Gingerbread Kiss Cookies: The Sweetest Holiday Treat

Name: Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 tsp ground ginger; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground cloves; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup softened butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup unsulfured molasses; 1 egg; Hershey’s Kisses for topping

Ah, gingerbread cookies. They’re the perfect embodiment of the holiday season, aren’t they? When it comes to festive desserts, nothing quite beats the cozy spiciness of ginger, especially when it’s nestled in a soft cookie with a chocolate center. If you’re looking to impress your friends and family this holiday season—or just want to eat something delicious (no judgment here)—you’ve landed in the right place. Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are delightful little bundles of joy that scream, “The holidays are here!” 🍪

So, buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a delectable journey through the world of gingerbread kiss cookies. You’ll learn everything from how to make them to the best ways to showcase them. Ready? Let’s dive in!

What Are Gingerbread Kiss Cookies?

First things first—let’s chat about what exactly these cookies are. Basically, they’re soft gingerbread cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss in the center. Imagine all the taste of traditional gingerbread, but with a chocolatey twist that would make Willy Wonka envious. Seriously, can you think of a better combo than gingerbread and chocolate? Yeah, me neither!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start baking, let’s gather up our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Flour: All-purpose works best.
Baking soda: For that essential lift.
Ground ginger: Extra spice, please!
Ground cinnamon: Can’t forget this cozy flavor.
Ground cloves: For that warm kick.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance things out.
Brown sugar: Gives the cookies that lovely moisture.
Unsulfured molasses: This adds depth and richness—delish!
Egg: To bind everything together.
Butter: Because butter makes everything better, right?
Hershey’s Kisses: The killer topping that steals the show.

And if you’re feeling extra (fancy), you could add some chopped nuts or dried fruit. But, let’s be real—who needs distractions when chocolate is involved?

How to Make Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

Now that we have our star players, it’s baking time! Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to making these delightful cookies:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Just think of it as the oven getting ready to throw a party for your taste buds.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup—everyone’s favorite part!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt

Set this aside, like the class nerd who just can’t wait for their moment in the spotlight.

Step 4: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, cream together:

½ cup of softened butter
1 cup of brown sugar
1/3 cup of unsulfured molasses
1 egg

Keep mixing until it’s all fluffy and delightful. You want to aim for a texture reminiscent of a comfy sofa—not too lumpy, but also not a complete disaster.

Step 5: Combine

Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. You can mix this by hand or use a mixer—whatever floats your boat!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. I usually aim for around one inch in diameter. It’s like making little gingerbread snowballs—super fun!

Step 7: Bake

Place those little cookies on your lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on them—nobody wants to burn these beauties.

Step 8: Add the Kisses

As soon as they come out of the oven (but are still super soft), press a Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie. This makes them look extra fancy, like the cookies themselves threw on a tuxedo for the occasion.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Let those cookies cool on a wire rack, if you own one. If not, just transfer them to a plate and dig in! (No pressure, but good luck not eating the entire batch in one sitting).

Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

If you want to take these cookies from “meh” to “OMG, these are the best,” check out these handy tips:

Chill the Dough: If your dough seems a bit sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This’ll make rolling easier and give you a better shape.
Experiment with Flavors: Want to spice things up? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or substituting half the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthy twist.
Make Them Festive: Consider using seasonal Kisses, like peppermint or caramel. I promise your cookie game will level up like you’ve never seen!
Store Correctly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. But, let’s be honest, good luck with that—they’ll be gone before you know it!

Why Gingerbread Kiss Cookies Are a Must-Bake

You might be wondering—why should I spend my time baking these cookies when I could just hit the store? Well, here’s the truth:

Homemade Love: There’s something deeply satisfying about baking from scratch. Plus, your home will smell divine. Trust me, that scent is basically a magnet for compliments.
Great for Sharing: These cookies make excellent gifts! Package them up in cute boxes or bags, and voilà—you’ve got a thoughtful present for your neighbor, coworker, or that one friend who always shows up empty-handed at parties. 😏
Tradition and Fun: Baking gingerbread cookies has that nostalgic feeling we all crave during the holiday season. It’s a great way to create memories with family and friends.

Conclusion: Time to Bake Some Gingerbread Kiss Cookies!

So there you have it—your ultimate guide to making scrumptious Gingerbread Kiss Cookies. They’re delicious, easy to make, and will impress just about anyone who happens to cross your holiday path.

Now, go grab those ingredients, preheat that oven, and show the world what you’re made of—aka, the best holiday cookies ever. And remember, if anyone asks, it was totally from scratch…right? 😜 Happy baking!