Irresistible 4-Ingredient Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies: Your Go-To Easy Holiday Treat
Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies are a delightful addition to any festive cookie platter, perfect for holiday gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings. Remarkably simple to make, you can easily bake a couple dozen of these gems in about 20 minutes, using just four basic ingredients. These chewy chocolate sugar cookies, rolled in sparkling crystalized sugar and crowned with a sweet candy kiss, are pure bliss in every bite. What’s not to adore about such a quick, charming, and delicious treat?
Effortless Chocolate Kiss Cookies for Any Occasion
Have you ever found yourself in need of a quick baking solution? Perhaps a last-minute invitation, an unexpected office potluck, or simply an undeniable craving for something sweet that needs to be satisfied instantly. These chocolate kiss cookies are the answer to all those dilemmas. Their incredible ease and speed make them an absolute lifesaver for busy schedules and sudden dessert emergencies.
The magic begins with a convenient refrigerated sugar cookie dough. This time-saving base is then transformed into a rich chocolate delight by mixing in cocoa powder. Once shaped, each cookie ball is rolled in glistening sugar crystals, adding a beautiful sparkle and a delightful textural contrast. After a quick bake, while the cookies are still warm from the oven, a classic Hershey’s Kiss is gently pressed into the center of each, melting slightly to create that signature soft, chocolatey peak. Finally, allow them to cool completely, and you’ll have a batch of perfect cookies ready to enjoy.
The result is a wonderfully soft and chewy chocolate cookie, encased in a shimmering, crisp sugar coating, all topped with a creamy chocolate kiss. It’s a combination that truly begs to be devoured.
This post and recipe were specifically created for #ChristmasCookiesWeek! I gratefully received samples and products from some of the sponsoring companies, but rest assured, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
For this particular recipe, I was thrilled to use high-quality products from Sweets & Treats.
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The Charm of Small Batch Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies (with easy scaling!)
One of the many reasons I adore this recipe is its perfect yield of two dozen cookies. As I mentioned earlier, it’s ideal for those sudden cravings or when you need a thoughtful, homemade gesture. Imagine these chocolate treats elegantly packaged in a charming cellophane bag or a decorative tin – they make a delightful hostess gift that’s sure to impress without overwhelming your kitchen with baking marathons.
However, the beauty of these chocolate kiss cookies is their incredible adaptability. If you’re planning a larger event, such as a holiday cookie exchange, a festive Christmas celebration, a romantic Valentine’s Day treat, or even a spooky Halloween party, it’s wonderfully easy to multiply the recipe to achieve any quantity you desire. In fact, the inspiration for making these delicious cookies at Christmastime actually came to me during Halloween!
I was in the midst of baking these Eye Love Chocolate Sugar Cookies – which share the exact same two-ingredient cookie base – when the festive idea struck. For those Halloween cookies, I skipped the sugar rolling step and instead pressed a large candy eyeball into the melted kiss for a playfully spooky effect. The versatility of this simple chocolate sugar cookie base is truly remarkable, allowing for endless creative possibilities for any holiday.
Kiss Cookies: A Cherished Holiday Tradition
Among our family’s holiday favorites, my Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are undeniably a Christmas classic. I hold them dear because they incorporate one of my all-time favorite recipes, My Mom’s Peanut Butter Cookies. They turn out perfectly every single time and are always among the first treats to disappear from any platter. The rich peanut butter flavor combined with the melty chocolate kiss creates an irresistible combination that has stood the test of time.
Just like those beloved peanut butter versions, these chocolate sugar kiss cookies are wonderfully accommodating for advanced preparation. They can be easily made ahead of time, and they freeze exceptionally well, too. If you’re anything like me, you find yourself doing a tremendous amount of baking during the holiday season. The ability to prepare recipes that freeze well in advance is a game-changer, allowing you to get a head start on your festive treats and reduce stress closer to the big day. Having a freezer full of these delightful chocolate sugar kiss cookies means you’re always ready for guests, gift-giving, or simply a sweet moment for yourself.
Key Ingredients for Delicious Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies
The beauty of these quick and delicious cookies lies in their simplicity, requiring just four essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful treats:
- **Refrigerated Sugar Cookie Dough:** This is your fantastic shortcut! Opt for a high-quality refrigerated sugar cookie dough. Make sure it’s softened slightly before you start, which will make mixing much easier. This ingredient eliminates the need for measuring flour, sugar, and butter, saving you significant time and effort.
