Oatmeal Kiss Cookies are a delightful combination of chewy oatmeal cookie dough and the classic Hershey’s Kisses, creating a delicious, nostalgic treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a buttery, chewy oatmeal base and the chocolatey surprise of a Kiss in the center, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. They are easy to make and offer a fun twist on traditional oatmeal cookies.
Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Kiss Cookies
- Chewy and Chocolaty: The chewy texture of the oatmeal cookie pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate center.
- Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly, making them a great option for both beginner bakers and experienced cookie enthusiasts.
- Fun for All Ages: Kids especially love the surprise of a Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie.
- Customizable: You can use different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses to change up the flavor profile.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (about 36) Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the rolled oats and set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. - Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool for about 2 minutes. - Add the Hershey’s Kisses
While the cookies are still warm, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges as you press in the chocolate, which is perfectly normal. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for an additional 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the cookies at room temperature with a cold glass of milk, or pack them up for a delightful treat to share with friends and family!
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Kiss Cookies
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth, creamy dough and helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Unwrap the Kisses Ahead of Time: To streamline the process, unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses while the cookies are baking, so you can quickly press them into the cookies while they’re still warm.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The Hershey’s Kisses will firm up again as the cookies cool.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Kiss Cookies: Swap out ½ cup of the butter for creamy peanut butter to make a peanut butter version of this delicious cookie.
- Holiday-Themed Kiss Cookies: Use seasonal Hershey’s Kisses (like peppermint, caramel, or white chocolate) for a fun twist during the holidays.
- Nutty Oatmeal Kiss Cookies: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture of the cookie will be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture, while quick oats create a softer cookie.
Q2: Can I freeze Oatmeal Kiss Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies after they have cooled. For dough, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. For baked cookies, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q3: What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or hot chocolate.
Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats to make these cookies gluten-free.
Oatmeal Kiss Cookies are a fun and delicious way to combine the comforting flavor of oatmeal cookies with the rich chocolatey goodness of Hershey’s Kisses. They’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday baking to an everyday treat. With a chewy oatmeal base and a sweet chocolate center, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!