There’s just something magical about the melt-in-your-mouth richness of fudge combined with the cozy spice of cinnamon, all topped with a kiss of creamy chocolate. The Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe captures this perfectly, making every bite a little celebration of flavor and texture — trust me, these are the kind of cookies everyone asks for again and again.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
What really won me over about the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together without skimping on flavor or fun. It feels festive and special but with simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Quick prep: You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together, even if you’re new to baking fudge-style cookies.
- Unique flavor twist: The subtle cinnamon adds depth without overpowering the rich chocolate and sweet Hershey Hugs.
- Perfect portion size: Using a cookie scoop helps you get even-sized cookies that bake uniformly every time.
- Eye-catching presentation: That melted Hershey Hugs candy center gives each cookie a whimsical, professional look.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe pulls together a handful of simple ingredients that complement each other like best friends at a party. The buttery chocolate base melds perfectly with the sweet condensed milk, while the sugar cookie mix and cinnamon keep the texture soft and exciting.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture that’s essential to fudgy, tender cookies.
- Unsweetened chocolate: Gives that deep, authentic chocolate flavor without excess sweetness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates a luscious, creamy texture making the dough wonderfully fudgy.
- Sugar cookie mix: Acts as the cookie foundation, bringing structure and a familiar sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth that balances the chocolate’s richness.
- Hershey Hugs: These are the star garnish, their creamy minty stripes melt just enough on top for a perfect finish.
Make It Your Way
I’ve had so much fun playing with this Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe. You can easily adapt it to your taste or season — it’s really a canvas for your creativity, and I encourage you to experiment!
- Variation: One of my favorite swaps is using peppermint-flavored chocolates instead of Hershey Hugs for a festive winter twist — it totally adds a cool, refreshing vibe to the fudgy cookie.
- Dietary tweak: You could use vegan butter and a dairy-free condensed milk alternative to make these suitable for dairy-free friends and family.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the dough for a subtle spicy kick that pairs surprisingly well with the chocolate.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Get everything ready
First, heat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step is simple, but trust me—it makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the cookies from sticking or burning.
Step 2: Melt your butter and chocolate
Pop the butter and unsweetened chocolate into a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir well. If it’s not fully melted, zap it for another minute or until smooth. Stirring is key here—you want a glossy, even mixture free of lumps to get that fudgy richness.
Step 3: Mix in the condensed milk
Next, stir in the sweetened condensed milk until perfectly combined. This step transforms your mixture into a creamy cookie dough base that’s decadently rich but not overly sweet.
Step 4: Add the sugar cookie mix and cinnamon
Sprinkle in the sugar cookie mix along with that lovely teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir gently but thoroughly until you get a well-blended dough. The cinnamon brings a subtle warmth that makes these cookies feel festive and comforting.
Step 5: Scoop dough and bake
Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon), portion out the dough onto your prepared sheets, making sure each ball is spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 6 to 7 minutes — keep a close eye because you want the edges just starting to lose their shiny look but not browned. Overbaking can dry them out.
Step 6: Top with Hershey Hugs and cool
Right out of the oven, press one Hershey Hug candy (point side up) into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then gently tap the edges of each cookie — this helps the candy spread slightly for that charming “melted hug” effect. Once fully cooled, remove them to a rack or plate and enjoy!
Top Tip
From countless batches in my kitchen, I’ve learned that subtle tweaks make all the difference with the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe. Here’s what helped me nail it every single time.
- Don’t overbake: The shiny edges are your cue — pull the cookies out as soon as those start to dull, or the cookies will end up too firm instead of fudgy.
- Press candy gently: When you add the Hershey Hugs, a gentle press right after baking lets them melt just enough but keeps their pretty shape.
- Use parchment paper: It’s worth the extra step to prevent sticking and get nice clean bottoms without any scorching.
- Measure cookie mix accurately: Using the right amount keeps the dough moist but manageable — too much cookie mix can dry the cookies out.
How to Serve Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple here — the melted Hershey Hugs are the star, so I usually skip extra garnishes. But if I’m feeling fancy, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a small dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful contrast and an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or even a cup of warm chai tea. If you’re serving them at a party, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns them into a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Whenever I bring these cookies to gatherings, I arrange them on festive plates or tiered stands layered with colorful napkins matching the season. For holidays, a sprinkle of edible glitter or tiny fresh mint leaves next to each cookie adds a delightful touch that people love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days. Just be sure they’re fully cooled before storing to keep the cookie texture spot on.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want some, let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes — they’re almost as good as fresh.
Reheating
If you want to warm your cookies up, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. The Hershey Hugs soften and the fudge texture comes alive again, making them feel freshly baked.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Hershey Hugs are delightful striped chocolates combining creamy white creme and milk chocolate, giving a unique peppermint flavor. They’re perfect for this recipe because they melt beautifully on the cookie tops without losing their charm.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with Hot Cocoa Kisses, Peppermint Bark Bells, or even classic chocolate kisses. Just choose something that melts nicely and complements the cinnamon and chocolate cookie base.
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, or bake and freeze the cookies. Just keep them stored airtight to maintain their fudgy texture and freshness.
Look for edges that just start to lose their shiny gloss but avoid any browning; this will ensure the center stays fudgy. Baking 6 to 7 minutes at 350°F usually does the trick for most ovens.
Final Thoughts
These Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs have quickly become one of those recipes I reach for when I want to impress with minimal fuss. They bring warmth, whimsy, and a hint of nostalgia all in one sweet bite. I’m excited for you to try them — once you do, I bet they’ll become a favorite in your cookie rotation, too. So go ahead, grab those Hershey Hugs and start baking some magic!
Print
Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich Fiesta Fudge Cookies featuring a luscious blend of butter, unsweetened chocolate, and sweetened condensed milk, combined with sugar cookie mix and a hint of cinnamon. Each cookie is topped with a Hershey's Hug for a festive finish, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- ⅓ cup butter
- 6 oz unsweetened chocolate
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1lb 1.5 oz sugar cookie mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 40 Hershey Hugs, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside for cookie placement.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large microwavable bowl, microwave the butter and unsweetened chocolate for 1 minute. Stir the mixture and microwave an additional 1 minute until butter is completely melted and the chocolate is smooth.
- Add Condensed Milk: Stir the sweetened condensed milk into the melted chocolate and butter mixture until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the sugar cookie mix and ground cinnamon until the dough is well blended and uniform in texture.
- Portion Dough: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion approximately 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Place each dough ball 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 7 minutes or until the edges lose their shiny appearance. Take care not to over bake.
- Press Candies: Immediately after removing from the oven, press one Hershey Hug into the center of each cookie with the point side facing up.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then gently tap the edges to help the candy spread slightly on the cookie surface. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Hershey’s Hugs are striped chocolates with white creme hugged by milk chocolate, adding a special touch to each cookie.
- A 12 oz bag of Hugs contains about 70 pieces, enough for approximately 40 cookies.
- Try substituting Hugs with Hot Cocoa Kisses, Peppermint Bark Bells, Mint Truffles, or Candy Cane Mint Chocolates for unique seasonal variations.
- Store the cookies covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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