As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
These Chocolate Candy Kiss Cookies are soft cocoa sugar cookies topped with milk chocolate candies. Perfect for holiday baking, cookie trays, and homemade edible gifts.
Soft Chocolate Candy Kiss Cookies with a candy surprise inside, and a cookie tray favorite every single time
Soft Cocoa Cookies with Almond Kisses and KitKat Centers
Why You Will Love and Enjoy Chocolate Candy Kiss Cookies
- Soft chocolate cookies with a fun candy surprise in every bite
- Easy to make and perfect for holidays, bake sales, or freezing ahead
Chocolate Candy Kiss Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 75 to 80 cookies depending on size 1x
- Category: Cake Cupcakes Cookies and Tarts
- Method: Baking
Description
These are the kind of cookies that disappear before they’ve properly cooled with soft chocolate centers, sparkly sugar edges, and a melty candy surprise right in the middle.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) butter, room temp
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 XL eggs, room temp
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- About 80 milk chocolate candies, such as Almond Chocolate Kisses, Aero Chocolate, Mint Bubbles, or bite-sized KitKat
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350⁰F (175⁰C).
- Line baking trays with parchment paper so nothing sticks later.
- In a large bowl, beat 1 1/4 cups of butter and 2 cups of white sugar with a hand mixer for about 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the 2 XL eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in the 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. Sifting helps prevent cocoa lumps.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- I switch to a spoon here so I don’t overmix. Mix just until combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky. If it feels too soft to roll, pop it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Using a 1 tsp – 5 ml measuring spoon, scoop the dough without scraping it flat.
- Roll into small balls, then roll each ball in the 1/3 cup granulated sugar. The sugar gives that slight crackle on top.
- Place the balls on your lined tray, leaving about 2 inches between them since they spread.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes at 350⁰F (175⁰C). The tops should look set but still soft in the center. Don’t overbake.
- As soon as they come out of the oven, gently press one chocolate candy into the center of each cookie.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the tray for at least 10 minutes before moving them.
- The chocolate will melt at first and then firm up again as it cools. If you move them too soon, the centers can slide.
- Store in an airtight container once fully cooled. They stay soft for several days, if they last that long.
Notes
Adapted, prepared, tried, and tested Esme Slabs: SA Tasty Recipes, Saffas Daily Recipes, and EsmeSalon Homemade Recipes
10 minutes cooking time, reflects only 1 tray at a time, so it will depend on how many trays you pack out.
These cookies are soft cocoa cookies rolled in sugar and topped with creamy milk chocolate candies pressed into the center. They’re simple to make, fun to customize, and always the first to disappear from the tray.
Chocolate Candy Kiss Cookies deliver soft cocoa flavor with a smooth chocolate center in every bite. They are easy enough for everyday baking yet special enough for holidays, making them a recipe worth trying right away.
We are featured on Wednesdays in the Studio! Thank you so much for this honor and the shoutout.
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
If you try out this delightful recipe, please let me know, rate it, and tag me on Instagram at @_esmesalon. I’m excited to see your amazing recreations, and I’m hooked on those mouthwatering photos!
We happily share our tasty and fantastic recipes and are excited to spread some love by sharing our posts at these awesome Linky Parties.
Copyright © 2026 esmesalon.com – All rights reserved.
You can’t go wrong with chocolate! Featuring you at Wednesdays in the Studio!
WOW, Thank you in advance Jennifer, Will be there for sure. Happy Tuesday
Pingback: Es’s Chocolate Cookies | homethoughtsfromabroad626
Pingback: Cookies From Sweet Spell Round-Up – Iwanttobeacook
Thank you. Much appreciated. Hope you will enjoy my blog and pop in again.
These look great! I love the idea of changing up the chocolates on top to change the flavor. It’s great to meet through this recipe challenge- I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts!
Awesome – Thanks for popping in and I will also be visiting your blog more often
Pingback: C is for Cookie | Keeping Busy with B
Thank you very much Keeping Busy with B for this. Much appreciated
Pingback: Best Cookies From Sweet Spell Round-Up | Foodie On Board
Thanks so much! <3
Pingback: Cookie Cookie Every Where. — Sweet Spell | The Recipe Hunter
Pingback: Cookie Round-Up – Pumpkin Pie and Me {est. 2014}
Thank you so much – highly appreciated.
Pingback: Cookie Cookie Every Where. – Sweet Spell
Thank you so much, wow I am flattered 😊