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Cookies With a Hug

The scent of devil’s food cake mix always brings me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She wasn’t a fancy baker, but she had a knack for creating simple, comforting treats that filled our home with warmth. I remember one Christmas Eve, snow falling softly outside, she let me help her make these delightful cookies. The joy of unwrapping each Hershey’s Hug, pressing it into the warm, soft dough, and knowing we were making something special together is a memory I still cherish. These “Cookies With a Hug” are more than just a recipe; they are a little piece of my heart.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-13 minutes
Total Time: 18-23 minutes
Servings: Varies
Yield: 24-36 cookies
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 (18 ounce) box devil’s food cake mix (preferably)
2 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
24-36 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (unwrapped)
Optional: Powdered sugar, for dusting

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer (optional)
Teaspoons
Baking sheet
Oven
Cooling rack

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your oven rack is in the center position for even baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil.
Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. You can use an electric mixer for faster incorporation, but mixing by hand works just as well. Be prepared for a slightly stiff batter, this is normal.
The resulting batter will be quite firm, almost like a soft dough. Don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t resemble a typical cookie batter.
Using a teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto an ungreased baking sheet. Space the cookies about an inch apart to allow for even baking and prevent them from sticking together.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-13 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 8 minutes; the edges of the cookies should be set, and the tops will appear slightly cracked. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry cookies.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will cause the chocolate to melt slightly.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the melted chocolate will firm up, adhering to the cookie. This is important for structural integrity.
Once the cookies are thoroughly cooled, you can dust them with a tiny bit of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely finish.
Enjoy your “Cookies With a Hug”!

Expert Tips & Tricks

For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them. Remove them from the oven when the centers still appear slightly soft. They will continue to bake as they cool on the baking sheet.
If you find the batter too stiff to easily drop by teaspoons, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until you reach a more manageable consistency.
To prevent the chocolate hugs from melting too much, chill the unwrapped chocolates in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before pressing them into the cookies.
If you don’t have Hershey’s Hugs, you can use other small chocolate candies like Hershey’s Kisses or miniature peanut butter cups.
For a richer flavor, consider using a high-quality vegetable oil, such as avocado oil or refined coconut oil. The oil does contribute to the flavor profile.
If your oven tends to bake unevenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These “Cookies With a Hug” are best served at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Arrange the cookies on a pretty plate or in a decorative tin to make them even more appealing.

To store leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you prefer warm cookies, you can microwave them for a few seconds until heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as the chocolate can melt and become messy.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	137 kcal	7%
Total Fat	8.3g	12%
Saturated Fat	1.4g	7%
Cholesterol	17.6mg	5%
Sodium	181.2mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	15.6g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0.5g	2%
Sugars	8.2g	32%
Protein	1.8g	3%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the devil’s food cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Be sure to check the ingredient list for any other potential allergens.
Dairy-Free: While Hershey’s Hugs contain dairy, you can experiment with dairy-free chocolate alternatives or use candies like Enjoy Life Baking Chocolate Mini Chips.
Peanut Butter Variation: Use a peanut butter-flavored cake mix and top with Reese’s Miniatures.
Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter and use dark chocolate mint candies.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the cake mix for a warm, spicy twist.
Cake Mix Swap: Experiment with different cake mix flavors! Strawberry, red velvet, or even a simple vanilla cake mix can create unique variations.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my cookie batter so stiff?
A: This recipe results in a firmer dough due to the nature of the cake mix. It should still be pliable enough to drop by teaspoons. If it’s too stiff, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other small chocolate candies like Hershey’s Kisses, miniature peanut butter cups, or even dark chocolate squares. Adjust the baking time as needed.

Q: My chocolate hugs melted completely and made a mess. What went wrong?
A: This likely happened because the cookies were still too hot when you pressed in the chocolates, or the oven temperature was too high. Try chilling the unwrapped hugs before using them and ensuring your oven temperature is accurate.

Q: How can I make these cookies healthier?
A: While these cookies are a treat, you can make some healthier swaps. Use whole wheat pastry flour in place of some of the cake mix, reduce the amount of oil slightly, and use a natural sweetener like applesauce in place of some of the sugar.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Final Thoughts

These “Cookies With a Hug” are more than just a simple dessert; they are a reminder of the joy of baking and sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. I encourage you to try this recipe, get creative with your variations, and share your feedback. Pair these delightful cookies with a warm beverage and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Happy baking!

Cookies With a Hug Recipe