Chocolate Kiss Cookies

Name: Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 and 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; 6 tablespoons unsulphured or dark molasses; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar or coarse sugar for rolling; 30 Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs

Warm, spiced, and perfectly tender, these Chocolate Kiss Cookies are a nostalgic holiday classic that pairs soft ginger-molasses cookie dough with a shiny chocolate center. The cookies yield a chewy center with slightly crisped edges, a molasses-sweet depth, and warm notes of ginger and cinnamon. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with an inviting aroma of spices that hints at cozy afternoons and festive gatherings. These cookies are ideal for cookie exchanges, school holiday trays, or a simple weeknight baking project when you want something special without fuss. If you enjoy variations on chocolate-forward cookies, you might also like this best chocolate crinkle cookies recipe for another fudgey option.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour, for structure and chewiness.
1 teaspoon baking soda, to help the cookies spread and rise slightly.
2 teaspoons ground ginger, for the bright, warm spice character.
1 and 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, adds sweet, woody warmth.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, a little goes a long way for depth.
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, complements the other spices.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, for a subtle nutty spice note.
1/4 teaspoon salt, enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, for richness and tender texture.
3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar, gives moisture and caramel notes.
6 tablespoons unsulphured or dark molasses, for deep, robust sweetness and color.
1 large egg, binds the dough and adds lift.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, brightens the overall flavor.
1/2 cup granulated sugar or coarse sugar for rolling, creates a sparkly, slightly crisp exterior.
30 Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs, one candy for each cookie, pressed in after baking.
For another spiced chocolate twist, try this slightly different take on crinkle cookies at a chocolate crinkle recipe.

Step-by-step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with even browning.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and well combined. Scrape the bowl as needed to keep the mix even.
Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth. Make sure the molasses is fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick dough forms. Do not overmix, stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Scoop out the dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar or coarse sugar and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. Tip: use a small cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. The centers will firm as they cool.
Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Press gently so the chocolate nests without cracking the cookie.
Let the cookies cool completely before serving. Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 1 week.

For a note on handling sticky dough and shaping, see related tips for classic chocolate cookies at chocolate chip cookies guidance.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: Makes 30 cookies
Calories: Approximately 155 calories per cookie

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips:
- Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with the sugar.
- If your dough spreads too much, chill it for 15 to 20 minutes before baking.
- For even baking, rotate cookie sheets halfway through the bake time if your oven has hot spots.
Storage:
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
- To freeze dough, shape into balls, freeze on a tray until firm, then store in a sealed bag and bake from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time.
Flavor variations using the ingredients listed:
- Use dark molasses for a richer, slightly bitter backbone that pairs well with the chocolate.
- Opt for Hershey Hugs instead of Kisses for a milk and white chocolate contrast.
- Roll cookies in coarse sugar for extra crunch, or in granulated sugar for a finer sparkle.
  For more ideas on pairing chocolate with toasted marshmallow flavors, this chocolate marshmallow cookies post may inspire you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cookies does this recipe make?
About 30 cookies, one for each chocolate kiss or hug.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes, dark brown sugar will work and give a deeper molasses flavor.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is optional, but it helps if your dough is very soft or if the cookies spread too much.
Can I substitute margarine for the butter?
Butter is recommended for flavor and texture, margarine may change both slightly.
How do I prevent the chocolates from melting completely?
Press the chocolates into the cookies right after baking and allow cookies to cool on the sheet; this helps the chocolate set without losing shape.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Kiss Cookies balance spice, sweet molasses, and a glossy chocolate center for a crowd-pleasing treat that is easy to pull together. For a classic version and baking notes, check out Chocolate Kiss Cookies at Baked by Rachel, and for another well-loved take on the recipe, see Chocolate Kiss Cookies Recipe at Two Peas & Their Pod. Happy baking, and enjoy sharing these warm, spiced cookies with friends and family.