Gingerbread Kiss Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Gingerbread cookies have long been a holiday staple, evoking images of cozy kitchens, bustling holiday cheer, and the warmth of spiced treats shared among loved ones. However, when you combine the deep, aromatic flavors of molasses and gingerbread with the sweetness of a Hershey’s Hugs chocolate, you get an irresistible cookie that’s not only festive but downright addictive. These Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are a perfect balance of soft, spiced dough and a creamy, melty chocolate kiss on top, all finished with a sprinkle of sparkling sanding sugar for that extra festive sparkle.

This recipe is ideal for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy by the fire with loved ones. Whether you’re a gingerbread lover or a chocolate fanatic, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for dough)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

Hershey’s Hugs (about 24 pieces) – you can substitute with Hershey’s Kisses if you prefer, but the Hugs (chocolate and white chocolate) add a special touch.
Sparkling sanding sugar (optional, for coating)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer).
Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tougher cookies.

Step 2: Form the Cookies

Shape the Dough: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball of dough in the sparkling sanding sugar to coat it lightly, giving your cookies a beautiful glimmer.
Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, but the center is still soft. These cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.
Add the Chocolate Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Hug (or Kiss) into the center of each cookie. The chocolate will start to melt slightly from the heat of the cookie, creating a delicious, gooey center.
Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will set as the cookies cool, but it will remain soft and melty at the center.

Method

The method for making these Gingerbread Kiss Cookies is straightforward, though a few tips will help make your cookies even better:

Softening Butter: Make sure your butter is soft, but not melted. This helps to achieve the perfect texture for the cookies.
Rolling Dough in Sugar: The sanding sugar not only makes the cookies look beautiful, but it also adds a little crunch and extra sweetness to complement the spices in the dough.
Melting Chocolate Kisses: Adding the chocolate right after baking ensures that the kisses have just the right amount of melt without becoming a gooey mess.

History & Formation of Gingerbread

Gingerbread cookies trace their origins back to the Middle Ages, where they were made in various shapes and used in festivals and feasts. The spices used in gingerbread, particularly ginger, were prized for their medicinal qualities and were often included in food to help digestion and to ward off illness.

Gingerbread as we know it today took off in Germany and the Netherlands during the 16th century, where it was shaped into intricate designs, often representing important figures. In fact, the iconic gingerbread man that we recognize today has roots in these early traditions, where cookies were molded into shapes like men, animals, or hearts, and sometimes decorated with colorful icing.

In America, gingerbread evolved to include the addition of molasses, which gave it a deeper flavor and a darker color. It became an especially popular treat during the holiday season.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Kiss Cookies bring together the classic holiday flavors of gingerbread with the indulgence of chocolate. They are soft, spiced, and perfectly topped with a melty Hershey’s Hug, making them an instant holiday favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cookie swap, or simply treating yourself and your loved ones, these cookies will add a touch of sweetness and joy to your celebrations.

With their festive look, rich flavor, and delightful chocolate center, Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat for everyone—whether you’re a gingerbread lover, a chocolate lover, or simply someone who enjoys a delicious, homemade cookie.

Lovers of Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

Gingerbread Lovers: If you adore the rich spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies will speak directly to your holiday heart.
Chocolate Lovers: The creamy chocolate Hug adds an unexpected twist, making these cookies a decadent treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Holiday Baking Enthusiasts: If you love making festive treats that both look beautiful and taste amazing, this is the perfect recipe to try.
Cookie Exchange Participants: These cookies are perfect for sharing! Their unique combination of flavors and textures will surely stand out at any cookie exchange.

Enjoy baking and sharing these Gingerbread Kiss Cookies with your loved ones! If you’re making them for a special occasion, be sure to add your personal touch with creative decorating or even varying the type of chocolate kiss you use.