Are you dreaming of a cozy evening spent baking delicious treats? Then look no further! This recipe for Sugar Cookie Hershey's Kisses is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It's incredibly easy, requires minimal ingredients, and yields irresistibly delicious cookies that are ideal for holiday gatherings or a simple weeknight indulgence. Get ready to experience the delightful melt-in-your-mouth magic of these classic cookies elevated with a rich chocolate kiss! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals (relatively speaking!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Hershey's Kisses, milk chocolate or your favorite variety
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is easily achieved using an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you prefer a bit more of a workout!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
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 powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake and Add Kisses
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will help the chocolate melt slightly and create a delicious, gooey center.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, these delightful cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Tips and Variations:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming. If it's too cold, the mixture will be lumpy.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Cookie Size Matters: Adjust the size of your cookie balls to control the final size and baking time. Larger cookies will require slightly longer baking.
- Flavor Variations: Get creative! Experiment with different types of Hershey's Kisses, such as dark chocolate, caramel, or special holiday editions. You can also add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other candies to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Freezing for Later: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on the size and type of Hershey's Kiss used) Fat: 8-10g Sugar: 15-20g
These Sugar Cookie Hershey's Kisses are the perfect homemade cooking project for any occasion. They're quick dinner ideas made into delicious dishes, and their simple preparation makes them ideal for even the busiest schedules. Enjoy baking and savoring these sweet treats!