Irresistible Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies for Cozy Nights

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the sweet scent of melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows fills the air, instantly transporting me to cozy campfire evenings. Today, I’m thrilled to share my twist on a classic favorite: Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies. These delightful cookies combine the rich, gooey goodness of s’mores with the chewy texture of a cookie, making them the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they’re also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress family and friends alike. Imagine serving these warm cookies fresh from the oven, each bite taking you on a nostalgic journey back to summer nights spent under the stars. Are you ready to create some sweet memories with these mouthwatering treats?

Why are these cookies irresistibly delightful?

S’mores Inspiration: Bringing together the beloved flavors of s’mores, these cookies offer a nostalgic taste that will remind you of bonfire nights.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this recipe!
Crowd Favorite: Perfect for gatherings, these cookies are sure to have everyone reaching for more, just like my Cosmic Brownie Cookies.
Gooey Goodness: Each cookie delivers a delectable burst of melted chocolate and marshmallow, ensuring every bite is a treat.
Versatile Treat: Whether you serve them warm or cold, they make the ideal sweet for any occasion!

Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour – this forms the base of the cookie and provides the perfect chewy texture.
• Baking soda – helps the cookies rise, ensuring a soft interior.
• Salt – enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the dough.
• Unsalted butter – using room-temperature butter creates a creamy, rich base for the cookie.
• Brown sugar – adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Granulated sugar – helps achieve that perfectly golden exterior and sweetness.
• Egg – binds the ingredients together, contributing to the cookie’s structure.
• Vanilla extract – a splash of this adds a warm, aromatic quality that complements the chocolate.

For the S’mores Filling

• Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses – these delightful chocolates provide the signature flavor of classic s’mores.
• Mini marshmallows – their gooey texture adds that essential component of s’mores with a delightful chew.
• Graham cracker crumbs – these give your cookies that authentic s’mores crunch and flavor.

By gathering these ingredients, you’ll be on your way to making the most indulgent Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies that are simply irresistible!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking. This step is crucial, as getting the temperature right ensures that your Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies bake evenly, developing that perfect golden exterior.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until well combined. The mixture should be uniform and fluffy, with no lumps in sight. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the cookies rise beautifully during baking.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The texture should be creamy and pale in color, indicating that enough air has been incorporated, which is crucial for achieving those soft, chewy Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until fully combined and smooth, about 1 minute. This step binds the dough together and adds depth to the flavors of your cookies, setting the stage for the rich chocolate and marshmallow filling.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want your cookie dough to be slightly thick and cohesive. This is a pivotal moment in creating your Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies, as the right dough consistency leads to that chewy texture you crave.

Step 6: Fold in S’mores Filling
Gently fold in 1 cup of mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Take a moment to appreciate the delightful textures you’re combining! This step creates the signature s’mores experience in each cookie, ensuring everyone enjoys that gooey goodness with every bite.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Aim for about 1-1.5 tablespoons per cookie. These cookies will spread as they bake, so giving them plenty of room will help them maintain their shape and achieve that gorgeous texture.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet. This is key for ensuring that your Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies have a chewy center, reminiscent of delightful s’mores.

Step 9: Add Chocolate Kisses
As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The warmth from the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, creating that irresistible gooeyness. This simple step truly elevates your cookies, enhancing the s’mores experience perfectly.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here! Letting the cookies rest helps solidify the chocolate while the marshmallows retain their soft, chewy texture, making every bite of your Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies truly decadent.

What to Serve with Easy Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies?

Indulging in these cookies transforms any ordinary day into a sweet celebration; pair them with cozy companions for the ultimate treat.

• Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing, milk perfectly balances the sweetness and complements the rich chocolate flavors.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Pile a scoop atop warm cookies for a delightful melting effect, elevating the overall dessert experience.

• Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing contrast that’s simply irresistible.

• Hot Cocoa: A warm mug of rich hot chocolate creates a comforting synergy that invites cozy moments by the fire.

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling crushed walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch, enhancing the texture of your treats. The combination is sheer bliss!

• S’mores Charcuterie Board: For a fun dessert table, include these cookies alongside graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate squares to invite guests to create their own blend of s’mores magic.

