Hersheys Secret Kiss Cookies

When you bite into a Hershey’s Secret Kiss Cookie, you’re greeted with a soft, buttery cookie and a hidden chocolate surprise. This delightful combination makes them a favorite for many. If you’re curious about how to create these treats or want to learn more about their history and variations, you’ll find plenty of interesting details ahead. Plus, there’s a simple recipe that anyone can follow.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try these Hershey’s Secret Kiss Cookies, you’ll discover a delightful treat that satisfies both cookie and chocolate lovers. The hidden chocolate center, a Hershey’s Kiss, brings a sweet surprise with every bite.

You’ll appreciate the soft, moist texture of the cookie dough, which beautifully contrasts with the firm chocolate. Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes them visually appealing. Keeping cookie dough cold is essential to prevent spreading, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape.

This recipe is perfect for various occasions, like Christmas or Valentine’s Day, and it’s incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients like unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and chopped nuts, you’ll find it accessible.

Just remember to chill the dough and properly wrap it around the chocolate for the best results.

History

Hershey’s Secret Kiss Cookies have a rich history that connects them to beloved American treats.

They originated from peanut butter blossom cookies, created by Freda Strasel Smith in 1957. Initially called Black-eyed Susans, they were renamed Peanut Butter Blossoms by Pillsbury after placing in the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest.

This cookie earned a spot in the Pillsbury Bake-Off Hall of Fame in 1999 and is now part of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

The introduction of Hershey’s Kisses in 1907 by Milton Hershey helped shape these cookies’ popularity. Additionally, the BCTGM’s union support for workers in the baking industry has played a significant role in promoting products like these cookies.

With ongoing marketing from Pillsbury and the Hershey Company, the cookies evolved into a holiday staple, featuring a delightful surprise that continues to delight cookie lovers across the nation.

Recipe

Hershey’s Secret Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a sweet snack at home. The surprise of a Hershey’s Kiss hidden within each cookie adds an element of fun and indulgence that’s sure to please everyone. Making these cookies is an enjoyable process that involves simple ingredients and easy steps, which is why they are loved for being quick and easy to prepare.

With just a bit of chilling time for the dough, you’ll have a batch of decadent cookies ready to share (or keep all to yourself!). The addition of powdered sugar gives them a beautiful finish, making them look as good as they taste.

Ingredients
– 1 cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
– ½ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 32 Hershey Kisses, unwrapped

Cooking Instructions

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for 1 minute until creamy and smooth.
Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing for an additional minute until well combined.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing on low speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the dough is well combined.
Once the dough is ready, cover it and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
After chilling, scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand, making sure it’s wide enough to fit around a Hershey’s Kiss.
Place an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss in the center of the flattened dough, then fold the dough around the chocolate to cover it completely.
Arrange the shaped dough balls 2 inches apart on a prepared baking sheet.
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re just set and lightly browned around the edges.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for 8-10 minutes.
After cooling, roll the cookies in powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

For the best results, make sure that your butter is perfectly softened (not melted) for easy mixing. Feel free to experiment with different types of Hershey’s Kisses to create unique flavor combinations.

Additionally, chilling the dough is essential as it makes handling the dough easier and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your baking adventure with these delightful cookies, remember that the key to success lies in attention to detail. Pre-chilling the dough makes it easier to handle, while using all-purpose flour guarantees the perfect texture. Additionally, these cookies are dusted with powdered sugar after baking to enhance their visual appeal and flavor.

Don’t forget to sprinkle powdered sugar on the parchment paper to prevent sticking, and roll the warm cookies in sugar for better adherence. Avoid common mistakes like overbaking or failing to pre-unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses, both of which can ruin your efforts.

Let the cookies cool completely before packing them up to maintain their shape. With these final touches, you’ll create cookies that aren’t only delicious but also a joy to share with family and friends. Enjoy your sweet creations!

FAQ

Wondering what common questions people have about making Hershey’s Secret Kiss Cookies? First, you’ll need ingredients like butter, sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, Hershey’s Kisses, and powdered sugar. Preparation usually takes some time since you’ll chill the dough and then bake. Bake your cookies at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes. To guarantee success, use a small cookie scoop for uniform size, and chill your dough before baking. Remember to dust the cookies with powdered sugar while they’re warm for the best taste. If your cookies are too hard, you’ve likely overbaked them. For a fun twist, try different Hershey’s Kiss flavors or add nuts. Timeless family favorite cookies can be enjoyed by everyone, making them perfect for gatherings. Store your cookies in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh!