Name: Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup butter; 6 oz unsweetened chocolate; 1 14 oz sweetened condensed milk; 1 1lb 1.5 oz sugar cookie mix; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 40 Hershey Hugs unwrapped

There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of rich chocolate and a touch of cinnamon in the **Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe**. These cookies offer a fun, festive twist that makes every bite feel like a little celebration you definitely want to share!

The image shows a close-up of several dark brown cookies arranged on a white plate. Each cookie has one central white layer with a smooth texture, decorated with thin brown lines radiating from a small white dot in the middle, resembling a simple flower or spider web pattern. The outer cookie layer looks soft with a slightly cracked surface that adds texture. The white plate and cookies sit on a white marbled surface in the background. 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

This recipe has been one of my favorites to whip up when I want something quick, unique, and utterly delicious. The mix of fudgy chocolate dough crowned with a classic Hershey’s Hugs candy is such a comforting combo that’s always a hit whether for a casual snack or a festive treat.

Easy & Quick: From start to finish, these cookies take less than 20 minutes — perfect when you want satisfying homemade cookies fast.
Unique Flavor Twist: The subtle cinnamon mixed with rich fudge and the creamy Hershey Hugs creates a flavor combo that feels special and festive.
Fun Texture Contrast: Soft, fudgy cookies with that slightly melted candy on top bring a delightful mix of chewy and creamy in every bite.
Perfect Party Cookie: Everyone always asks for these when I bring them to gatherings — they’re not your run-of-the-mill chocolate chip cookies.

The image shows four round chocolate cookies with deep cracks on top, each topped with a smooth, striped white and milk chocolate candy center that forms a dome-like shape. The cookies are thick and have a coarse, cracked texture. They are placed in a curved white bowl, with one cookie resting against the bowl's edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface covered partly by a fabric with pink, green, and brown circular patterns. The lighting highlights the shiny texture of the candy and the rough texture of the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe strikes a beautiful balance with simple ingredients working together to make something much yummier than the sum of their parts. A sugar cookie mix forms the base, while butter and unsweetened chocolate bring that deep fudge flavor. Cinnamon adds warmth and a little unexpected zing, finished off perfectly with Hershey Hugs candies.

Flat lay of a small pat of fresh butter, a few large chunks of unsweetened dark chocolate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth sweetened condensed milk, a simple mound of pale sugar cookie mix, a small white ceramic bowl holding ground cinnamon powder, and several unwrapped Hershey Hugs chocolates showing their distinctive striped milk and white chocolate layers, all arranged symmetrically 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: Makes the cookies tender and adds richness—use unsalted if you want full control over the salt.
Unsweetened chocolate: Gives authentic chocolate flavor without extra sweetness, letting the Hershey Hugs shine on top.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds moisture and chewiness, plus gentle sweetness that balances the unsweetened chocolate.
Sugar cookie mix: Provides the sturdy base; using a good quality mix helps with flavor and texture.
Ground cinnamon: Just a bit gives the fudge that little kick and makes these cookies wonderfully cozy.
Hershey Hugs: These striped candies are a gift—creamy white creme hugged by milk chocolate that melts beautifully atop each cookie.

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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 to stick close to the original Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe, but that doesn't mean you can't make it your own. I've played around with swapping out the cinnamon for some chili powder once, which added a surprising hint of warmth that's perfect for fall. Feel free to get creative and make these cookies truly yours.

Variation: Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking balances the sweetness beautifully—my friends actually insist on it now!
Dietary swap: You can try a sugar cookie mix that’s gluten-free for those with sensitivities, just watch baking time closely.
Seasonal twist: Swap Hershey Hugs for peppermint or candy cane flavors during the holidays to give these cookies a festive shake-up.

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

Step 1: Melt Butter & Chocolate Smoothly

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—I always find this makes cleanup a breeze. Next, microwave the butter and unsweetened chocolate together for 1 minute, then stir. Microwave for another minute or until everything is melted and perfectly smooth. The key is stirring after the first minute to prevent overheating or clumping.