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel on the cookies creates a luxuriously sweet layer that takes the s’mores experience to new heights.

• Fruit Smoothie: A chilled smoothie serves as a light, fruity counterpoint to the rich cookies and is an excellent option for a balanced dessert spread.

• Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai mingle beautifully with the chocolate and marshmallow flavors, creating a comforting combination.

• Mixed Fresh Fruit Salad: Adding a medley of citrus and melon gives a fresh and zesty end to your s’mores-inspired treats, balancing indulgence with nourishment.

Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore different twists on these delicious cookies, enhancing flavors and textures to make them your own.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delightful alternative.
• Dairy-Free: Swap butter with coconut oil or margarine to create a cookie that fits your dietary needs.
• Chewy Texture: Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar to give your cookies a richer, chewier consistency. The sweetness adds depth, making these cookies even more irresistible.
• Flavorful Kisses: Experiment with flavored Hershey’s Kisses, such as caramel or almond, to introduce a new flavor profile. Each bite becomes an exciting surprise!
• Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunchy texture. This boost creates a delightful contrast to the gooey marshmallows.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to create a warming spice that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate. It’s a surprising and delicious twist!
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce on top and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt for a decadent finish. This adds a gourmet touch that elevates your cookie experience.
• S’mores Bars: For a twist on the classic, press the dough into a baking dish and layer it with more marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate. Bake and cut into bars for easy sharing.

By embracing these variations, you can enjoy a unique take on the beloved Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies while creating sweet memories with each bite. And if you’re craving more cookie inspiration, consider checking out my delightful Cosmic Brownie Cookies for another delicious option!

Expert Tips for Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature; this helps achieve a creamy, well-mixed dough for better-flavored cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies instead of light, chewy Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies.
• Graham Cracker Crunch: For extra texture, pulse the graham crackers in a food processor to achieve a finer crumb. This enhances the s’mores experience without overwhelming the cookie.
• Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of baking, as ovens can vary. Underbaking slightly will give you that desirable chewy center.
• Cooling Process: Resist the urge to devour them right away! Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet to set perfectly while keeping their soft texture intact.

Storage Tips for Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness. A simple trick is to include a slice of bread to absorb moisture.

Fridge: If you prefer your cookies a bit firmer, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie experience later, reheat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, ensuring the chocolate remains gooey and the marshmallows soft.

Make Ahead Options

These Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during their week! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients together and then refrigerating the dough. This not only enhances the flavors but also allows the dough to firm up, resulting in even better texture. If you prefer, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a lined baking sheet and bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Just imagine warm, freshly baked Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies with minimal effort on your busy nights!

Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs

What are the best Hershey’s Kisses to use for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses work beautifully, feel free to experiment with other flavors. For instance, using Caramel or Cherry Kisses can elevate the flavor profile and add a unique twist to your cookies. I often prefer mixing it up for special occasions!

How do I know if my ingredients are fresh, particularly baking soda?
Very good question! It’s essential to have fresh ingredients to ensure the best rise and texture in your cookies. To test your baking soda, mix 1 teaspoon with a little vinegar; it should bubble vigorously if it’s fresh. If not, it’s time to replace it. Additionally, check for any odor or clumping in your baking soda for quality assurance.

What’s the best way to store cookies to keep them fresh?
For room temperature storage, place cooled cookies in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh for up to one week. I recommend putting a slice of bread in the container, too—this clever tip helps absorb excess moisture, keeping your cookies soft and delicious!

Can I freeze these cookies for future enjoyment?
Definitely! To freeze your Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container, layering with parchment paper if needed. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. To enjoy them later, just reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that warm, gooey delight!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you notice that your cookies spread too much, it could be due to using softened butter rather than cold butter. For the next batch, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and achieve that perfect chewy center you’re aiming for!

Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Of course! To make your Hershey S’mores Kiss Cookies nut-free, simply omit any nuts from the recipe. Since graham crackers can sometimes contain cross-contamination with nuts, look for a trusted nut-free brand to ensure safety, especially if you are making them for those with allergies. You can always add more marshmallows for extra chewiness without any nuts!