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    Home » Cookies » Secret Kiss Cookies

    Secret Kiss Cookies

    By Wendy Sondov · Published: Mar 8, 2021 · Modified: Mar 8, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Secret Kiss Cookies are soft, cake-like morsels with rich chocolaty flavor. Baking in a mini muffin pan gives these treats their distinctive round shape, perfect for hiding a candy kiss inside.

    Chocolate kisses and ball shaped Secret Kiss Cookies dipped in chocolate with multicolored nonpareils.

    About this recipe

    Unlike some recipes that you bake once a year for a particular holiday or season, Secret Kiss cookies are an incredibly versatile year round treat. Their festive sprinkles brighten holidays, gatherings, gifts, and care packages.

    The bonbon-like shape is formed by baking in mini muffin pans. The result is a soft cookie with the airy texture of a little cake.

    There are so many ways to customize these.

    • Add sprinkles for holidays or team colors.
    • Use kisses with holiday flavors.
    • Get fancy with kisses that are layered or swirled.
    • Color the kisses pink or blue for a gender reveal party surprise.
    • Skip the sprinkles and pipe zigzags of chocolate on top.

    Recipe ingredients

    Recipe ingredients labeled flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla, cocoa, baking soda, sugar, eggs, butter, yogurt, chocolate.

    Instead of buying packaged candy, I recommend using homemade chocolate kisses, giving you control over ethical cocoa sourcing, allergens, color, and flavor.

    Instructions

    This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

    Process collage shows prepare dough, scoop, add kiss, roll into balls, bake in mini muffin pans.
    1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat melted butter and sugar until combined. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Refrigerate the dough overnight.
    2. When dough is chilled and ready to bake, scoop 1 tablespoon sized dough balls. Tear the ball in half and insert a chocolate kiss. Mold the dough into a ball covering the kiss inside.
    3. Place one dough ball in each mini muffin cup and bake at 350° F for 10-12 minutes. They are done when the top looks evenly dry.
    4. Don’t worry about any wrinkles or cracks. They will be covered with the chocolate coating. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
    Decorating process step 5 is dip in chocolate and step 6 is add sprinkles.
    1. Melt the chocolate and dip the cookies directly into the bowl. Place on a tray lined with wax paper.
    2. Add sprinkles immediately after dipping. After completing 6 cookies, place the tray in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
    Balls of chocolate cookies each dipped in chocolate and topped with holiday sprinkles.

    Tips

    • Chill overnight for easiest handling of this sticky dough.
    • For more mocha flavor, double the espresso powder in the recipe.
    • Do not try to bake these on a baking sheet. The dough won’t hold its shape and will flatten.
    • Using homemade kisses allows for unlimited variations in flavors and colors to match holidays and special events.
    • Colorful sprinkles make these treats ideal for snacking or gifting for New Years, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Christmas, Hanukkah, and gender reveal parties.
    • Do not use melted chocolate chips for coating the cookies unless they will be eaten the same day. The chocolate will “bloom”, appearing white and spotty after a day or two.
    • For dipping, use only melting chocolate (compound coating) or tempered chocolate for a topping that remains smooth and shiny.
    • Packaging or serving these treats in mini cupcake papers makes a pretty presentation that looks like candy bonbons.

    Frequently asked questions

    How long do kiss cookies stay fresh?

    When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay wonderfully soft and chewy for at least 10 days.

    Can you freeze secret kiss cookies?

    Yes, they can be frozen for up to one month.
    Place completely cooled, undecorated cookies in an airtight plastic storage container or freezer weight zip lock bag.
    Bring to room temperature before decorating.

    Kiss Cookies closeup on a plate, one cut open to show kiss inside and cakey texture.

    More kisses recipes

    Double Chocolate Chip Brownies

    Thumbprint Cookies

    Macaroon Kisses

    Ready to bake? Join the free membership group to get new recipes and a newsletter delivered to your inbox! You can also stay in touch on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. I’d love to stay in touch!

