Name: Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup butter; 6 oz unsweetened chocolate; 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk; 1 lb 1.5 oz sugar cookie mix; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 40 Hershey Hugs unwrapped

There's something truly delightful about cookies that combine rich chocolate with a melt-in-your-mouth twist. The Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs Recipe does just that, bringing together buttery fudge dough and those iconic striped chocolates to create a festive treat that's perfect for any celebration or everyday indulgence.

The image shows a close-up of several dark brown cookies arranged on a white plate. Each cookie has one central white layer with a smooth texture, decorated with thin brown lines radiating from a small white dot in the middle, resembling a simple flower or spider web pattern. The outer cookie layer looks soft with a slightly cracked surface that adds texture. The white plate and cookies sit on a white marbled surface in the background. 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's Hugs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first tried making Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs on a whim one afternoon and instantly fell in love with how the creamy Hershey’s Hugs gently melt atop the fudgy cookie base. It’s a simple recipe that gives you showstopping results, even if you don’t consider yourself a baker.

Quick & Easy: The recipe comes together fast with no complicated steps—perfect for busy days or last-minute treats.
Unique Flavor Profile: The combo of fudge cookie with warm cinnamon and creamy Hershey's Hugs makes for a festive, well-balanced sweetness.
Eye-Catching Presentation: Those striped Hershey's Hugs create a charming, colorful topping that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Great for Gifting: These cookies make adorable, thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone appreciates.

The image shows four round chocolate cookies with deep cracks on top, each topped with a smooth, striped white and milk chocolate candy center that forms a dome-like shape. The cookies are thick and have a coarse, cracked texture. They are placed in a curved white bowl, with one cookie resting against the bowl's edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface covered partly by a fabric with pink, green, and brown circular patterns. The lighting highlights the shiny texture of the candy and the rough texture of the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs lies in the simple yet complementary ingredients that come together beautifully. The blend of chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar cookie mix guarantees soft but fudgy cookies loaded with flavor—and topping each with Hershey's Hugs adds that signature creamy touch.

Flat lay of a small pat of fresh butter, a few large chunks of unsweetened dark chocolate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth sweetened condensed milk, a simple mound of pale sugar cookie mix, a small white ceramic bowl holding ground cinnamon powder, and several unwrapped Hershey Hugs chocolates showing their distinctive striped milk and white chocolate layers, all arranged symmetrically 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: Provides richness and a tender crumb; make sure it’s unsalted for better control over sweetness.
Unsweetened Chocolate: Offers deep cocoa flavor and fudgy texture without additional sugar.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds moisture, chewiness, and natural sweetness—plus helps bind the dough.
Sugar Cookie Mix: Simplifies baking by replacing flour, sugar, and leavening in one, making this recipe foolproof.
Ground Cinnamon: Warms up the chocolate flavor and gives a subtle, festive hint that pairs perfectly with the cookie and chocolate.
Hershey’s Hugs: These striped chocolates blend creamy white creme and milk chocolate for a delightful, melty topping.

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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

One of my favorite things about the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs Recipe is how simple it is to customize. I love experimenting with different Hershey’s chocolates on top, and you can easily adjust spices or baking time to get your perfect cookie.

Variation: Swap Hershey’s Hugs with Peppermint Bark Bells for a holiday twist that adds a refreshing kick I adore.
Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free version, try using vegan butter and a dairy-free chocolate substitute; results are slightly different but still delicious.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat or extra cinnamon if you love that cozy fall flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Chocolate to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a large microwavable bowl, combine your butter and unsweetened chocolate. Microwave for 1 minute, stir really well, then pop it back in for another minute. Stir gently until everything’s silky smooth. The key here is not to overheat—if you see chunks, continue stirring to melt off residual heat.

Step 2: Stir in the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the melted chocolate mixture. Stir until it’s fully combined and glossy. This creates that luscious fudgy base that makes these cookies special.

Step 3: Blend in Sugar Cookie Mix and Cinnamon

Add the sugar cookie mix along with ground cinnamon, combining thoroughly. The dough should be thick but soft enough to scoop. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon), portion the dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing the balls about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake and Top with Hershey’s Hugs

Bake cookies for 6 to 7 minutes until the edges lose that shiny gloss but the centers still look soft. Don’t overbake—it’s easy to dry them out here! As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug gently into the center of each cookie, point side up. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Give each cookie a gentle tap around the edges to encourage the Hugs to spread beautifully.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe several times, I learned a few things that make all the difference in ensuring your Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs turn out perfect every time.

Don’t Skip Lining the Sheets: Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make clean-up smooth.
Watch Your Bake Time Carefully: Those extra 30 seconds can be the difference between fudgy and dry—check cookies regularly after 6 minutes.
Press Candies Right Away: The warmth helps Hershey’s Hugs soften and melt just enough for that irresistible spread without losing their shape.
Store at Room Temperature: Keeping cookies covered but at room temp avoids chocolate bloom and keeps their soft texture.

How to Serve Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs Recipe

Fiesta Fudge Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let these cookies shine on their own, but if I’m feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible glitter sprinkles add a festive sparkle without overpowering the chocolate and cinnamon notes.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these cookies with a cup of spicy chai tea or a creamy hot chocolate to complement the fudge and cinnamon flavors. They’re also great alongside fresh berries or whipped cream if you want to add a fresh, tangy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I arrange Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs on a festive platter with colorful napkins and sprinkle mini candy canes around the edges. For parties, stacking them in clear jars tied with ribbons makes for a charming edible gift that guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for up to 3 days without losing their soft, fudgy texture or the creamy melt of the Hershey’s Hugs topping.

Freezing

I've frozen these cookies with success by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature, and they taste as fresh as day one!

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them slightly warm, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The Hershey’s Hugs soften beautifully, almost like fresh out of the oven, but be careful not to melt them too much or they’ll lose shape.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of Hershey's Hugs?

You can absolutely try that, but Hershey’s Hugs offer a unique white creme and milk chocolate blend that melts just right for this recipe. Regular chocolate chips may not spread as smoothly or create the same iconic look.

How do I prevent the cookies from overbaking?

Keep a close eye during the last minute of baking. The edges should lose their shiny gloss but the centers still look a bit soft and puffy. Baking just 6-7 minutes at 350°F works well for me.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, you can swap the sugar cookie mix for a gluten-free cookie mix. Just be mindful that textures might vary slightly, but the fudge and chocolate flavors remain delicious.

How many cookies does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes about 40 delicious Fiesta Fudge Cookies, perfect for sharing or gifting.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs have become my go-to treat when I want to impress without stress. There's a joyful simplicity in the way chocolate and cinnamon dance with the creamy Hershey's Hugs topping that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how fun and rewarding baking can be!