Step 2: Stir in Sweetened Condensed Milk

Once your chocolate mixture is velvety, stir in the sweetened condensed milk. This adds moisture and sweetness, making your cookies wonderfully fudgy. Mixing it thoroughly helps the dough come together nicely with the dry ingredients next.

Step 3: Blend in Cookie Mix & Cinnamon

Slowly stir in the sugar cookie mix and ground cinnamon until everything is well combined. The cinnamon is subtle but adds a lovely warmth that sets these cookies apart. If your dough feels too sticky, a quick chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes can make it easier to scoop.

Step 4: Portion & Bake to Perfection

Use a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared pans. Bake for 6 to 7 minutes—the edges will lose their shiny look, but don't over bake or the cookies lose their fudgy softness. Right after pulling them from the oven, press one Hershey Hugs candy into the center of each cookie, placing the point side up.

Step 5: Cool & Set

Let the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want the candy to spread a little over the cookie top, gently tap the edges of the cookies once they're out of the oven. It's a small trick that makes them look so inviting!

Top Tip

From my experiences baking these fiesta fudge cookies, a few simple tips help you achieve that perfect texture and presentation every time. I learned these through trial, error, and lots of taste testing.

Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye during baking — pulling cookies out as soon as edges lose shine ensures they stay soft and not dry.
Smooth Chocolate Mixture: Stirring halfway through microwaving the butter and chocolate is key. I once skipped that and ended up with lumps that didn’t fully melt.
Press Candy Immediately: Placing the Hershey Hugs right after baking lets them soften and meld into the cookie perfectly, avoiding cracking or dull appearance.
Cookie Scoop Size: Using a consistent medium scoop helps all cookies bake evenly. I recommend investing in one if you don't have it—it makes a noticeable difference.

How to Serve Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe

Fiesta Fudge Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple by letting the Hershey Hugs candy star as the garnish—its striped charm says it all! But sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a few festive sprinkles for parties. It really depends on the occasion and who’s eating them.

Side Dishes

These cookies work perfectly alongside a cold glass of milk or a cup of steaming hot coffee. For larger gatherings, I like to pair them with fruit platters or a mild cheese board to balance the rich chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For my last holiday party, I arranged these cookies on a colorful festive tray lined with fresh greenery and red berries—so simple yet instantly festive. Wrapping a few in cellophane bags tied with ribbon turns them into charming party favors, which always make guests smile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, though I rarely have leftovers that long. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing so the candy topping doesn’t get sticky or melt.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing the cookie dough balls before baking—just scoop and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a container. When ready, bake straight from frozen adding a minute or two to the baking time. This gives you fresh, warm cookies anytime.

Reheating

To refresh these cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven. This brings back their fudge-like softness and slightly melts the candy atop for that fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are Hershey’s Hugs and can I substitute them?

Hershey’s Hugs are striped chocolates with a smooth white creme center hugged by milk chocolate, creating a creamy texture and festive look on these cookies. You can definitely substitute with other Hershey’s chocolates like Hot Cocoa Kisses or Peppermint Bark Bells for a fun seasonal twist. Just pick candies that melt well for the best results.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swapping the sugar cookie mix with a gluten-free version works well. Just pay attention to the mix’s instructions since some gluten-free doughs can be more delicate and may require adjusting baking time or chilling the dough before scooping.

How do I avoid the candy cracking when pressed on the cookies?

The key is to press the Hershey Hugs into the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven while the cookie and candy are still warm. This lets the candy soften and meld into the cookie surface smoothly, preventing cracking as it cools.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, scoop it onto trays, and freeze before baking. This way, fresh cookies can be baked anytime by simply popping the dough balls straight into the oven from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe enough. It’s one of those joyful baking projects that yields show-stopping, cozy cookies without complicated steps. Whether you’re baking for kids, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver that nostalgic, rich comfort with a fancy candy twist that’s hard to beat. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and enjoy the smiles that follow!