Midnight Hershey Chocolate Kiss Cookies: A Sweet Way to Ring in the New Year
As the year comes to a close and the countdown to the New Year begins, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a batch of festive treats. These Midnight Hershey Chocolate Kiss Cookies are not only delicious, but they bring a touch of glamour and sweetness to your holiday dessert table. With rich chocolate kisses on top and a colorful sprinkle of festive hues, these cookies add a fun and joyful vibe to any celebration.
Perfect for New Year’s Eve, these easy-to-make cookies will impress your guests and make your celebration even sweeter. Whether you’re hosting a large party or just spending a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
- Festive sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The cookies will look slightly cracked on top when done, but they should still be soft in the center.
Add the Hershey’s Kisses: Once the cookies are out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate and Serve: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive confetti or edible glitter to add a fun touch. Serve them up on a platter for your New Year’s celebration!
Cook and Prep Times:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus cooling time)
Baking Pro Tips:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature to help the dough come together more smoothly.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. You want them to be soft in the middle to get that chewy texture, and they’ll continue to cook slightly once you remove them from the oven.
Hershey’s Kisses: Press the Kisses into the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. The warmth will help them set into the cookies perfectly.
Cookie Decorating: Get creative with the sprinkles! You can use festive colors, edible glitter, or even holiday-themed sprinkles for an extra pop of fun.
Midnight Hershey Chocolate Kiss Cookies are the perfect addition to your New Year’s Eve celebration. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also add a touch of sparkle and fun to your dessert spread. With their rich chocolate flavor and festive decorations, these cookies will make your guests feel extra special as they countdown to the new year. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this simple yet delightful recipe is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering.
So, get ready to impress your guests with these sweet, chocolatey treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Happy New Year and happy baking!