The holiday season is upon us, and what’s a festive celebration without the sweet treats that bring everyone together? Thumbprint cookies paired with Hershey Kisses have become a staple during this time of year, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Disclosure & Content Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Every recommendation is something I genuinely believe adds value and aligns with a curated, intentional home. Portions of this article were created with the assistance of AI tools and then carefully reviewed, edited, and refined to ensure accuracy, originality, and editorial quality.
Baking these classic cookies can be a fun and creative activity, especially with the variety of recipes available. From traditional butter cookies to innovative flavor twists, there’s a thumbprint cookie recipe to suit every taste.
This article will guide you through 10 delightful thumbprint cookie recipes featuring Hershey Kisses, ensuring you have a diverse range of options to make your holiday baking a success.
Key Takeaways
- Explore a variety of thumbprint cookie recipes perfect for the holiday season.
- Discover how to incorporate Hershey Kisses into your baking for an extra-special treat.
- Learn tips for making your holiday cookies stand out with unique flavors and decorations.
- Find inspiration for your holiday baking with our curated list of recipes.
- Enjoy the process of baking with family and friends, creating memories that last a lifetime.
The Magic of Thumbprint Cookies with Hershey Kisses
There’s something magical about thumbprint cookies, especially when paired with the sweetness of Hershey Kisses. These cookies have become a staple of holiday baking, and for good reason. They offer a delightful combination of texture and taste that is hard to resist.
What Makes Thumbprint Cookies Special
Thumbprint cookies are special because of their unique texture and versatility. The base of these cookies is typically made from a buttery dough that is rolled into balls and then indented to create a small well. This well is perfect for holding a variety of fillings, from jam to chocolate.
Key characteristics of thumbprint cookies include:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Texture | Crumbly edges with a tender center |
| Versatility | Can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings |
| Ease of Preparation | Simple to make, requiring basic baking ingredients |
Why Hershey Kisses Are the Perfect Topping
Hershey Kisses are the perfect topping for thumbprint cookies because they add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. The smooth, creamy chocolate melts slightly when pressed into the warm cookie, creating a deliciously gooey center.
The reasons Hershey Kisses work so well include:
- Their smooth, creamy chocolate complements the crumbly cookie base.
- They melt slightly when pressed into the warm cookie, creating a gooey center.
- Hershey Kisses come in a variety of flavors, allowing for different twists on the classic recipe.
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
The classic peanut butter blossoms recipe is a staple during the holiday season, offering a delicious blend of peanut butter and chocolate. This timeless treat is perfect for cookie exchanges and family gatherings.
The Original Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
The original thumbprint cookie recipe involves creating a peanut butter dough that is rolled into balls and then baked with a Hershey’s Kiss pressed into the center. This simple yet elegant design makes for a beautiful and tasty cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make classic peanut butter blossoms, you’ll need a combination of dry and wet ingredients, along with Hershey’s Kisses for the topping.
Dry Ingredients
The dry ingredients include 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients consist of 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 egg.
Toppings
You’ll need Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped, to press into the cookies immediately after baking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups |
| Peanut butter | 1/2 cup |
| Hershey’s Kisses | As needed |
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into balls and bake for 10-12 minutes. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
To ensure your peanut butter blossoms turn out perfectly, make sure to press the Hershey’s Kiss into the cookie immediately after baking, while the cookie is still warm.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Hershey Kisses
Indulge in the rich flavors of chocolate thumbprint cookies paired with the iconic Hershey Kisses for a delightful holiday treat. These cookies combine the deep, velvety taste of chocolate with the creamy sweetness of Hershey Kisses, making them a perfect match for the festive season.
Rich Chocolate Base with Chocolate Topping
The foundation of these cookies is a rich, chocolate cookie base that is both tender and flavorful. Topped with a Hershey Kiss, they offer a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. The chocolate base is made with high-quality cocoa powder, ensuring a deep chocolate flavor.
