Chocolate Crinkle Kiss Cookies

These chocolate crinkle kiss cookies are rich enough to satisfy your chocolate craving, yet pretty enough to add to your holiday cookie tray.  Fudgy, chocolate cookies, rolled in powdered sugar and topped with a milk chocolate kiss – definitely one of Santa’s favorites.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Closeup of chocolate crinkle kiss cookies - chocolate cookies, rolled in powdered sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss candy.

This is such a fun cookie that appeals to both kids and adults.  This recipe is one of my favorites.  I make them every year.  They’re pretty easy to make and are among the first cookies to be eaten.  Also, if you package them in a pretty candy box with the cellophane window, they make a lovely gift.

So far this year, I’ve made Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, Soft Red Velvet Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting (dangerously good!), and Pfeffernusse Cookies.  Stay tuned for more cookie recipes.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

  • Butter – I use unsalted, but if you have salted butter, just eliminate the ¾ teaspoon of salt.  You’ll want to allow the butter to soften to room temperature.
  • Granulated sugar and dark brown sugar – obviously, they sweeten the cookie, but the brown sugar adds a depth of flavor and moisture to the dough.
  • Eggs – room temperature eggs are easier to incorporate into the butter and sugar mixture.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Instant espresso powder – this is optional but adds amazing flavor.  You don’t taste the coffee itself, but the coffee flavor enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
  • Cocoa powder – use a good quality cocoa powder.  I like Ghiradelli.
  • Baking powder and salt
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Baking pan of chocolate crinkle kiss cookies - chocolate cookies, rolled in powdered sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss candy.

Steps To Make Chocolate Crinkle Kiss Cookies

  1. Cream butter and sugars together.
  2. Add eggs, one at a time.
  3. Stir in Vanilla.
  4. Mix the dry ingredients together and gradually add to the egg mixture.
  5. Chill the dough.
  6. Roll the dough into balls and bake.
  7. Place a chocolate kiss into the hot cookie.
  8. Cool and enjoy.

Side view of chocolate crinkle kiss cookies - chocolate cookies, rolled in powdered sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss candy.

Variations

  • Chill the dough – I’m sorry to tell you that with this recipe, you HAVE to chill the dough or the cookies will spread too much.  Watch a Hallmark movie or two while the dough hangs out in the fridge.
  • Prevent overly greasy cookies by using parchment paper or a silicone mat instead of spraying cooking spray or greasing the baking sheet.  
  • Check your oven temperature to ensure that it is neither too hot nor too cold.  An inexpensive oven thermometer is a great tool to have on hand.
  • For a spicy, Mexican kick, add a pinch of cayenne and cinnamon to the dough.
  • Instead of vanilla, swap in a ½ teaspoon of almond extract or orange extract.
  • Use a different flavored or filled Kiss candy.  Caramel-filled, peppermint stripe, hot cocoa-filled kisses would all be delicious.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Closeup of chocolate crinkle kiss cookies - chocolate cookies, rolled in powdered sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss candy.

Chocolate Crinkle Kiss Cookies


Description

These chocolate crinkle kiss cookies are rich enough to satisfy your chocolate craving, yet pretty enough to add to your holiday cookie tray.  Fudgy, chocolate cookies, rolled in powdered sugar and topped with a milk chocolate kiss – definitely one of Santa’s favorites.


Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ sticks of unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), room temperature

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

½ cup dark brown sugar, packed

4 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ teaspoon instant espresso powder

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon baking powder

¾ teaspoon salt

2 cups powdered sugar

3 dozen milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped


Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and both sugars until smooth.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until they are well incorporated before adding another egg.

Pour in the vanilla and espresso powder and mix well.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, slowly mixing until just combined.  Don’t overmix the dough.

Turn the dough out onto plastic wrap and wrap tightly.  Chill the dough for at least 4 hours or overnight.

To make the cookies:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  

Line a  with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Use a large cookie scoop or 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball.

Dump the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl and roll each dough ball in the sugar.

Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough.  

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.  The cookies will be slightly underbaked.  You don’t want to overbake them.

Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 4 hours
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate crinkle kiss cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday baking, blossom cookies, chocolate cookies, Hershey Kisses, desserts, kid friendly recipes

Please follow and like us:
Yum