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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
Print
Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey's Hugs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Fiesta Fudge Cookies are rich, chocolatey treats made with a blend of butter, unsweetened chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar cookie mix, topped with a festive Hershey Hugs candy center. Perfect for parties and celebrations, these chewy cookies combine fudgy texture and a cinnamon hint, with a fun candy twist on top.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ⅓ 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking. Set them aside for later use.
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a large microwavable bowl, microwave ⅓ cup butter and 6 oz unsweetened chocolate for 1 minute. Stir well, then microwave again for another minute or until the butter is fully melted and the chocolate mixture is smooth.
- Add condensed milk: Stir in the entire 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: Add 1 lb 1.5 oz sugar cookie mix and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the chocolate mixture and stir until the dough is well blended and uniform in texture.
- Portion dough: Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to portion out approximately 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie. Place each dough ball spaced 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 7 minutes or until the edges lose their shiny look. Be careful not to over bake to maintain a fudgy, chewy texture.
- Add candy topping: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one Hershey Hugs candy, point side up, into the center of each cookie.
- Cool on sheets: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. To help the candy spread slightly on the top of each cookie, lightly tap the edge of each cookie.
- Complete cooling: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack or plate to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Hershey’s Hugs are striped chocolates with a creamy white layer hugged by milk chocolate, adding a festive, flavorful topping.
- A 12 oz bag of Hershey Hugs contains about 70 chocolates, enough for roughly 40 cookies.
- Try fun variations by substituting Hershey Hugs with Hot Cocoa Kisses, Peppermint Bark Bells, Mint Truffles, or Candy Cane Mint Chocolates for seasonal twists.
- Store cooled cookies covered at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
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