Ingredients List
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:
Cookie Base Components
The cookie base is made with all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and unsalted butter, among other ingredients.
Special Additions
Sugar and brown sugar add sweetness, while eggs provide moisture and richness.
Finishing Touches
The crowning glory is, of course, the Hershey Kisses. Choose your favorite flavor to top your cookies.
Baking Instructions
To bake these cookies, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out the dough, make a thumbprint, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center.
Decoration Ideas
For an extra touch, consider drizzling your cookies with melted chocolate or sprinkling with festive sprinkles. This adds a fun and colorful element to your cookies, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
10 Delicious Thumbprint with Hershey Kiss Cookies to Make This Season
The combination of thumbprint cookies and Hershey Kisses is a match made in heaven, especially when filled with caramel. This season, explore the world of thumbprint cookies and discover the joy of baking with various flavors and fillings.
Caramel Filled Chocolate Thumbprints
Caramel filled chocolate thumbprints are a delightful twist on the classic cookie. The rich, chocolatey flavor combined with the gooey caramel center creates a treat that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients for Caramel Chocolate Cookies
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Cookie Base
A mixture of all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and sugar forms the base of these chocolate cookies.
Caramel Center
Dulce de leche or homemade caramel sauce is used to create the gooey center of the cookies.
Chocolate Kiss Topping
Hershey Kisses, specifically the milk chocolate variety, are perfect for topping these cookies.
Baking Process
Baking caramel filled chocolate thumbprints involves a few simple steps. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, prepare the cookie dough by mixing the ingredients for the cookie base. Scoop the dough into balls and create a thumbprint in each. Fill the thumbprints with caramel sauce and bake for 10-12 minutes. Finally, top each cookie with a Hershey Kiss immediately after baking.
Serving Suggestions
These caramel filled chocolate thumbprints are perfect for serving at holiday parties or as gifts. Consider packaging them in decorative tins or jars and adding a festive ribbon.
Mint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
The combination of mint and chocolate in thumbprint cookies is a match made in heaven. These refreshing treats are perfect for the holiday season, offering a cool twist on traditional flavors.
Refreshing Mint Cookie Base
The base of these thumbprint cookies is made with a refreshing mint flavor, achieved by incorporating mint extract into the dough. This gives the cookies a cool and invigorating taste that pairs perfectly with the richness of chocolate.
Ingredients for Mint Chocolate Cookies
To make mint chocolate thumbprint cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These include:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Mint extract
- Chocolate chips or Hershey Kisses
Cookie Dough Components
The cookie dough is made with basic baking ingredients, with the addition of mint extract for that refreshing flavor.
Mint Extracts and Additions
Mint extract is crucial for giving these cookies their distinctive taste. You can also add a few drops of peppermint extract for an extra kick.
Mint Hershey Kisses
Using mint Hershey Kisses adds an extra layer of minty freshness to the cookies. They melt slightly during baking, creating a delicious chocolate center.
Baking Process
Baking these cookies involves a simple process: preparing the dough, shaping the cookies, and baking them until they’re lightly golden. Here’s a brief overview:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Scoop the dough into balls and create a thumbprint in each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Immediately press a mint Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Pairing with Hot Chocolate
These mint chocolate thumbprint cookies are perfect when paired with a warm cup of hot chocolate. The combination is a delightful treat that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies with Hershey Hugs
Combining the warmth of snickerdoodle cookies with the sweetness of Hershey Hugs creates a unique holiday treat. Snickerdoodle thumbprint cookies are a delicious variation of the classic snickerdoodle recipe, with the added bonus of a chocolate Hershey Hug pressed into the center.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Base
The base of these cookies is a traditional snickerdoodle dough, characterized by its cinnamon sugar coating and soft, chewy interior. The cinnamon sugar not only adds flavor but also provides a lovely textural element to the cookies.
Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Thumbprints
To make snickerdoodle thumbprints, you’ll need a few key ingredients, which can be broken down into categories:
Cookie Dough Ingredients
Butter, sugar, eggs, flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda are essential for the dough.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
A mixture of sugar and cinnamon is used to coat the cookies before baking, giving them their distinctive flavor and appearance.
Hershey Hugs
The pièce de résistance is the Hershey Hug, which is pressed into the cookie immediately after baking, creating a delicious chocolate center.
Baking Instructions
Baking snickerdoodle thumbprints involves rolling the dough into balls, coating them in cinnamon sugar, and baking until set. After baking, a thumbprint is made in the center of each cookie, and a Hershey Hug is pressed in.
Why Hershey Hugs Work Best
Hershey Hugs are the perfect complement to snickerdoodle cookies due to their rich, chocolatey flavor and smooth texture. They melt slightly when pressed into the warm cookie, creating a delightful chocolate center.
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
Red velvet thumbprint cookies are a stunning addition to any holiday cookie platter. Their vibrant red color and white chocolate kisses make them a festive treat that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Vibrant Red Velvet Cookie Base
The base of these thumbprints is made with a classic red velvet cookie dough, which gives them their signature color and a subtle cocoa flavor. The addition of buttermilk and a hint of vanilla enhances the richness of the cookies.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Thumbprints
To make these cookies, you’ll need a mix of dry and wet ingredients, along with white chocolate kisses for the topping.
Dry Ingredients with Cocoa
The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients provide the structure and the red velvet flavor.
Wet Ingredients and Food Coloring
The wet ingredients consist of butter, eggs, buttermilk, and red food coloring. The buttermilk adds moisture, while the red food coloring gives the cookies their vibrant color.
White Chocolate Kisses
White chocolate kisses are pressed into the center of the cookies immediately after baking, creating a delicious contrast to the red velvet.
Baking Process
To bake these cookies, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into balls and create a thumbprint in the center of each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set.
Holiday Presentation Ideas
These cookies can be presented on a festive platter or packaged in cellophane bags tied with a red ribbon. They’re perfect for holiday parties or as gifts.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Structure |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetness |
| Cocoa powder | 2 tbsp | Red velvet flavor |
| White chocolate kisses | 1 bag | Topping |
Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints
Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints bring together the best of both worlds, merging the classic thumbprint cookie with the irresistible charm of coconut macaroons and chocolate. This unique cookie is sure to be a hit during the holiday season.
Chewy Coconut Cookie Base
The foundation of these thumbprints is a chewy coconut cookie base, made with shredded coconut, egg whites, and a touch of vanilla. This base provides a delicious contrast to the smooth chocolate kiss on top.
Ingredients for Coconut Macaroons
To make Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These include:
- Shredded coconut
- Egg whites
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Almond Joy Kisses
Coconut and Binding Ingredients
The shredded coconut and egg whites are crucial for the texture and structure of the coconut macaroon base.
Sweeteners and Flavorings
Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while vanilla extract provides a hint of flavor to the coconut macaroons.
Almond Joy Kisses
Almond Joy Kisses are the perfect topping for Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints, adding a rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of coconut and almond.
Baking Instructions
To bake Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Scoop the coconut mixture into balls and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool before pressing an Almond Joy Kiss into the center of each one.
Storage Tips for Macaroon Thumbprints
To keep Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Caramel Kisses
Gingerbread and caramel, a match made in heaven, come together in these irresistible thumbprint cookies. Perfect for the holiday season, gingerbread thumbprint cookies with caramel kisses offer a delightful twist on traditional baking.
Spiced Gingerbread Base
The foundation of these cookies is a moist and spicy gingerbread dough, made with a blend of warming spices that evoke the essence of the holiday season. The spice blend is crucial, providing a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel kisses.
Ingredients List
To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- Caramel Hershey Kisses, unwrapped
Spice Blend Components
The spice blend is a mix of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, each contributing its unique warmth to the cookies.
