Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs

Name: Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 40 Hershey Hugs, unwrapped

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.

The image shows five round chocolate cookies arranged closely on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a rough, cracked dark brown outer layer with a soft texture. In the center of each cookie, there is a circular white icing layer topped with a small circle of white cream, decorated with thin dark brown lines radiating from the center like a spider web pattern. The background is blurred but shows red and silver wrapped objects, adding a festive feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Three round dark brown cookies with cracked surfaces sit on a white curved dish, arranged in a row. Each cookie has a round dollop of white and milk chocolate swirl candy in the center, with smooth shiny texture and stripes. The dish rests on a patterned cloth featuring circular shapes in green, pink, brown, and white. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow butter, a cluster of rich dark unsweetened chocolate squares, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy sweetened condensed milk, a neat mound of light beige sugar cookie mix, a small white ceramic bowl holding warm brown ground cinnamon powder, and a scattering of smooth, unwrapped striped milk and white chocolate Hershey Hugs, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

Fiesta Fudge Cookies - Serving Suggestion

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:

What exactly are Hershey Hugs?

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.

Can I use another chocolate candy instead of Hershey Hugs?

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.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

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.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

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!