Introduction
Sugar cookies are a classic treat that many home bakers enjoy, perfect for any occasion. Their subtle sweetness and soft texture make them a favorite, especially when nestled beneath a Hershey Kiss. This combination of flavors not only results in a delightful dessert but brings a nostalgic touch to any gathering.
The beauty of sugar cookies lies in their simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a soft, buttery base that perfectly complements the iconic chocolate kiss on top. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special celebration, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Let’s dive into the delightful world of sugar cookies with Hershey Kisses!
Ingredients
- 210 g (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure and stability. It helps create that soft yet slightly chewy texture many love in sugar cookies. - ¼ tsp baking soda
Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy. It reacts with the acids in the dough, which gives the cookies a light, airy feel. - ¼ tsp baking powder
Baking powder works in conjunction with baking soda to ensure the cookies have a nice rise, contributing to their lightness. This double leavening creates a tender cookie. - ¼ tsp salt
Salt is essential in cookies as it enhances the overall flavor. It balances the sweetness, making the sugar taste more pronounced and rounding out the flavor profile. - 113 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
Butter adds richness and moisture to cookies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in your dough, making it essential for a balanced flavor. - 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
Granulated sugar is responsible for the cookie's sweetness while also contributing to its texture. It helps create a crispy edge when baked. - 1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla extract infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness. It brings depth to the cookie's overall taste. - 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, for rolling
This sugar coating adds a delightful crunch to the outside of the cookies, enhancing both texture and visual appeal. It's a simple step that elevates the finished look. - Hershey Kisses
These chocolate delights are the iconic topping for these cookies. When pressed into the warm cookie, they melt slightly and create a gooey, chocolatey center that contrasts beautifully with the soft sugar cookies.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Preheating your oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly and helps achieve that perfect golden color. Lining the baking sheets prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to focus on the baking process.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Whisking these dry ingredients together ensures they are well combined, which helps distribute the leavening agents evenly. This step is crucial for achieving cookies that rise uniformly.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Creaming the butter and sugar is a key technique in cookie making. It incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter cookie texture. Be patient and mix until you see a pale, fluffy consistency.
Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
Incorporating the egg and vanilla at this stage enriches the dough. The egg acts as a binder, providing moisture, while the vanilla enhances the flavor. Mixing until just combined prevents overworking the dough.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
It's essential to mix gently to avoid developing gluten in the flour, which can lead to tougher cookies. Stopping as soon as the dry ingredients disappear will maintain a tender texture.
Step 6: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop dough, roll in granulated sugar, and place on a lined baking sheet.
This method not only shapes the cookies uniformly but also gives them a beautiful sugary coating. Be sure to leave enough space between the cookies, as they will spread while baking.
Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8 minutes, then immediately press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Baking the cookies until just set is crucial to preventing them from becoming too hard. Pressing the Hershey's Kiss into the warm cookie creates an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 8: Let cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Cooling the cookies allows them to set and firm up, making them easier to handle without losing their shape. This step ensures that the chocolate also maintains its texture and doesn’t become overly soft.
Perfectly Soft Sugar Cookies Every Time
Achieving the perfect texture in sugar cookies hinges on a few critical techniques, primarily the creaming of butter and sugar and careful mixing of dry ingredients. Make sure your butter is at the right softness—too hard won't incorporate air well, while too soft could lead to overspreading. Additionally, avoid overmixing after adding the flour; this preserves the tender crumb you desire.
Customize Your Cookie Experience
While this recipe delivers a delightful combination with classic Hershey Kisses, there’s room for creativity. Consider substituting the Hershey Kisses with other chocolates, caramel candies, or even festive sprinkles that can add a unique twist. Adapting the toppings can make these cookies suitable for different occasions, keeping that classic sugar cookie texture and taste at their core.
The Art of Rolling Dough in Sugar
Rolling the cookie dough in granulated sugar is more than just for aesthetics; it adds a delightful crunch and additional sweetness that contrasts well with the soft interior. For an added touch, consider using colored sugar for festive occasions or mixing in a pinch of cinnamon to the sugar for a warm twist. This small step enhances the serendipity of each bite.
FAQs
What if my dough seems too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps firm up the butter, making it easier to handle.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Excess spreading could result from overly soft butter or too much mixing after adding the flour. Ensure your butter is soft but not melted, and mix until just combined.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, using brown sugar will add a deeper flavor and chewiness to your cookies. Just replace the granulated sugar with an equal amount of brown sugar for a sweeter, molasses-rich taste.
What should I do if my cookies taste bland?
If your cookies lack flavor, it may be due to insufficient salt or vanilla. Make sure to include both and consider adding a bit of almond extract for an extra flavor dimension.
How can I tell when my cookies are done baking?
Cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set but slightly soft. They will continue to cook after removing from the oven for the best texture.
What if the cookies burn on the bottom?
Burning can occur if the baking sheets are too close to the heating element. Make sure to center your racks in the oven and adjust baking time for your specific oven.
Conclusion
Sugar cookies topped with Hershey Kisses are a delightful treat that never goes out of style. They bring joy not just through their taste but also in the memories made when baking them. Whether for a special event or a cozy family evening, they are a perfect addition.
As you whip up your batch, remember that the joy of baking lies in experimentation and creativity. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own, and enjoy every bite of your delicious creations!
Recipe Card
Delicious Sugar Cookies Topped with Hershey Kisses
Ingredients
- 210 g 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 113 g 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100 g 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for rolling
- Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop dough, roll in granulated sugar, and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 8 minutes, then immediately press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
