Chocolate Kiss Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Kiss Thumbprint Cookies
There’s something so nostalgic and heartwarming about a tray of chocolate cookies coming out of the oven — the rich aroma filling your kitchen, the soft centers still warm, and the glossy chocolate kiss melting gently in the middle.
These Chocolate Kiss Thumbprint Cookies are everything you love about classic holiday baking — simple, chocolatey, and utterly irresistible.
Whether you make them for Christmas cookie trays, Valentine’s Day treats, or just a weekend baking session, these cookies are the perfect combination of soft chocolate dough, melted chocolate filling, and that signature Hershey’s Kiss on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Imagine biting into a soft, fudgy cookie filled with smooth melted chocolate — then discovering the sweet crunch of a Hershey’s Kiss on top. Each bite is perfectly balanced, from the chewy edges to the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Here’s why these Chocolate Kiss Thumbprint Cookies are a must-bake:
- Triple chocolate flavor: Cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and a Hershey’s Kiss — all in one cookie!
- Quick and easy: No chilling time, no complicated steps, just mix, bake, fill, and top.
- Perfect for gifting: They look bakery-worthy and stay soft for days.
- Fun to make: Great for baking with kids — they love pressing the Kisses into the warm cookies!
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Mini Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes or Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Sprinkles. Both are crowd favorites and just as fun to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these irresistible cookies.
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the filling and topping:
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for a glossy finish)
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
How to Make Chocolate Kiss Thumbprint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses now so they’re ready to go — you’ll need them immediately after baking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
If it feels too soft, chill it for 10–15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them between your palms to make them smooth. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Use your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon to gently press a small indentation into the center of each cookie.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Don’t overbake — they’ll continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Filling
While the cookies bake, melt your chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, use a spoon to fill each indentation with a small dollop of melted chocolate.
Step 6: Top with Hershey’s Kisses
Immediately press one Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will slightly soften the Kiss, helping it stick perfectly as it cools.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
- Don’t overbake! These cookies should stay soft and fudgy in the center.
- Press gently. You only need a small indentation for the filling — too deep and the cookie might crack.
- Work quickly. Add the melted chocolate and Hershey’s Kiss while the cookies are still warm so everything melds together.
- Use good cocoa. A high-quality cocoa powder makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Double the batch! These cookies go fast, especially if you’re gifting or entertaining.
Variations to Try
You can easily customize these cookies to suit your taste or the season. Here are a few delicious variations:
- Peppermint Kiss Cookies: Use candy cane Kisses for a festive holiday twist.
- Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies: Swap out half the butter for peanut butter and fill with milk chocolate.
- Caramel-Filled Thumbprints: Add a teaspoon of caramel sauce instead of melted chocolate, then top with a Kiss.
- Sprinkle Topped: Roll the dough balls in red, green, or gold sprinkles before baking for extra color.
How to Store Chocolate Kiss Thumbprint Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for about a week, though the Kisses may harden slightly.
- Freezer: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
If you want to make the dough ahead, roll it into balls and freeze them raw. When ready to bake, let thaw slightly, bake, then fill and top as usual.
Serving Ideas
These cookies are beautiful on any dessert tray and pair perfectly with a warm drink. Serve them with:
- A cup of hot coffee or Homemade Hot Chocolate
- A glass of cold milk for kids (and grown-ups!)
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
They also make stunning holiday gifts — just arrange a few in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon, or stack them in a festive tin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
You can, but homemade dough gives a softer, richer texture that pairs better with the melted chocolate and Kiss.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Only if your dough feels too soft to roll. A quick 10–15 minutes in the fridge helps.
Can I use dark chocolate or white chocolate Kisses?
Absolutely! Mix and match for a colorful, flavorful cookie platter.
Make It a Chocolate Lover’s Tray
If you’re planning a chocolate-themed cookie spread, pair these Chocolate Kiss Thumbprint Cookies with a few of my other dessert favorites:
- Strawberry Bundt Cake – sweet, soft, and perfectly pink
- Easy Caramel Sauce – drizzle it over cookies or ice cream for a sweet touch
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Kiss Thumbprint Cookies are classic, simple, and absolutely foolproof — the kind of recipe that makes you fall in love with baking all over again. Every batch feels special, and the combination of the soft chocolate cookie, glossy melted chocolate, and iconic Hershey’s Kiss on top makes them a showstopper every single time.
Bake them for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because. One bite, and you’ll understand why these cookies never last long in my kitchen!