Molasses and Other Wet Ingredients
Molasses adds a rich, deep flavor, while the eggs and butter ensure the dough is moist and tender.
Caramel Hershey Kisses
The unwrapped caramel Hershey Kisses are pressed into the thumbprints, melting slightly to create a gooey caramel center.
Baking Process
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into balls, create a thumbprint, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Immediately press a caramel Hershey Kiss into each cookie.
Why Caramel Kisses Complement Gingerbread
The caramel kisses add a sweet and sticky contrast to the spicy gingerbread, creating a delightful flavor combination that’s perfect for the holidays.
Sugar Cookie Thumbprints with Candy Cane Kisses
For a sweet and minty holiday treat, consider baking sugar cookie thumbprints with candy cane kisses. These cookies combine the classic taste of sugar cookies with the festive flavor of candy canes, making them perfect for the holiday season.
Classic Sugar Cookie Base
The foundation of these cookies is a classic sugar cookie dough, made with basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. The dough is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it convenient for holiday baking.
Ingredients List
To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need:
Cookie Dough Basics
Butter, sugar, eggs, and flour form the base of the dough.
Extracts and Flavorings
Adding vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookies.
Candy Cane Hershey Kisses
Candy cane Hershey Kisses provide the minty twist and festive look.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
| Butter | 1 cup | Provides richness and tenderness |
| Sugar | 1 cup | Adds sweetness and texture |
| Egg | 1 | Binds ingredients together |
| Flour | 2 cups | Provides structure |
| Candy Cane Hershey Kisses | 1 bag | Adds minty flavor and festive look |
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the sugar cookie dough according to the recipe, then shape into balls and create a thumbprint in each. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Festive Presentation Ideas
To make your sugar cookie thumbprints with candy cane kisses even more festive, consider arranging them on a platter with holly sprigs or red berries, or packaging them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon.
Conclusion: Creating Sweet Memories with Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies have become a staple in holiday baking, bringing families and friends together through the joy of baking and sharing sweet treats. With Hershey Kisses as the perfect topping, these cookies create sweet memories that last a lifetime.
As you’ve explored the various thumbprint cookie recipes in this article, from classic peanut butter blossoms to creative variations like mint chocolate and snickerdoodle thumbprints, you’re now equipped to make the most of your holiday baking experience.
Whether you’re baking with loved ones or sharing your creations with neighbors and friends, thumbprint cookies with Hershey Kisses are sure to spread cheer and warmth during the holiday season. So, get baking and make some sweet memories with your favorite thumbprint cookie recipes!
FAQ
What is the best way to store thumbprint cookies with Hershey Kisses?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I use different types of Hershey Kisses for my thumbprint cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with various Hershey Kisses flavors, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or seasonal flavors, to create different taste experiences.
How do I prevent Hershey Kisses from melting when baking thumbprint cookies?
To prevent melting, make sure to press the Hershey Kisses gently into the cookie immediately after baking, and avoid overbaking the cookies.
Can I make thumbprint cookies with Hershey Kisses ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Simply press the Hershey Kisses into the cookies when you’re ready to serve.
What are some variations I can try with thumbprint cookies and Hershey Kisses?
Try using different cookie dough flavors, such as peanut butter, oatmeal, or chocolate, and pair them with various Hershey Kisses flavors for unique combinations.
How do I achieve the perfect thumbprint indentation for Hershey Kisses?
Use a small cookie scoop or your thumb to create a deep indentation in the cookie dough, making sure it’s large enough to hold the Hershey Kiss.
Can I freeze thumbprint cookies with Hershey Kisses?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies, but it’s best to freeze them before adding the Hershey Kisses. Simply thaw the cookies and press the Hershey Kisses into the indentations when you’re ready to serve.
What are some tips for making thumbprint cookies with Hershey Kisses look more appealing?
Consider using festive holiday packaging, arranging the cookies on a decorative platter, or adding a few sprinkles or edible glitter to make them more visually appealing.