Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe
There’s just something magical about these Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe that makes them my absolute go-to treat for February 14th. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery sugar cookie shell that perfectly hugs a creamy, chocolate-and-white combo from Hershey’s Hugs — it’s like a little love note in every bite. I love how they come together quickly but feel fancy enough to impress whoever you’re treating, whether it’s a classroom party, date night, or just a cozy evening in.
What makes this recipe a keeper is how versatile and fun it is to make. You don’t need any special skills, just a mini cupcake pan and some sweet patience while you wrap those little chocolate gems in cookie dough. Plus, the pop of pink or red food coloring gives the cookie cups such a festive vibe. I honestly find baking them almost as rewarding as eating them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a star role, coming together to make these cookie cups soft, flavorful, and irresistibly cute. When you’re shopping, look for fresh eggs and quality cookie mix to get the best result. Also, grabbing the Hershey’s Hugs beforehand will help you see just how perfectly sized these little chocolates are for this recipe!
- Sugar cookie mix: Using a mix saves time and ensures consistent flavor and texture without fuss.
- Salted butter: Melted butter adds buttery richness; salted butter balances sweetness perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the dough structure so the cookie cups hold their shape around the chocolate.
- Egg, room temperature: Helps bind the dough evenly and keeps it soft — don’t skip warming the egg!
- Pink/red food coloring: The festive touch that instantly makes these look like Valentine’s Day stars.
- Hershey’s Hugs, unwrapped: The creamy white and milk chocolate blend is the melty heart inside that you’ll love.
- Decorative sprinkles (optional): Adds color and a little crunch, especially fun if you’re baking with kids.
Variations
I love tweaking this Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe depending on the occasion or who I’m baking for. Don’t be shy about personalizing this — it’s your chance to get playful in the kitchen!
- Chocolate chip cookie dough: I once swapped the sugar cookie mix for chocolate chip dough — the combo of chips and Hugs is decadent and unexpected!
- Different food coloring shades: For other holidays, you can switch to green for St. Patrick’s or pastels for Easter, making these a versatile treat year-round.
- Nut-free or gluten-free mixes: Perfect if you’re baking for friends with allergies — just ensure your chosen mix has similar consistency to adapt the recipe.
- White or dark chocolate Hugs: You can experiment with the filling by using different Hershey’s Hugs varieties or even mini peanut butter cups for a twist.
How to Make Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Prep your tools and oven
Start by giving your mini cupcake pan a thorough spray with cooking spray—this step is crucial because you want your cookie cups to pop right out after baking. Then, heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). I always preheat early so the oven reaches the right temperature by the time I’m ready to bake, which helps with even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the cookie dough
Grab a large bowl and combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, all-purpose flour, the room-temperature egg, and your chosen amount of pink or red food coloring. Beat everything just until you see a uniform dough. A tip here: start with a drop or two of food coloring and add gradually to avoid oversaturating the dough. The color gets more vibrant after baking, so err on the lighter side.
Step 3: Shape the dough around the chocolate
Pinch off about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it into a palm-sized circle. I find using my hand works best — it’s gentle and you can feel the dough’s thickness better. Place an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug in the center and carefully wrap the dough around it like a little pouch, sealing the chocolate completely inside. Take your time here so no chocolate peeks out and melts into the pan.
Step 4: Bake and decorate
Set each dough ball upright in its mini cupcake cavity, then pop the pan in the oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cookies are just golden around the edges but still soft to the touch — they keep soft as they cool, which is the ideal texture for these cups. As soon as you pull them out, sprinkle your chosen decorations on top while the cookie is warm to help sprinkles stick.
Step 5: Cool and enjoy
Give your cookie cups about 15 minutes to cool in the pan before trying to remove them. This cooling period lets them set perfectly and prevents any gooey heartbreak. Then, get ready to enjoy a perfect Valentine’s Day treat that’s just bursting with love (and chocolate)!