    Secret Kiss Cookies

    These chocolate topped, cake-like cookies have a chocolate kiss hidden inside.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 45 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Chill time: 1 day
    Total Time: 1 day 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings: 48
    Calories: 188kcal
    Author: Wendy Sondov

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
    • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup cocoa I use Whole Foods 365 brand fairly traded cocoa
    • 4 ½ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 ½ teaspoons espresso powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
    • 3 large eggs
    • ⅓ cup plain yogurt
    • 7 tablespoons milk
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 48 chocolate kisses
    • 3-4 cups melting chocolate discs
    • Sprinkles

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, microwave butter until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
    • In a large bowl whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, espresso powder, and salt.
    • In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until combined, about 2-3 minutes.
    • Mix in the eggs, yogurt, milk, and vanilla.
    • Reduce the speed of mixer and slowly add dry ingredients until just combined.
    • Chill in the refrigerator overnight.
    • When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350˚F. Lightly coat the cups of a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
    • Scoop 1 tablespoon dough balls. Tear the ball in half and insert a chocolate kiss. Put the dough ball halves back together and roll into a ball covering the chocolate kiss inside.
    • Place one dough ball in each mini muffin cup and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when the top looks evenly dry. Don’t worry about any wrinkles or cracks. They will be covered with the chocolate coating.
    • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring the cookies onto wire racks to cool completely.
    • Melt the chocolate coating discs in a small bowl in the microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds. Stir, then return to the microwave for 10-20 second intervals at 50% power just until completely melted.
    • Dip the cookie directly into the bowl of melted chocolate. Place the cookies on a tray lined with wax paper and sprinkle each cookie immediately after coating. After completing 6 cookies, place the tray in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
    • The cookies will remain soft and cakey stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days.

    Notes

    • For easiest handling of this sticky dough, overnight chilling is recommended.
    • For more mocha flavor, double the espresso powder in the recipe.
    • Do not try to bake these cookies on a baking sheet. The dough won’t hold its shape and will flatten.
    • Homemade chocolate kisses allows for unlimited variations in flavors and colors to match holidays and special events.
    • Colorful sprinkles make these cookies ideal for snacking or gifting for New Years, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Christmas, Hanukkah, and gender reveal parties.
    • Do not use melted chocolate chips for coating the cookies unless they will be eaten the same day. The chocolate will “bloom”, appearing white and spotty after a day or two.
    • For dipping, use only melting chocolate (compound chocolate) or tempered chocolate for a topping that remains smooth and shiny.
    • Packaging or plating these cookies in mini cupcake papers makes a pretty presentation that looks like candy bonbons.
    Packing tips
    • In a plastic food storage container, Place cookies in layers separated by wax paper, in a plastic storage container.
    • Balled up wax paper can be placed between the top cookies and the lid to ensure no movement within the container during shipping.
    • Wrap the entire container in plastic wrap or place in a freezer weight ziplock bag.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 138IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @TheMondayBox or tag #themondaybox!

    SaveFirst Published: January 30, 2015. Last Updated: March 8, 2021. Updated for additional information and improved photographs.

    Chocolate covered Kiss Cookies piled on a white plate with pink chocolate Kiss candy.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Erlene

      February 3, 2019 at 4:14 pm

      Yum! These look so delicious! It’s great that these keep for 10 days, but I doubt they would last that long at our house 🙂 Thanks for sharing your recipe on MM. Pinned.

      Reply
    2. Susan

      February 13, 2018 at 3:38 pm

      Thank you so much for joining the “Happiness is Homemade Link Party”. Ok, you just set me off my diet. Great recipe and I love the sprinkles on the too. I have Pinned to my Pinterest. Susan @craftingafamily.com

      Reply
    3. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome

      February 12, 2018 at 9:10 am

      What a perfect Valentine treat! I’d be honored if you shared it at our link party, What’s for Dinner!

      http://www.lazygastronome.com/whats-dinner-sunday-link-135/

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        February 12, 2018 at 10:22 am

        Thanks, Helen! Done. 🙂

        Reply
        • Helen at the Lazy Gastronome

          February 17, 2018 at 7:34 am

          So glad you shared these at the party – hope to see you at tomorrow’s party with more treats!

          Reply
    4. Joyce @ My Stay At Home Adventures

      January 20, 2017 at 7:22 pm

      Oh My! These look amazing and now I want to give this recipe a try. I’m sure when I make this recipe it won’t look as pretty. Pinning this!

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        January 20, 2017 at 8:53 pm

        Thank you, Joyce! I promise they are easy to make and I am sure yours will look every bit as pretty. Sprinkles are the secret to pretty. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Karly

      January 15, 2017 at 1:46 pm

      So cute! Thanks for linkin’ up with What’s Cooking Wednesday!

