Gingerbread Kiss Cookies Recipe with Classic Spices and Chocolate

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

Gingerbread Kiss Cookies bring the warmth of the holidays to your kitchen with their chewy texture and the gooey surprise of a chocolate kiss in the center. This recipe is perfect for busy parents or baking enthusiasts who want something festive without spending hours prepping. You’ll appreciate how the classic spices like ginger and cinnamon add a comforting aroma that fills the house, making it a go-to treat for family gatherings.

One of the best parts is the ease of preparation, as these cookies come together in under 30 minutes, ideal for quick holiday baking. They offer subtle health benefits from spices such as ginger and cinnamon, which provide natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties while keeping the sugar content balanced for those watching their wellness. Plus, the recipe’s versatility means you can tweak it for dietary needs like gluten-free or vegan options, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful cookie.

For Gingerbread Kiss Cookies, the distinctive flavor comes from the blend of warm spices and a melty chocolate kiss, creating a taste that’s both traditional and exciting. This makes them a hit with food enthusiasts and even diet-conscious individuals who want a treat without going overboard. Whether you’re a student looking for a simple dessert or a working professional needing a quick bake, these cookies will become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Key Features of the Recipe

  • Simple steps that require minimal ingredients and basic tools.
  • Adaptable for various diets, keeping the classic gingerbread flavor intact.
  • A yield of about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing or storing for later.

To learn more about similar treats, check out our guide on delicious oatmeal cookie variations that pair well with holiday flavors.

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Essential Ingredients for Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking perfect Gingerbread Kiss Cookies. This section focuses on the exact items you’ll need, based on a reliable recipe that highlights fresh, quality components for the best results. By using these ingredients, you’ll capture the essence of classic gingerbread with a chocolate twist that’s sure to impress.

Here’s a comprehensive list of all the ingredients required, formatted clearly for easy shopping and measuring. Remember, precise quantities ensure your cookies turn out just right every time.

  • 3/4 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • About 1/2 cup white sanding sugar
  • Chocolate kisses for topping

These ingredients make the recipe accessible and straightforward, with options to find sanding sugar in the baking aisle at your local store. For more ideas on enhancing baked goods, explore our chocolate-infused dessert recipes that complement gingerbread flavors.

How to Prepare the Perfect Gingerbread Kiss Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating Gingerbread Kiss Cookies is a fun and simple process that even beginners can master. Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid any sticking. This classic gingerbread cookies recipe combines warm spices and chocolate for a treat that’s perfect for holiday baking.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of flavors. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until they’re light and fluffy, then add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract for that signature gingerbread taste. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a smooth dough that’s easy to work with.

Pour the white sanding sugar into a separate bowl for rolling. Shape the dough into small balls, roll each one in the sanding sugar, and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers stay soft, then let them cool for a couple of minutes before pressing a chocolate kiss into each cookie’s center.

Tips for Baking Success

  • Use light unsulphured molasses for a softer texture that enhances the chewy quality.
  • Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 10 minutes, making it quick for busy schedules.
  • You can freeze the dough or baked cookies for later, adding flexibility to your baking plans.

For more on the benefits of ginger in recipes like this one.


Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are versatile, allowing you to adjust for different needs while keeping that beloved chocolate and classic spice gingerbread kiss cookies recipe intact. Whether you’re adapting for health reasons or preferences, these changes help maintain the cookies’ charm. For instance, swapping ingredients can make them suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets without losing the warm, spicy flavor.

Start with protein and main component alternatives: replace eggs with flax eggs or commercial replacers for vegan options, use plant-based butters like coconut oil instead of traditional butter, and switch to almond or oat flour blends for gluten sensitivities. This keeps the dough’s integrity and ensures everyone can enjoy how to make gingerbread kiss cookies.

For vegetable, sauce, and seasoning modifications, try adding ground cardamom for a unique twist or using maple syrup in place of molasses to alter the sweetness profile. Don’t forget salt substitutes for low-sodium versions, which help cater to various restrictions while preserving the essence of gingerbread cookies.

Customizing for Specific Diets

  • Vegan adaptations: Opt for coconut oil and flax eggs to keep things plant-based.
  • Gluten-free tweaks: Use a gluten-free flour blend to maintain the cookie’s structure.
  • Low-calorie ideas: Reduce butter by 25% and use a baking-friendly sugar substitute.

These substitutions ensure your Gingerbread Kiss Cookies stay fresh and flavorful. For additional inspiration, check out tips from expert bakers on perfecting gingerbread treats.

