Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

These Gingerbread Kiss Cookies bring the warmth and cheer of classic holiday flavors into a simple, delightful treat. Their soft texture paired with the rich spices makes them perfect for festive gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea. The surprise of the melted Hershey's Kiss nestled right in the center adds a touch of sweetness that everyone loves.

I remember the first time I made these my kitchen smelled like Christmas morning and my family devoured them before I could snap a photo they were so good

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 3 cups provides the structure of the cookies look for unbleached flour for better flavor and texture
• Ground ginger: 2¼ teaspoons gives the cookies their signature warm and zesty bite fresh ground ginger will offer a more vibrant flavor
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon adds depth and sweet spice choose Ceylon cinnamon if possible as it is milder and more complex
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft texture use fresh soda for best results
• Ground nutmeg: ¾ teaspoon offers subtle warmth and nuttiness freshly grated nutmeg is best if available
• Ground allspice: ½ teaspoon enhances the spice profile with hints of cloves and cinnamon use quality whole allspice ground just before baking if you can
• Salted sweet cream butter: ¾ cup softened for richness and tenderness use real butter for that classic flavor and creamy texture
• Light brown sugar: ¾ cup packed contributes moisture and caramel undertones always pack the sugar firmly for consistent sweetness
• Molasses: ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons delivers the deep, robust flavor essential to gingerbread select unsulfured molasses for a cleaner taste
• Large egg: 1 binds ingredients and adds moisture pick a farm fresh egg if possible
• Vanilla extract: 1½ teaspoons rounds out the flavor choose pure vanilla extract for best aroma
• Hershey’s Hugs kisses: 30 unwrapped the melting chocolate and white layer adds a lovely finishing touch find fresh unopened bags for best melting quality
• Sanding sugar for coating the cookie dough balls: adds a festive sparkle and a slight crunch opt for coarse sanding sugar for the best effect

Instructions

Sift and Mix Spices and Flour:

Whisk together the flour ground ginger ground cinnamon baking soda ground nutmeg and ground allspice in a medium bowl until evenly combined to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough

Cream the Butter:

In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer cream the softened salted butter on medium-high speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth and fluffy this helps create a tender cookie

Incorporate the Brown Sugar:

Add the packed light brown sugar to the creamed butter and continue mixing on medium-high speed for about one minute until the mixture is light and well blended this step is vital for sweetness and moisture

Blend in Wet Ingredients:

Add the molasses the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture then mix just until these are fully incorporated without overmixing to keep the dough tender

Combine Dry and Wet Mixes:

Pour the flour and spice mixture into the wet ingredients and mix on low just until combined do not overmix or the cookies may turn out tough

Chill the Dough:

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes this firms up the dough making it easier to shape and helps flavors meld

Prepare to Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Form and Coat Cookies:

Use a cookie scoop measuring 1½ tablespoons to portion the dough then roll each scoop into a ball coat it evenly with sanding sugar for a sparkly textured exterior and place on the cookie sheet spacing them at least two inches apart for optimal baking

Bake:

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set and the tops crack slightly but the center remains soft this timing preserves chewiness

Press the Kiss Chocolate:

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the sheet for 2 minutes before gently pressing an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug kiss into the center to add a melty anchored chocolate center

Cool Completely:

Allow the cookies to cool for an additional 5 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully ensuring the chocolate sets perfectly without melting away

My niece was mesmerized by the chocolate surprise in the middle which made baking even more fun for me

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they keep fresh for up to five days. For longer storage place them in the freezer layered between parchment paper and sealed tightly in a freezer-safe container to preserve their flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Hershey’s Hugs you can swap for standard milk chocolate Kisses or even small chocolate truffles for a twist. For molasses light corn syrup works sometimes though it will lessen the characteristic gingerbread flavor. Unsalted butter can be used but add a pinch of salt to the dough to compensate.

Serving Suggestions

These are perfect with a warm mug of spiced tea or chai latte. You can also serve with a dollop of whipped cream during the holidays for an extra indulgent treat. A drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate them for special occasions.

This recipe combines nostalgia with a modern twist delivering festive flavors that everyone can enjoy year-round.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What spices create the flavor profile?

Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice combine to deliver the warm and aromatic notes typical of gingerbread.

→ Why coat dough balls in sanding sugar?

Coating in sanding sugar adds a delicate crunch and a sparkling finish to the cookies once baked.

→ How does molasses affect the texture?

Molasses contributes moisture and a rich, slightly smoky sweetness, resulting in a tender, chewy bite.

→ What is the purpose of chilling the dough?

Refrigerating the dough firms it up, making it easier to shape and helping cookies bake more evenly.

→ When should the chocolate kiss be added?

The chocolate kiss is pressed into each cookie immediately after baking while still warm, allowing it to soften without melting away.