Irresistibly Fudgy Chocolate Hugs Cookies: A Sweet Twist on a Classic
Prepare to fall in love with these Chocolate Hugs Cookies – a delightful treat that’s soft, incredibly fudgy, and features a charming Hershey’s Hugs candy nestled right in the center. If you’re a fan of the timeless peanut butter blossom cookies, then you absolutely must experience this chocolate rendition. The inspiration for this recipe struck me after baking the classic original; I knew a chocolate version was essential. So, I took my tried-and-true soft and chewy chocolate cookie recipe, adapted it, and added a creamy Hershey’s Hugs in the middle. The result? Pure bliss, and frankly, I might even prefer them to the original!
These cookies offer a sensational textural experience: a rich, thick, and fudgy interior contrasted by a delicate, sugary crunch on the outside. But the true star is the Hershey’s Hugs candy – that perfect blend of milk chocolate and white chocolate swirled together, melting into a luscious pool as soon as it’s pressed into the warm cookie. It’s not just a finishing touch; it’s an integral part of what makes these cookies so irresistibly delicious and visually appealing. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday cookie swap, or simply craving a moment of chocolatey indulgence, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
Beyond their incredible taste, Chocolate Hugs Cookies are also a joy to make. The dough is straightforward, the process is fun, and the reward is a batch of beautiful, bakery-quality cookies that taste even better than they look. They’re perfect for involving kids in the kitchen (especially the candy-unwrapping part!) and make for a wonderful homemade gift. Let’s dive into how you can create these delightful treats in your own kitchen.
Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Hugs Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful chocolate cookies is a rewarding experience, and following these steps will ensure your batch turns out perfectly every time. The process is designed to be straightforward, even for novice bakers, focusing on key techniques that guarantee soft, fudgy cookies with that signature melt-in-your-mouth center.
- **Prepare the Cookie Dough:** Follow the detailed instructions provided in the recipe card below. This typically involves creaming butter and sugar, adding eggs and vanilla, then incorporating dry ingredients. The goal is a well-mixed, thick, and pliable dough.
- **Portion and Roll in Sugar:** Once your dough is ready, portion it into uniform rounds. A cookie scoop is highly recommended for consistency. After shaping, roll each dough ball generously in granulated sugar. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful sugary crust that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy interior.
- **Place and Flatten on Sheet Pan:** Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for spreading. Gently press down on the tops of each cookie ball to slightly flatten them. This helps create a better surface for the Hugs candy later and encourages even baking.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cookies are puffed up and just begin to show small cracks around the edges. This usually takes about 8-9 minutes. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dry cookies. They might still seem slightly soft in the center when you pull them out, but they will firm up as they cool.
- **Add the Hershey’s Hugs:** This is the magic moment! As soon as the cookies emerge from the oven, immediately place a Hershey’s Hugs candy in the center of each one, pressing down gently. The residual heat from the cookies will beautifully melt the candy, creating that iconic soft, gooey center. Speed is key here, as the cookies cool quickly.
- **Cool Before Serving:** Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling is important not only to set the cookies and the chocolate center but also to allow the flavors and textures to fully develop. Patience is a virtue when it comes to enjoying these warm, chocolatey delights!
Essential Tips for Flawless Chocolate Hugs Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality results at home is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips tailored for your Chocolate Hugs Cookies. These nuggets of wisdom address common baking questions and ensure your cookies are consistently delicious.
- **Dough Consistency is Key:** The cookie dough for this recipe is designed to be very thick. This isn’t a mistake; it’s intentional! A thick dough prevents excessive spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies stay tall, soft, and fudgy. Don’t be alarmed if it feels dense; it will come together beautifully. If your dough feels too crumbly, ensure your butter was at the correct room temperature and you’ve measured your flour accurately.
- **Mastering Flour Measurement:** Do you know how to measure flour correctly? This is one of the most common reasons for baking mishaps. Scooping flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup can compact it, leading to significantly more flour than intended. Always use the “spoon and level” method: spoon flour into your measuring cup until overflowing, then level it off with a straight edge (like a knife). If your dough is excessively crumbly and won’t form cohesive balls, too much flour is the likely culprit.
- **Hugs Ready, Set, Go!** Timing is everything when adding the Hershey’s Hugs. Make sure all your candies are unwrapped and ready to be placed as soon as the cookies exit the oven. The cookies will be at their hottest and most pliable immediately after baking, allowing the chocolate to melt perfectly and adhere to the cookie. A delay can result in the chocolate not melting as smoothly or not adhering properly.
- **Candy Alternatives Galore:** While Hershey’s Hugs provide that signature chocolate and white chocolate swirl, don’t limit yourself! You can experiment with any chocolate candy that fits neatly into the center of a cookie. Popular choices include classic Hershey’s Kisses for a solid milk chocolate center, Rolo candies for a caramel surprise, or even mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a delightful chocolate-peanut butter fusion. Get creative and find your favorite combination!
- **Reshaping for Perfection:** Sometimes, cookies bake up a little less than perfectly round. If your cookies look slightly misshapen after baking, don’t fret! While they are still warm and soft, use the back of a spatula or the rim of a glass (slightly larger than your cookie) to gently push the edges back into a perfect circle. You can only do this while the cookies are hot and pliable, so act quickly after adding the Hugs.