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish my cookie cups with festive sprinkles—red, pink, hearts, or even edible glitter if I’m feeling fancy. Besides making them look adorable, the sprinkles add a subtle crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft cookie. If you prefer, a light dusting of powdered sugar also looks pretty and adds a delicate sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookie cups stand out on their own, but if you want a little extra, I love pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa—especially in cooler months. For a party spread, they also look amazing alongside some fresh berries or a bowl of whipped cream for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite ways to present these Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe is in a cute gift box layered with colorful tissue paper, tied with a ribbon for that sweet handmade gift vibe. I’ve also placed them on a tiered dessert stand mixed with other Valentine’s treats for a charming party display. If you’re gifting neighbors or coworkers, packaging them in clear bags with a personalized tag is such a thoughtful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh for up to two weeks — enough time for me to sneak a few extra treats here and there! Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing so they don’t become soggy.
Freezing
Freezing these cookie cups works like a charm. I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. They’ll keep well for 5-6 months. When I want one, I just thaw it at room temperature for an hour — the dough and melted Hershey’s Hug come back soft and delicious.
Reheating
If you like them warm, I gently reheat cookie cups in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t overbake. I avoid microwaving because it can make the cookie tough, but if you’re in a pinch, 10-15 seconds is enough to warm the chocolate inside.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully as long as it has a similar consistency — soft and pliable enough to wrap around the Hershey’s Hugs without cracking. You may need to adjust flour slightly if your dough is too wet.
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What if I don’t have a mini cupcake pan?
You can try using mini muffin pans or even regular cupcake pans, though the cookie cups will be bigger and bake time might increase slightly. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
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Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Bake and cool the cookie cups, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them in advance. They’re easy to grab and serve on the party day without fresh baking stress.
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How do I prevent the cookie dough from tearing around the chocolate?
Work gently and take your time when wrapping the dough. If it feels dry, a small wipe of water on your fingers can help smooth the edges. Avoid over-stretching to keep the dough intact.
Final Thoughts
Making Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe is like sending a little personalized hug to the people you care about — warm, sweet, and a little indulgent. I always find baking these is as much about the memories we make in the kitchen as the delicious results. You’ll enjoy seeing smiles light up as they bite into that melty center, and trust me, they’re just right for sharing or keeping all to yourself. So, grab that mini cupcake pan and your Hershey’s Hugs, and make a batch—you won’t regret it!
Print
Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes 15 seconds
- Total Time: 35 minutes 15 seconds
- Yield: 24–26 cookie cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these delightful Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups filled with Hershey’s Hugs. Soft and chewy sugar cookie dough is wrapped around smooth, creamy Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with optional decorative sprinkles, these bite-sized treats are perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 17.5 ounce package sugar cookie mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- Pink/red food coloring, as needed
Filling & Decoration
- 24–26 Hershey’s Hugs, unwrapped
- Decorative sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven. Spray a mini cupcake pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough. In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, all-purpose flour, egg, and pink/red food coloring. Beat together until just combined, adjusting the food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
- Flatten Dough Portions. Take about 1 tablespoon of the cookie dough and flatten it using your hand or a rolling pin until it is roughly palm-sized, making it ready to encase the chocolate.
- Wrap Chocolate with Dough. Place an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug in the center of the flattened dough. Wrap the dough completely around the chocolate to form a ball, ensuring the chocolate is fully enclosed.
- Place Dough Balls in Pan. Set each filled dough ball upright into a cavity of the prepared mini cupcake pan. Repeat this process until all the cookie dough balls are placed in the pan.
- Bake the Cookie Cups. Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the outsides appear set and lightly golden but still soft to the touch.
- Decorate. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately decorate the tops of the warm cookie cups with decorative sprinkles if desired.
- Cool before Serving. Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing and serving. This resting time helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
Notes
- Storage: Store cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap each cookie cup individually, place in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for 5-6 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Tip: Ensure the egg is at room temperature before mixing to achieve smooth and even cookie dough.
- Tip: Use a gentle hand while wrapping the dough around the chocolate to avoid tearing.
Keywords: Valentine’s Day cookies, Hershey’s Hugs, cookie cups, sugar cookie recipe, chocolate filled cookies, festive dessert