      Reply
    6. Amy

      January 15, 2017 at 1:46 pm

      These cookies are so cute and fun. It is interesting all of the methods of cooking that you used until you found just the right one. Thank you for sharing on Happiness is Homemade link party.

      Reply
    7. Sammi Ricke

      January 13, 2017 at 2:49 pm

      These are just too cute! They are making me crave sweets and it’s not even lunch time! Ha! I think these would be a great project for my kids and I to make together 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        January 14, 2017 at 8:33 am

        Thanks, Sammi! Kids always love playing with food especially if it involves chocolate! I think kids would have a great time hiding the kisses and rolling up the dough balls! 🙂

        Reply
    8. April J Harris

      January 13, 2017 at 12:19 pm

      What cute cookies – and I love the chocolate inside. I would like either milk or dark chocolate – these look like such a treat. Pinned! Thank you for sharing with us at Hearth and Soul.

      Reply
    9. Kirsty Hijacked By Twins

      January 11, 2017 at 8:03 am

      Wow these look and sound amazing! Perfect for Valentines day x #TicklemyTastebudsTuesday

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        January 11, 2017 at 8:10 am

        Thanks, Kirsty! They are a fun Valentine’s Day indulgence. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Roseann Hampton

      January 9, 2017 at 8:21 pm

      These look yummy! Pinning

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        January 9, 2017 at 10:01 pm

        Thanks, Roseann!

        Reply
    11. Ronda Eagle

      February 9, 2015 at 10:25 am

      Thank you for stopping in and linking up with us this week on #TheWeekendSocial. We love your ideas and hope to see you again this weekend on KitchenDreaming.com. We have pinned, stumbled & added your link into yummly.

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        April 5, 2015 at 1:55 pm

        Thank you for hosting and all of the media work, Ronda! Also, thanks for stopping by. 🙂

        Reply
    12. Tricia @ Saving room for dessert

      February 4, 2015 at 8:02 am

      Wow – this are just gorgeous and perfect for the upcoming holiday of lovers! Chocolate sings to me 🙂 The kiss inside is such a bonus! Great post, wonderful photos!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        February 4, 2015 at 8:33 pm

        Thank you, Tricia! Oh, I am so glad someone else hears chocolate, however, I am jealous. Chocolate chips speak to me all the time, but I have never heard them sing! 😉 I definitely consider Valentine’s Day= chocolate day!

        Reply
    13. Monica

      February 3, 2015 at 8:08 am

      These are so sweet. I love how they look and the surprise inside as well as the textural contrasts all in one bite. You could call it anything you want and I’d be all over them.

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        February 4, 2015 at 9:25 pm

        Thanks, Monica! The textural contrasts are my favorite part of this cookie! I bit into way too many of these just to feel the bite through the chocolate coating, into the chewy cookie, sinking into the chocolate kiss center. Ummm….good thing there aren’t any left!

        Reply
    14. shannon

      January 31, 2015 at 7:11 am

      how adorable! and i agree: things in romance languages always sound way better, more exotic, and so on. why say “hazelnut ball cookies” when you could say “baci di dama,” right?

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        January 31, 2015 at 8:55 pm

        That is exactly why I had to be so careful in Italy. Baci di dama would be terribly intriguing to me if they were offered, but rather dangerous considering my nut allergy! I practiced the phrase, “I am allergic to nuts,” in Italian, over and over before we went. I had to temper temptation with caution! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Liz W.

      January 31, 2015 at 4:02 am

      Wendy, these look fantastic! This is exactly what I want to be eating right now… and it’s 5am. I am definitely making these. I’ll let you know how they turn out!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        January 31, 2015 at 9:00 pm

        Thanks, Liz! Sorry to give you 5 am cookie cravings, but these Kiss Cookies ARE quite good with a morning cup of coffee! The funny thing about these cookies is that if you try them before you coat them in chocolate, you will probably be underwhelmed. However, a quick dip in melted chocolate makes a world of chocolaty difference to the whole flavor profile! I hope you do get to try them and will let me know what you think!

        Reply
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    I'm Wendy, a baker, care package maker, and smile creator. On The Monday Box you’ll find care package inspiration and recipes for delicious treats that make it easy for you to share home baked love. Let’s spread happiness, one cookie at a time!

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