Chocolate Kiss Crinkle Cookies Recipe

I’ve got to tell you about these delightful Chocolate Kiss Crinkle Cookies Recipe that I recently fell in love with. They are the perfect blend of fudgy brownie texture and the iconic crackly powdered sugar coating, all topped with a melty Hershey kiss that makes every bite a celebration. If you love rich chocolate desserts but want something fun and bite-sized, these cookies are exactly what you need in your baking arsenal.

Whether you’re bringing treats to a holiday party, surprising your kids after school, or just craving that chocolate fix with an elegant twist, this Chocolate Kiss Crinkle Cookies Recipe really hits the spot. It’s one of those recipes that even beginner bakers can master—and I promise, you’ll feel like a pro when your kitchen fills up with that intoxicating chocolate and espresso aroma!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chocolate Kiss Crinkle Cookies Recipe really starts with the ingredients working together to give you that soft, fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor, all balanced perfectly with a hint of espresso. Make sure to use a good quality brownie mix and fresh eggs for the best results!

• Brownie mix: I prefer a dark chocolate one like Ghirardelli; it gives the cookies a deep, intense chocolate flavor.
• Flour: Just a bit helps give the dough structure without making cookies tough.
• Cream cheese: Makes the dough extra moist and tender. Be sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly.
• Espresso powder: This is a secret ingredient that amps up the chocolate taste without making the cookies taste like coffee.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for easy mixing and a rich buttery flavor. Room temperature butter can also work, but melted helps the mix better.
• Eggs: They provide structure and richness, so don’t skip! Fresh eggs make a difference.
• Powdered sugar: Coats the dough balls for that signature crinkle look and an extra touch of sweetness.
• Hershey kisses: Any flavor works, but my go-to is classic milk chocolate for nostalgia and melty perfection.

Variations

I like to tweak this Chocolate Kiss Crinkle Cookies Recipe depending on my mood or the occasion—it’s super flexible. It’s fun to experiment and find your go-to twist!

• Peanut butter cup kisses: I swapped out the regular kisses once and it was a peanut butter and chocolate dream. Definitely try this if you love that combo!
• Espresso powder omission: If you’re not a fan of coffee flavor, you can leave out the espresso powder—but I do recommend it for that chocolate boost.
• Gluten-free tweak: Using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour works well. Just be sure it’s a blend meant for baking.
• Dark chocolate chips: For extra gooey bites, fold a handful into the dough before rolling and coating.

How to Make Chocolate Kiss Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough Like a Pro

Start by combining the brownie mix, flour, softened cream cheese, and espresso powder in a large bowl. Add melted butter and eggs, then stir everything gently until it forms a smooth, slightly thick batter. Don’t overmix here—you want everything incorporated but still tender. One trick I’ve learned is to let the batter chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes; it makes rolling much easier and stops cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 2: Roll, Coat, and Bake to Perfection

After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each one generously in powdered sugar, making sure they’re fully coated. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each—these cookies will spread slightly but you want them to keep their shape. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. The edges should feel set but the centers still soft. Right when you pull them out, press a Hershey kiss gently into the center of each cookie so it softens and melts a bit.

Step 3: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps the kisses set but stay soft and gooey. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. I can barely wait, but this step ensures the cookies hold their shape and the chocolate centers don’t run everywhere!

How to Serve Chocolate Kiss Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnish simple—just an extra light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a lovely snow-kissed look. For a festive touch, sometimes I sprinkle crushed peppermint or edible glitter around the edges. It makes a sweet impression, especially during the holidays.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own, but I love pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich hot chocolate. The contrast of warm cookies and creamy ice cream is a total crowd-pleaser at family get-togethers.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these cookies in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper. Another fun idea is to stack them on a tiered dessert tray alongside fresh berries and mini marshmallows for a hot cocoa bar vibe. Presentation really amps up how special these little treats feel!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fudgy for up to 4 days. It’s best to layer them between sheets of parchment paper so they don’t stick together or lose that pretty crinkle coating.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls perfectly—just roll and coat them in powdered sugar, then freeze on a tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time. This trick has saved me so many last-minute dessert emergencies!

Reheating

To reheat leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The chocolate kiss softens deliciously without melting completely. Just avoid overheating or they’ll lose that perfect fudgy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Kiss Crinkle Cookies Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite go-to chocolate treats because it’s both simple and impressively delicious. They’re perfect whether you’re baking with kids, need something quick yet fancy-looking, or just want that cozy, homemade chocolate fix. I truly hope you give these cookies a try—they bring smiles every time I serve them, and I’m sure you’ll love them just as much as I do!

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