Dessert

Gingerbread Kiss Cookies Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Introduction

Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are a festive treat that combines the warmth of traditional gingerbread spices with the sweet surprise of a Hershey’s Hugs kiss in the center. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a cozy, comforting dessert.

A white plate is stacked high with small round cookies that have a rough light brown surface covered with large sugar crystals, giving them a sparkling texture. Each cookie has a central indentation holding a white chocolate kiss with dark brown stripes swirling around it, sitting upright. The cookies are closely packed in several layers, showing cracked tops and a crumbly texture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda

¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice

¾ cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup molasses

2 tablespoons molasses
1 large egg
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

30 Hershey’s Hugs kisses, unwrapped
Sanding sugar, for coating the cookie dough balls

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.

Step 2: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium-high speed, cream the softened butter for 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth.
Step 3: Add the brown sugar and continue mixing on medium-high for 1 minute until well combined.
Step 4: Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract just until incorporated.

Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8: Using a 1½-tablespoon scoop, portion the dough and roll each into a ball.
Step 9: Roll each dough ball in sanding sugar and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Step 10: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft.

Step 11: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes.
Step 12: Gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Hugs kiss into the center of each cookie.
Step 13: Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 more minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper spice flavor, toast the ground spices lightly before mixing them in.
Substitute Hershey’s Hugs with your favorite chocolate or peppermint candies for different twists.
Chilling the dough longer, up to overnight, will enhance flavor and improve texture.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the kisses from melting or sticking, you can place parchment paper between layers. Reheat gently in a microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

The image shows a cooling rack filled with three rows of round, golden brown cookies, each topped with a white chocolate Hershey’s kiss with dark brown stripes centered on top. The cookies have a rough, sugar-coated texture with visible sugar crystals on the surface. The rack is placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white bowl with some wrapped chocolate candies on the left and a white stacked plate holding more cookies on the right. The lighting is bright, highlighting the texture of the cookies and chocolates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This resting time helps develop the flavors and improves the cookie texture.

What if I don’t have molasses?

If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with an equal amount of dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will be slightly different and less robust.