Mastering Gingerbread Kiss Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your Gingerbread Kiss Cookies to the next level involves some pro cooking techniques that enhance both flavor and texture. Chill the dough for at least an hour before baking to prevent spreading and deepen the taste of these chocolate and classic spice gingerbread kiss cookies. Using parchment paper ensures even baking and helps with cleanup.

Explore flavor variations by adding orange zest or vanilla extract for a fresh twist, or swap chocolate kisses with dark or white chocolate to suit different preferences. Presentation is key, so consider dusting the cooled cookies with powdered sugar or drizzling melted chocolate for a festive look that appeals to baking enthusiasts.

Make-ahead options are ideal for busy parents and working professionals; freeze the dough in portions for easy thawing and baking later. This way, you can enjoy fresh Gingerbread Kiss Cookies anytime, making them a staple for holiday events or everyday treats.

Expert Advice for Better Results

  • Chill dough to avoid overly flat cookies and boost flavor.
  • Experiment with add-ins like nuts for extra texture.
  • Store baked goods properly to keep them fresh longer.
Nutritional Info per Serving (2 cookies) Amount
Calories 300
Carbohydrates 41g
Protein 3g
Fat 16g

This table shows the nutritional breakdown for about 24 cookies yielded from the recipe.

How to Store Gingerbread Kiss Cookies: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Gingerbread Kiss Cookies tasting fresh and maintains their chewy texture with the chocolate kiss intact. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for the best results. This method is straightforward for home cooks and helps prevent the cookies from becoming soggy over time.

For longer preservation, consider refrigeration where the cookies can last up to a week. Freezing is another great option, allowing you to keep batches for up to three months by separating layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in a low oven to restore that just-baked softness.

Meal prep enthusiasts will love batch baking and freezing portions of dough or finished cookies for convenience. This approach makes it easy to have Gingerbread Kiss Cookies on hand for spontaneous treats or gatherings.

For a recipe like this, freezing not only saves time but also locks in the flavors of gingerbread cookies for future enjoyment.
Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

Where can I buy sanding sugar for gingerbread kiss cookies?

Sanding sugar is commonly available in craft stores with baking sections and many grocery stores near sprinkles or decorative baking supplies. If you can’t find sanding sugar, you can also check online retailers or specialty baking stores for a variety of colors and textures.

Can I use regular chocolate kisses instead of the striped ones?

Yes, regular chocolate kisses work well for this recipe. The striped white chocolate kisses add a decorative touch that contrasts nicely with the dark gingerbread, but plain, milk, or even flavored kisses are excellent substitutes without affecting the cookie’s texture or flavor.

How long do gingerbread kiss cookies stay fresh when stored properly?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, gingerbread kiss cookies stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month without losing quality.

Is it possible to make gingerbread kiss cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free gingerbread kiss cookies by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help maintain the cookie’s texture and structure.

Can I freeze the gingerbread dough before baking?

The dough freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator, then roll out and bake as usual for fresh cookies.

Print
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Gingerbread Kiss Cookies


  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

πŸͺ Experience the perfect holiday treat with these chewy gingerbread cookies topped with rich chocolate kisses
πŸŽ„ Classic warm spices meet sweet chocolate for a festive cookie that’s sure to become a family favorite


Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup unsalted sweet cream butter

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup molasses

1 large egg

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

About 1/2 cup white sanding sugar

Chocolate kisses for topping


Instructions

1-Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid any sticking.

2-In a large bowl, mix the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of flavors.

3-In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until they’re light and fluffy, then add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract for that signature gingerbread taste.

4-Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a smooth dough that’s easy to work with.

5-Pour the white sanding sugar into a separate bowl for rolling.

6-Shape the dough into small balls, roll each one in the sanding sugar, and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

7-Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers stay soft, then let them cool for a couple of minutes before pressing a chocolate kiss into each cookie’s center.

Notes

πŸͺ Use light unsulphured molasses for a softer texture and better flavor in your gingerbread cookies
⏰ Don’t overbake – the cookies should look slightly underdone when you remove them for perfect chewiness
πŸŽ‚ Sanding sugar can be found in the baking or cake decorating aisle – it gives the cookies a beautiful sparkling finish

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 cookies
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 26
  • Sodium: 107
  • Fat: 16
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 41
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 3
  • Cholesterol: 22

Keywords: gingerbread cookies, kiss cookies, classic spices, chocolate

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