn golden and release their spicy aroma. Immediately after removing, crown each cookie with a chocolate kiss while still warm.

• Cooling and Storing

Transfer cookies to cooling racks, allowing them to set and develop a perfect tender texture. Preserve in a sealed container to maintain their irresistible charm.

Tips for Perfect Hershey Kiss Gingerbread Cookies

• Add orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist that complements the warm gingerbread spices perfectly.
• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.
• Swap Hershey kisses with different chocolate varieties like caramel-filled or dark chocolate kisses for unique flavor combinations.
• After placing the kiss on warm cookies, sprinkle crushed candy canes or festive colored sugar around the chocolate for extra holiday cheer.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the classic gingerbread taste.

Delightful Hershey Kiss Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Hershey kiss gingerbread cookies bring warmth and nostalgia to holiday baking with their delightful combination of spices and chocolate. Classic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating irresistible treats you’ll want to share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (720 ml or 24 fl oz) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (60 ml or 2 fl oz) softened butter (1 ¼ sticks)
• ¼ cup (60 ml or 2 fl oz) firmly packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml or 2 fl oz) molasses
• ¼ cup (60 ml or 2 fl oz) granulated sugar (optional, for topping)
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 48 unwrapped Hershey’s kisses (milk or white chocolate)

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Instructions

1. Dry Mixture Preparation: Whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a fragrant spice blend.
2. Wet Ingredients Combination: Cream butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until fluffy. Incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, blending until smooth and homogeneous.
3. Dough Formation: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, creating a soft dough. Shape into a compact disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 4-6 hours to intensify flavors and improve texture.
4. Cookie Shaping: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls, coat generously with granulated sugar, and position 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
5. Baking and Chocolate Placement: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden. Immediately after removing from oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
6. Cooling and Storage: Transfer cookies to wire racks, allowing complete cooling. Store in an airtight container, maintaining freshness for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating the dough for 4-6 hours or overnight intensifies the gingerbread flavor and helps cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Kiss Placement Technique: Press Hershey’s Kiss immediately into warm cookies right after removing from the oven, allowing chocolate to slightly melt and adhere perfectly.
• Sugar Coating Trick: Roll cookie dough balls generously in granulated sugar before baking to create a delightful crackly exterior and add extra sweetness.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, ensuring they remain soft and delicious for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg