Name: Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey 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 sweetened condensed milk; 1 lb 1.5 oz sugar cookie mix; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 40 Hershey Hugs unwrapped

Just imagine biting into a soft, fudgy cookie with a creamy Hershey's Hug melting right in the center—pure comfort in every bite! This Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe is one of those delightful treats that combines simple ingredients into a spectacular party cookie that's both festive and irresistibly chocolaty.

The image shows five round chocolate cookies arranged closely on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a rough, cracked dark brown outer layer with a soft texture. In the center of each cookie, there is a circular white icing layer topped with a small circle of white cream, decorated with thin dark brown lines radiating from the center like a spider web pattern. The background is blurred but shows red and silver wrapped objects, adding a festive feel. 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 Hugs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made these Fiesta Fudge Cookies countless times, and each batch gets devoured before I know it. Their fudgy base paired with those iconic Hershey Hugs makes them a total crowd-pleaser—plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up when you want something festive but fuss-free.

Simplicity: Uses a cookie mix to cut down prep time without compromising flavor.
Rich Chocolate Flavor: Unsweetened chocolate and condensed milk create an ultra-fudgy texture.
Fun & Festive Twist: Topping each cookie with a Hershey Hug adds that perfect creamy, minty finish.
Perfect Party Cookie: These stand out on cookie trays and are great for sharing or gifting.

Three round dark brown cookies with cracked surfaces sit on a white curved dish, arranged in a row. Each cookie has a round dollop of white and milk chocolate swirl candy in the center, with smooth shiny texture and stripes. The dish rests on a patterned cloth featuring circular shapes in green, pink, brown, and white. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe plays a key role in making these cookies soft, rich, and delightfully festive. The blend of real chocolate and simple pantry staples keeps the dough fudgy yet easy to handle.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow butter, a cluster of rich dark unsweetened chocolate squares, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy sweetened condensed milk, a neat mound of light beige sugar cookie mix, a small white ceramic bowl holding warm brown ground cinnamon powder, and a scattering of smooth, unwrapped striped milk and white chocolate Hershey Hugs, all placed 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: Adds creaminess and richness, melting perfectly with the chocolate.
Unsweetened Chocolate: Brings intense chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds moisture and sweetness that helps achieve that fudgy texture.
Sugar Cookie Mix: Provides structure and sweetness; starting with a pre-made mix speeds things up.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that compliments chocolate beautifully.
Hershey Hugs: These candy "hugs" have a creamy white creme and milk chocolate swirl that melts perfectly on top.

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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

I love giving this recipe my own spin depending on the season or the event. It’s so flexible—you can easily swap the cinnamon for other spices, or change up the Hershey chocolates for a different flavor profile.

Variation: During winter holidays, I like to use Peppermint Bark Bells instead of Hershey Hugs—it adds a refreshing mint crunch that guests rave about.

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

Step 1: Melt Butter and Chocolate Gently

Start by melting the butter and unsweetened chocolate together in a large microwavable bowl. I microwave it for one minute, stir, and then microwave for another minute or until everything is silky smooth. Stirring well here is crucial to avoid any chocolate lumps that could throw off the texture later.

Step 2: Stir in Sweetened Condensed Milk

Once your chocolate mixture is smooth, add the sweetened condensed milk and stir it until completely combined. This step adds that fudgy, almost caramel-like creaminess that makes these cookies so special.

Step 3: Mix in Cookie Mix and Cinnamon

Now, stir in your sugar cookie mix and the ground cinnamon slowly until everything is well blended. The dough will be soft but cohesive enough to scoop—if it feels dry, a quick extra splash of condensed milk can help.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Use a medium cookie scoop to portion about one tablespoon of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 6-7 minutes, or until the edges lose their shiny look but the center still feels soft. Be careful not to overbake—you want fudgy, not dry.

Step 5: Top With Hershey Hugs and Cool

Right after pulling the cookies out of the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey Hug candy into the center of each cookie, point side up. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes so the candy can soften and settle, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. I like to give each cookie a gentle tap around the edges on the baking sheet to help the candy spread slightly and look extra pretty.

Top Tip

From my many bakes, I’ve learned a few tricks that make the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe turn out like a dream every time.

Chocolate Melting: Use short microwave bursts and stir well to avoid burning the chocolate and butter.
Don't Overbake: The cookies will look soft in the center but will firm up as they cool—take them out just as the edges lose their shine.
Press Candy Quickly: Put the Hershey Hugs on while the cookies are hot so they melt gently and set beautifully.
Spacing Matters: Give each dough ball enough room on the baking sheet because the cookies will spread a bit as they bake.

How to Serve Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe

Hershey Hugs Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple but festive with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny sprinkle of crushed peppermint around the edges during the holidays. The Hershey Hugs themselves are decorative enough, but a little extra touch gives these cookies a professional finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy snack. They also go wonderfully on a cookie tray alongside plain sugar cookies and Nutella-stuffed ones to offer variety at holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I arrange the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe on a tiered stand with mini colorful flags or festive ribbons tied around the plates. You can also package them in pretty cellophane bags with a hand-tied bow as charming homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them covered prevents the fudgy texture from drying out, so they stay soft and gooey just like when fresh.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I like to freeze single layers on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can pull out as many as you want without them sticking together.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, just microwave one cookie for about 10 seconds. The fudge center softens right up, making it feel freshly baked again. Avoid reheating too long or the chocolate hub will get grainy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the sugar cookie mix with homemade dough?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use your favorite sugar cookie recipe, but keep in mind this recipe’s simplicity benefits from the mix’s consistency and convenience.

Why is it important to press the Hershey Hugs right after baking?

Pressing the candy while the cookies are hot allows the Hershey Hugs to melt slightly and adhere nicely to the cookie surface, creating that signature gooey center.

Can these cookies be made ahead for a party?

Yes! You can bake the cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep wonderfully and the texture stays fudgy.

What makes Hershey Hugs different from regular Hershey Kisses?

Hershey Hugs feature a delightful swirl of white creme and milk chocolate, giving them a creamy texture and a more complex flavor compared to the classic milk chocolate Kisses.

Final Thoughts

This Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe is close to my heart because it brings a little joy and indulgence with minimal fuss. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies always bring smiles—and trust me, you’ll want to keep a batch stashed away for yourself. Give them a try; I’m pretty sure they’ll become your go-to for a simple yet spectacular chocolate cookie.