Are you craving a delicious, homemade treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These cookies with Hershey Kisses in the middle are the perfect blend of chewy cookie goodness and melty chocolate decadence. They're a fantastic dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight snack to a festive gathering. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, offering a quick and easy way to create a batch of irresistible cookies that will vanish in minutes! This recipe is also a great example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas that can be made quickly.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving a tender cookie.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Place a Hershey's Kiss in the center of each ball. Gently roll the dough around the Kiss to fully enclose it.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the Kisses are melted and gooey.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your warm, gooey, chocolatey cookies!
Tips for the Best Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Crucial: Make sure your butter is properly softened – this ensures a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents spreading.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with other types of chocolate candies, such as Rolos, peanut butter cups, or even mini chocolate chips.
- Add-ins: Get creative with add-ins! Try chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Flavored Kisses: Use flavored Hershey's Kisses, such as caramel or mint, for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These cookies with Hershey Kisses in the middle are a delightful treat that’s perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. They're easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking and happy eating!