Name: Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 egg; 1/4 cup molasses; Hershey’s Kisses, for topping

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Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread treats, marrying the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with the sweet, melty chocolate of Hershey’s Kisses. These cookies not only bring a comforting flavor profile reminiscent of the holiday season but are also perfect for any gathering, from festive parties to cozy family evenings at home. Each bite delivers a soft and chewy texture, combined with a rich chocolate surprise that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: Approximately 130 calories
Protein: 1g per serving
Carbohydrates: 18g per serving
Fat: 6g per serving
Fiber: 0.5g per serving
Sugar: 6g per serving
Sodium: 60mg per serving

Why Make This Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

These Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are not just delicious; they are a joy to make and share. The delightful aroma of spices fills your kitchen, invoking warmth and holiday spirit. The combination of soft gingerbread and a chocolate surprise creates a cookie experience that pleases both kids and adults alike. Perfect for cookie exchanges or as a sweet gift, they remind us that the best memories are often made around food, especially treats that come out of the oven, warm and ready to enjoy.

How to Make Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

Creating these cookies is simple and fun, making it an excellent choice for baking with family and friends. Follow along with this step-by-step guide to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
Hershey’s Kisses, for topping

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and rise to perfection.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This blend of spices is what gives your cookies their warm, festive flavor.

Step 3: Mixing Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Use a handheld mixer or stand mixer for best results. Then, beat in the egg, followed by the molasses, mixing until well incorporated.

Step 4: Combining Mixtures

Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until the mixture is fully blended. Be careful not to overmix as this can toughen the cookies.

Step 5: Shaping the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each ball as they will spread while baking.

Step 6: Baking

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to crack but the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is different.

Step 7: Topping with Chocolate

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently place a Hershey’s Kiss on top of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will melt the chocolate slightly, creating that irresistible topping.

Step 8: Cooling

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow them to set while keeping the texture soft and chewy.

How to Serve Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own or can be served alongside hot cocoa or a warm cup of tea. For festive occasions, consider placing them in decorative tins as gifts, or display them on your holiday dessert table.

How to Store Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

To store your Gingerbread Kiss Cookies, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature, or you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Expert Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
If you like a stronger spice flavor, feel free to increase the amount of ground ginger and cinnamon slightly.
Using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar intensifies the flavor and adds moisture to the cookies.
Experiment with different types of chocolate on top, such as dark or white chocolate Kisses, for unique variations.

Delicious Variations

Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Maple Molasses: Substitute maple syrup for molasses for a different sweet profile.
Candy Cane Twist: Crush some peppermint candies and sprinkle them on top along with the chocolate for a festive look.
Glaze Finish: Drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for added sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling it into balls.
What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, honey or dark corn syrup can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges appear firm and the centers are slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! After baking, let the cookies cool completely and freeze them in an airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
What can I serve with these cookies?
Serve these cookies with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or a cup of coffee for a cozy treat.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire, perfect for any time you want to create something special. With their rich blend of spices and gooey chocolate topping, they offer a warm hug in cookie form. Give this recipe a try, and watch them disappear as friends and family gather around to indulge in their deliciousness. Happy baking!

Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 86 reviews

Author: stella
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful gingerbread cookies topped with melty chocolate from Hershey’s Kisses, perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
Hershey’s Kisses, for topping

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, followed by the molasses.
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until fully blended.
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to crack but the centers remain soft.
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, place a Hershey’s Kiss on top of each cookie.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.