Flavorful Variations and Storage Tips
Unleash Your Creativity: Cookie Variations
While the classic Chocolate Hugs Cookie is a showstopper on its own, there’s always room for a little culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to put your own spin on this beloved recipe:
- **Beyond the Hugs:** As mentioned, feel free to substitute Hershey’s Hugs with other small, melty candies. Hershey’s Kisses, Rolo candies, miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or even a square of your favorite chocolate bar (like Ghirardelli squares) can make for an exciting center.
- **Nutty Additions:** For an added layer of flavor and crunch, try folding in ½ cup of finely chopped nuts into the cookie dough. Walnuts, pecans, or even roasted almonds would complement the chocolate beautifully.
- **Minty Fresh:** During the holiday season, a touch of peppermint can transform these into festive treats. Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla, and perhaps use peppermint Kisses for the center.
- **Double Chocolate Delight:** For true chocoholics, stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips (mini or regular) into the dough along with the dry ingredients. This will intensify the chocolate flavor throughout the cookie.
- **Spice It Up:** A pinch of cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon) or a dash of cinnamon (½ teaspoon) can add a subtle warmth and complexity to the chocolate dough.
Storage and Make-Ahead Solutions
These cookies are so good, you’ll want to make sure they last (or you’ll want to make them often!). Proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness and deliciousness.
- **Room Temperature Storage:** Once completely cooled, store Chocolate Hugs Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft, though with their fudgy texture, they tend to stay moist naturally.
- **Freezing Baked Cookies:** For longer storage, baked and cooled cookies can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
- **Freezing Cookie Dough:** You can also prepare the dough ahead of time. Shape the dough balls, roll them in sugar, and then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed. You won’t need to thaw them first!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Hugs Cookies
To help you achieve the best possible results and answer any lingering questions, here are some frequently asked questions about making Chocolate Hugs Cookies.
Q: My cookies spread too much and are flat. What went wrong?
A: Several factors can cause cookies to spread. Ensure your butter wasn’t too soft (it should be at room temperature, but not melted or greasy). Make sure you measured your flour correctly using the spoon and level method, as too little flour can lead to spreading. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking can sometimes help. Lastly, ensure your oven temperature is accurate – an oven that’s too cool might not set the cookies quickly enough.
Q: Can I use dark cocoa powder for a richer flavor?
A: Absolutely! Using dark cocoa powder (like Dutch-processed cocoa) will result in a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor and a darker-colored cookie. Just be aware that Dutch-processed cocoa reacts differently with leavening agents than natural cocoa, so ensure your recipe’s baking soda is sufficient to compensate.
Q: Do I have to roll the cookies in sugar?
A: While optional, rolling the cookies in granulated sugar provides a wonderful textural contrast and a slight sparkle, enhancing both the taste and appearance. It creates that lovely sugary crunch on the outside. If you prefer, you can skip this step, but the cookies might look and taste slightly different.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will remain fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Their fudgy nature helps them retain moisture well. Beyond that, freezing them is a great option.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes! This is a fantastic make-ahead cookie. You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, coat them in sugar, and then refrigerate the dough balls for up to 2-3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls (as described in the storage tips) for longer storage, baking them directly from frozen.
Q: My Hershey’s Hugs aren’t melting perfectly. What can I do?
A: The most common reason for this is waiting too long to add the candies. The cookies need to be piping hot directly out of the oven. If they’ve cooled too much, the candy won’t melt as smoothly. You can try gently reheating a cooling rack of cookies in the oven for a minute or two before adding the Hugs, but acting quickly the first time is best.
More Indulgent Chocolate Cookie Recipes to Explore
If you’re a chocolate lover, these Chocolate Hugs Cookies are just the beginning. Dive into these other delectable chocolate cookie recipes for more fudgy, chewy, and utterly irresistible treats:
- Soft and Chewy Chocolate Cookies: The base recipe that inspired these Hugs cookies, perfect on its own!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: A dream combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies: Indulge in the sophisticated pairing of chocolate and toasted hazelnuts.
- Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies: A gooey, chocolatey delight that will transport you to campfire heaven.
Shop Essential Tools for This Recipe
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here are some of our recommended items to help you create these perfect Chocolate Hugs Cookies and many more sweet treats:
Chocolate Hugs Cookies
24
cookies
10 minutes
27 minutes
37 minutes
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter , at room temperature (170 grams)
- 1 ½ cup granulated sugar (300 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- ⅔ cup cocoa powder (60 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Granulated sugar , for rolling
- 24 Hershey’s Hugs candies
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium high speed until light and creamy, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs, followed by the vanilla.
-
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the mixer and mix until just combined.
-
Portion into rounded tablespoons (I use a #40 1.5 Tbsp scoop) and roll into balls. Roll in granulated sugar and place onto prepared sheet pan. Press down on the tops of the cookies to flatten them slightly.
-
Bake until edges cookies are puffed and start to crack, about 8-9 minutes.
-
As soon as cookies come out of the oven, place a Hershey’s Hugs in the center of each one, pressing down slightly. Let cookies cool before serving.
-
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
Calories:
192
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
26
g
,
Protein:
3
g
,
Fat:
9
g
,
Saturated Fat:
6
g
,
Cholesterol:
29
mg
,
Sodium:
102
mg
,
Potassium:
97
mg
,
Fiber:
2
g
,
Sugar:
15
g
,
Vitamin A:
201
IU
,
Calcium:
13
mg
,
Iron:
1
mg
American
Dessert
Annalise Sandberg
Have you tried this recipe?
I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and review below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious.