24chocolate heart candiessuch as Hershey’s Kisses or similar
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cream the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
Bake the Cookies:
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Add the Chocolate Hearts:
Immediately press a chocolate heart candy into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. The warmth of the cookie will slightly soften the chocolate, helping it adhere.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Prevent Melting: Let the cookies cool slightly before adding the chocolate hearts if you’re worried about them melting too much.
Candy Variations: Swap the chocolate hearts with regular Hershey’s Kisses, Dove chocolates, or even chocolate truffles for a personalized touch.
Colorful Twist: Roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles for extra festive flair.
Even Baking: Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for the most consistent results.
Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect cookie texture.