Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that's perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy night in? Look no further! This recipe for sugar cookies topped with Hershey's Kisses delivers melt-in-your-mouth goodness with minimal effort. These homemade cookies are a delightful blend of classic sugar cookie flavor and the irresistible chocolatey kiss of a Hershey's Kiss, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to bake up some happiness!
Ingredients:
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Hershey's Kisses, for topping (Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, or a mix!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you prefer a good arm workout!
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 dry ingredients.
Step 3: Incorporate 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 – slightly lumpy dough is perfectly fine.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar to flatten each ball slightly – this helps create an even cookie.
Step 5: Add the Hershey's Kisses
Place one Hershey's Kiss on top of each cookie dough ball.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the Hershey's Kisses are melted and slightly spread. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 7: 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, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened – this makes for a smoother, more easily workable dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and creates a chewier cookie.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or other flavorings to the dough for a unique twist. You can also add sprinkles or other candies to the cookies before baking.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a double dose of chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Hershey's Kiss Cookies: Swap out ½ cup of the butter for peanut butter for a delightful twist.
- Seasonal Kisses: Use seasonal Hershey's Kisses, such as peppermint during the holidays, for a festive touch.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and type of Hershey's Kiss) Fat: 8-10g Sugar: 15-20g
These easy recipes for delicious sugar cookies are perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing these homemade cooking creations! They're sure to become a family favorite!