- **Cocoa Powder:** To infuse that rich, deep chocolate flavor into your sugar cookies, cocoa powder is essential. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results, as the sweetness will come from the cookie dough and the sugar crystals.
- **Sugar Crystals (or Sparkling Sugar):** These add a beautiful sparkle and a satisfying crunch to the exterior of the cookies. I personally love the clear chunky sugar crystals for a classic, elegant look, but you can certainly experiment with multi-colored sugar crystals to match different holiday themes or add a fun, playful touch.
- **Hershey’s Kisses (or Chocolate Stars):** The iconic topping that gives these cookies their “kiss” name. These small, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates are pressed into the warm cookies, creating a soft, gooey center once cooled. While classic Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, you can also use chocolate stars or even mini peanut butter cups for a delightful variation. Ensure they are unwrapped and ready to go before the cookies come out of the oven.
That’s it! Just these four components are all you need to create these wonderfully impressive yet incredibly easy cookies.
How to Make This Simple Cookie Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
**Step 1: Combine Ingredients.** Begin by adding your softened refrigerated sugar cookie dough and cocoa powder to a large mixing bowl. Make sure your cookie dough is at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly with the cocoa powder.
**Step 2: Mix Thoroughly.** Using an electric mixer (or a sturdy spoon), thoroughly combine the cookie dough and cocoa powder until they are fully integrated and form a uniform chocolate dough. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well-mixed.
**Step 3: Roll in Sugar Crystals.** Roll the chocolate dough into small, even balls. For consistent sizing, a cookie scoop works wonders! Then, roll each cookie ball generously in your chosen sugar crystals. As mentioned, I love the clear chunky ones for their elegant sparkle, but multi-colored crystals can add a festive touch. The sugar crystals will give your cookies a beautiful glittering finish and a delightful texture.
**Step 4: Bake.** Place the sugar-coated cookie balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spaced a couple of inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 8 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
**Step 5: Add the Kiss.** Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, while they are still warm and soft on the cookie sheet, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere perfectly. If you prefer, chocolate stars also work wonderfully for this step!
**Step 6: Cool.** Let the cookies sit on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes after adding the kisses to allow them to set slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the kisses from smudging and ensures the cookies firm up properly.
**Step 7: Store.** Once fully cooled, transfer your beautiful chocolate sugar kiss cookies to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature to maintain their freshness and delicious texture for several days.
You’ll find the complete printable recipe card with all measurements and detailed instructions at the bottom of this post.
Loved this Recipe? Don’t Forget to Pin It!
Make sure you don’t lose track of this incredibly easy and utterly delicious recipe for chocolate sugar cookies with kisses! Pin them to your favorite baking recipe board on Pinterest now so you can easily find them whenever that sweet craving strikes or when you’re planning your next holiday baking session!
#ChristmasCookiesWeek: Our Amazing Sponsors and Prizes
Welcome to #ChristmasCookiesWeek, an exciting event where over 25 talented bloggers come together to share their most cherished cookie recipes, all perfect for your upcoming holiday celebrations. This fantastic week is proudly hosted by Ellen from Family Around the Table, Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures, and Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks. We warmly invite you not only to explore these mouth-watering recipes but also to participate in our incredible giveaway for a chance to win some fantastic prizes!
Don’t miss a single delicious cookie recipe shared throughout this special week! Follow along with all the festive baking inspiration on Pinterest.
Prize 1: A Tower of Treats from Millican Pecan Company
Originally established as the West Texas Pecan Nursery in the late 1800s, Millican Pecan is now proudly in its 5th generation of family ownership. Located in San Saba, TX, the family continues their long-standing tradition of pecan farming while also expanding their business into the online world. The family is also passionate about educating people on the versatility and deliciousness of pecans. One fortunate winner will receive The Tower of Treats Gift Tins. This impressive tower includes three decorative gift tins stacked elegantly. The bottom tin features our 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin holds our Flavored Pecan Sampler, and the top tin contains an 8 oz. tin of our delectable Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles). This prize package is valued at an amazing $80.
