Easy Gingerbread Kiss Cookies Recipe
Get ready to immerse yourself in the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies with our easy gingerbread kiss cookies recipe. This simple yet festive treat effortlessly brings holiday cheer into your kitchen, perfect for cozy winter gatherings or a quick family dessert. Not only are these cookies incredibly delicious, but their charming presentation makes them a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Every year, as the first hint of winter fills the air, my family gathers in the kitchen to bake batch after batch of these beloved cookies. It started as a tradition with my grandmother, who believed these little delights symbolized the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Now, I share these moments with my children, watching their eyes light up with excitement as they place the last kiss on the cookies, eagerly awaiting their first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a holiday favorite for many reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly simple to follow, making it an ideal project for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. The spicy warmth of gingerbread paired with the sweet chocolate kiss is a harmonious blend of flavors that embodies festive delight. Additionally, these cookies are perfect for gift-giving or cookie exchanges, thanks to their adorable presentation.
Ingredients Notes
These gingerbread kiss cookies are made with accessible ingredients you might already have in your pantry. If you want to enhance the warm spices, feel free to add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg. Allergic to nuts? You can easily substitute almond flour with all-purpose flour, and they’ll come out just as delightful. For a dairy-free option, use dark chocolate kisses or a dairy-free alternative.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking.
Step 2
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the molasses and egg, mixing well to combine the wet ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3
Sift together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, blending until a soft dough forms.
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Step 4
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the center of each ball to flatten slightly.
Step 5
Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookies are firm but still soft. Remove from the oven and immediately press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Storage Options
To store your gingerbread kiss cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these cookies. Substitute chocolate kisses with peppermint-flavored ones for a refreshing twist or use a vegan chocolate option to cater to dietary restrictions. You can also add a zest of orange for a citrus-flavored ginger punch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cookies at holiday parties, or pack them into festive tins for a thoughtful homemade gift. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa. Indulge your friends and family with this sweet, spicy treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for making in advance. Simply prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to thaw the dough slightly before baking for the best results.
What if I don’t have molasses? Molasses adds a distinct depth of flavor to gingerbread cookies. If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly altered.
How do I prevent the chocolate kiss from melting? To keep the chocolate kisses intact, press them into the cookies immediately after taking them out of the oven. The residual heat from the cookies will soften the chocolate just enough to adhere without melting completely.
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Easy Gingerbread Kiss Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.25 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 48 pieces Hershey's Kisses
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating well until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set.
- Immediately place a Hershey's Kiss in the center of each cookie after removing from the oven.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
