Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss Recipe
If you’re looking to add a pop of festive fun to your holiday baking lineup, these Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss are an absolute must-make. Picture soft, green sugar cookies wrapped snugly around a melting Hershey’s Kiss, topped with a charming little heart sprinkle to mimic the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes. They’re easy to make, irresistibly cute, and deliver that perfect balance between buttery cookie and rich chocolate surprise. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or just craving a sweet seasonal treat, these Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss will steal the show and warm hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward a batch of these delightful cookies. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttery softness of the dough to the vibrant green coloring and of course the signature Hershey Kiss center that makes this recipe so special.
- Hershey’s Kisses (18, unwrapped): The melty chocolate center that gives the cookie its magical surprise.
- Large heart-shaped candy sprinkles (18): Acts as the adorable “heart” detail that adds visual charm and a sweet finish.
- Sugar cookie mix (17.5 ounces): The base of the cookie that’s simple yet flavorful and easy to work with.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Adds structure and helps create the perfect dough consistency.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and keeps the dough tender.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Green gel food coloring (3/4 teaspoon): Gives that signature Grinch green hue without affecting the dough’s texture.
How to Make Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly spraying a mini muffin pan with baking spray or lining it with paper liners. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly, so you get that perfect shape and easy removal every time.
Step 2: Mix the Green Egg Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and green gel food coloring until the color is fully blended. This vibrant green egg wash is what sets these cookies apart visually and ties the whole Grinch-themed magic together.
Step 3: Combine the Dough Ingredients
Using a handheld mixer on low speed, blend the sugar cookie mix, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, and your green egg mixture in a large bowl. Mix for 2 to 3 minutes until you have a thick, smooth dough. This dough should be pliable but firm enough to wrap around the chocolate kiss without any trouble.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies Around the Hershey’s Kiss
Scoop 1½ tablespoons of dough with a cookie scoop and flatten it gently into a disc about 3 inches wide. Place one Hershey’s Kiss upright in the center, then carefully fold the dough around the chocolate, sealing it into a neat ball so the kiss stays enclosed but centered.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your wrapped dough balls in the prepared muffin pan, keeping the Hershey’s Kisses upright. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes until the dough is set but still pale and soft without turning brown. This prevents overbaking and keeps your cookies tender and vibrant green.
Step 6: Add the Heart Sprinkles and Cool
Right after the cookies come out of the oven, place a large heart-shaped candy sprinkle just off-center on top of each cookie. Let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes so they firm up and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step adds the perfect finishing touch that captures the heartwarming spirit of the Grinch.
How to Serve Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss
Garnishes
If you want to add a bit more visual flair, consider dusting the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling with a thin white chocolate glaze. These simple additions give your Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss an extra festive look and a pop of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate or creamy eggnog to complement their buttery richness and chocolatey surprise. The warm drinks highlight the cozy, indulgent nature of the treat, making any holiday moment feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss in a holiday-themed tin lined with festive paper or arrange them in little gift boxes tied with red and green ribbons. Adding a personalized note or a cute Grinch-themed tag turns these treats into unforgettable gifts that show just how much thought you put into the season.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This prevents them from drying out while keeping the Hershey’s Kiss center soft and melty for enjoying later.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for fresh-from-the-oven enjoyment on demand.
Reheating
To enjoy your stored Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This gently revives the soft texture and melts the chocolate center beautifully, without overcooking the cookie.
FAQs
Can I use other types of candy instead of Hershey Kisses?
Absolutely! While Hershey Kisses are classic and perfectly sized, mini peanut butter cups or other small chocolates work well too. Just make sure they fit well within the dough ball and won’t disrupt the baking process.
How do I keep the green color vibrant after baking?
Using gel food coloring helps maintain a bright green hue since it’s more concentrated than liquid food coloring. Also, avoid overbaking because browning dulls the color.
Is it necessary to use a mini muffin pan?
A mini muffin pan helps keep each cookie well-shaped and supports the chocolate while baking. If you don’t have one, you can try baking on a parchment-lined sheet but be gentle when shaping to keep the kiss upright.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan butter, egg replacer, and dairy-free chocolate kisses, you can adapt this recipe to vegan or dairy-free diets. The texture may vary slightly, but the festive spirit will remain!
What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from shrinking?
Using room temperature butter and not over-mixing the dough helps prevent shrinking. Chilling the dough briefly before shaping can also assist in maintaining the shape during baking.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss is such a joyful experience, especially when you see the happy smiles they bring. They’re not just delicious treats but also little bundles of holiday magic that remind us about the power of a growing heart and a bit of festive fun. So grab your ingredients and get ready to spread some cheer—you won’t regret inviting this vibrant, chocolaty goodness into your Christmas traditions!