Prize 2: An Assortment of Flavored Extracts from Adams Extract and Spices
In January 2013, Adams, one of Texas’s oldest continuously operated companies and one of the nation’s most enduring spice and extract companies, celebrated its 125th birthday. This remarkable milestone was recognized with the prestigious Texas Treasure Business Award, an honor established by State Bill 920 to acknowledge the achievements of Texas businesses that have provided employment opportunities and supported the state’s economy for at least 50 years, paying tribute to their exceptional historical contributions to Texas’s economic growth and prosperity.
Today, Adams proudly manufactures and markets a diverse range of products under several Adams Brand banners, including Adams Best®, Adams Extract®, Adams® Seasoning & Spice, Adams Reserve®, Flavor King™, Pantry Basics™, Sear-n-Crust®, ClearVan™, Carniceria®, Cocina del Rey®, Naturals™, and Urban Canner™. They also offer Adams Frozen Skillet Desserts and Adams Premium Ice Cream lines. Beyond their own brands, Adams is a proud manufacturer for some of the nation’s most respected Private Label Brands and other legacy Regional Seasoning Brands, with their flavors used in numerous commercially produced food products across the country.
Prize 3: A Set of Baking Pans from Anolon
Established in the 1950s, Meyer Manufacturing began its journey by manufacturing and selling flashlights. In 1971, they embarked on their venture into selling cookware. By 1986, they revolutionized the world of home cooking by releasing the world’s first hard-anodized nonstick cookware. Their innovative nonstick surface was renowned for its durability, resisting flaking and scratching with remarkable ease.
Today, Anolon continues to set high standards, offering bakeware featuring both nonstick interiors and exteriors. These products are crafted with a special sapphire-reinforced blend that is triple-coated, ensuring superior release and lasting performance. Please note: the color of the baking pans may vary from the photo shown above.
Prize 4: An Assorted Baking Box from Sweets & Treats
Make Sweets & Treats your ultimate destination for all your holiday sprinkle needs. In addition to a fantastic array of fun, festive, and vibrantly colored sprinkles, Sweets & Treats provides an extensive selection of cupcake liners, edible glitters, specialty sugars, and much more, ensuring you have everything you need to make your baked goods spectacular.
Founded in 2010 by Shannon Harvey, Sweets & Treats emerged from an industry need for bold, bright cupcake liners and high-quality baking supplies that truly bring a party to life! Based in Louisiana, Sweets & Treats operates as a designer cupcake liner manufacturer and party supply company. They are dedicated to creating exclusive greaseproof cupcake liners, unique sprinkle blends, eye-catching paper straws, and a wide variety of other essential baking supplies, all designed to make your creations shine.
Four (4) winners will be randomly selected. The prize packages will be shipped directly from the generous giveaway sponsors. Please note that the bloggers involved in this event are not responsible for prize fulfillment or delivery. Winners will have 24 hours to respond once notified by email; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize, and an alternate winner will be chosen. Bloggers hosting this giveaway, along with their immediate family members residing in the same household, are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway. All entries will be verified. No purchase is necessary to enter. This giveaway is void where prohibited by law. The giveaway is open to US Residents only, who are 18 years of age or older to enter. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #ChristmasCookies posts or entry.
To WIN these incredible Prizes, Enter HERE:
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Explore All My Delicious Cookie Recipes!
Immediately below the recipe card, you will discover a comprehensive list of all the fantastic cookie recipes posted today as part of our exciting week-long #ChristmasCookiesWeek event! Get ready for a bounty of baking inspiration.
Now, let’s dive straight into the recipe for these incredibly simple and absolutely delicious Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies! Enjoy your baking! 
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Print Recipe
Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies
Equipment
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Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
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Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
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Stainless Steel Wire Cooling Rack for Baking
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce package refrigerated sugar cookie dough, softened
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Sugar Crystals (for rolling)
- 24 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened refrigerated sugar cookie dough and cocoa powder using an electric mixer until well blended.
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Roll the chocolate cookie dough into small, uniform balls (a cookie scoop helps with consistency). Then, roll each dough ball generously in the sugar crystals to coat thoroughly.
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Place the sugar-coated cookie balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared parchment-lined cookie sheet.
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Bake for 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and the centers still look slightly soft.
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Immediately remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the cookies are still hot, gently press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
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Let the cookies rest on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes to allow the kisses to slightly set, then carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
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Once cooled, store the chocolate sugar kiss cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
Nutrition
Monday Christmas Cookie Recipes
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- Peppermint Shortbread Cookies by Simply Inspired Meals
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- Toffee Bars by That Recipe
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