Delicious Oatmeal Kiss Cookies Recipe

Oatmeal Kiss Cookies are a delightful combination of chewy oatmeal cookies and rich chocolate kisses. These cookies are a sweet twist on classic oatmeal cookies, with a Hershey’s Kiss nestled in the center for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. These cookies are great for holidays, cookie swaps, or anytime you want a delicious homemade treat!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped (about 30 kisses)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
• ½ cup raisins or chocolate chips for extra flavor
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg for a spiced twist

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
3. Stir in the oats and any optional add-ins like chopped nuts or raisins until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Step 4: Add the Hershey’s Kisses

1. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, which is normal.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once the cookies are cool, serve these Oatmeal Kiss Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage.

Cooking Notes

• Oats: Use old-fashioned oats for a chewy texture. Quick oats can also work but will result in a slightly different texture.
• Chilling the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.

Variations

1. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Kiss Cookies

Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the cookie dough for a rich, nutty flavor. Peanut butter and chocolate are always a great combination!

2. Double Chocolate Oatmeal Kiss Cookies

Replace ½ cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a double chocolate twist. You can also use dark chocolate kisses for extra indulgence.

3. Spiced Oatmeal Kiss Cookies

Add ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg and a pinch of ground cloves to the dough for a spiced flavor. This variation is perfect for the fall and holiday season.

4. Coconut Oatmeal Kiss Cookies

For a tropical twist, mix in ½ cup shredded coconut into the dough. The combination of coconut and chocolate makes these cookies even more special.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 1 day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.

Q: How do I store Oatmeal Kiss Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, you can use other chocolates like mini peanut butter cups, dark chocolate pieces, or caramel-filled chocolates.

These Oatmeal Kiss Cookies are a delicious and easy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a chewy oatmeal base and a decadent chocolate kiss in the center, these cookies offer the best of both worlds. Customize them with your favorite add-ins like peanut butter, coconut, or nuts to make them your own. Perfect for holiday baking or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit!