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 lb 1.5 oz sugar cookie mix; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 40 Hershey Hugs unwrapped

There’s just something magical about the combination of rich chocolate, soft sugar cookie dough, and those adorable Hershey Hugs nestled right in the center. The Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe brings all that joy together in a perfectly fudgy, festive bite that you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

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

Honestly, these fiesta fudge cookies have become a total favorite in my kitchen because they marry the deep, almost brownie-like fudge flavor with the lightness of a cinnamon sugar cookie. Plus, that Hershey Hug on top melts beautifully to add a creamy, chocolatey finish you can't resist.

Simple Ingredients: You can find everything in your regular grocery store without hunting specialty items.
Quick Prep & Bake Time: Ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for last-minute celebrations or holiday baking marathons.
Fun, Festive Presentation: Those Hershey Hugs add color and charm, instantly making these cookies look party-ready.
Customizable Flavors: You can swap out the Hershey Hugs for other fun chocolate varieties, tailoring to seasons or personal tastes.

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 brings together the best of chewy fudge texture and soft sugar cookie base, enhanced by cinnamon’s hint of warmth. Each ingredient plays a key role, so I always stock up on fresh versions of these staples for best results.

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: Adds richness and helps melt the chocolate smoothly for that fudgy base.
Unsweetened Chocolate: Crucial for deep, intense chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gives moisture and a creamy sweetness that keeps the cookie chewy.
Sugar Cookie Mix: Provides structure and familiar sugar cookie flavor, keeping things balanced.
Ground Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon brings in cozy warmth and a slight spice note.
Hershey Hugs: These striped chocolates melt on top adding both a visual delight and a creamy texture contrast.

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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 switching up this Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe depending on the season or mood. It’s fun because the base dough stays luscious and fudgy, so you can get creative with the toppings or mix-ins to keep things lively.

Variation: One time, I swapped the Hershey Hugs for peppermint bark candies during the holidays—oh my, it gave such a festive twist with that minty crunch that everyone adored!
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, try using a dairy-free chocolate and butter substitute—though I recommend testing first since texture can shift a bit.
Texture tip: To get extra fudgy cookies, pull them out of the oven right as the edges start to lose their shine and press the Hug immediately so the candy melts just so.

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

Step 1: Melt Your Chocolate and Butter Together

Start by microwaving your butter and unsweetened chocolate in a large microwavable bowl. I do it in one-minute bursts, stirring in between to make sure the mixture becomes smooth and silky without scorching. This step is crucial because a smooth chocolate base will create that melt-in-your-mouth fudge texture.

Step 2: Stir in Sweetened Condensed Milk

Once your chocolate is silky, stir in the sweetened condensed milk. It might feel thick at first, but keep mixing until it's fully blended. This ingredient is the secret behind that moist, slightly sticky texture that makes these cookies special.

Step 3: Add Cookie Mix and Cinnamon

Now comes the fun part—stirring in your sugar cookie mix and cinnamon. I like to add the cinnamon slowly and give it a taste as I go; sometimes I bump up the spice just a little if I want a warmer flavor. This gives the dough a lovely depth without overpowering.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Placing them 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets ensures they have space to spread without merging. Bake at 350°F for 6 to 7 minutes—this timing is key to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out. When edges lose their shine, they're ready!

Step 5: Press a Hershey Hug on Each Cookie

While the cookies are still warm, gently press a Hershey Hug candy into the center of each cookie with the pointy side up. This melt-in-place candy adds a creamy, striped finish that’s utterly delightful. Give the cookie a little tap on the edge to get the chocolate to spread just right.

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Serving

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. This helps the candy set perfectly without being too messy. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Top Tip

Through all my attempts making Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe, I learned that timing and temperature are everything. Those few seconds after baking are when the magic happens!

Perfect Melting Moment: Press your Hershey Hug in immediately while the cookie is still warm but not too hot; this lets the chocolate soften just enough to spread beautifully without melting into a mess.
Don't Overbake: I noticed even 30 seconds too long made them dry, so watch the edges closely. They should lose their shine, but still look soft.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter and mix to room temp helps everything blend evenly—makes a noticeable difference in your dough’s consistency.
Spacing Matters: Give each dough ball enough room to spread properly; I usually fit about 12 cookies on a standard sheet.

How to Serve Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe

Fiesta Fudge Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often dust these cookies lightly with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon after they cool, which enhances their warm, cozy vibe. For holiday gatherings, I like adding a tiny edible gold star or red sprinkles around the edges to amp up the festive feel.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of strong coffee or hot cocoa for an indulgent treat. They also go surprisingly well alongside fresh fruit platters or vanilla bean ice cream if you’re after that extra sweet flourish.

Creative Ways to Present

Last year, I arranged these fudge cookies on a tiered dessert stand dotted with mini fiesta flags and colorful napkins—it made for a cheerful display at a Cinco de Mayo party. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with ribbon also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fudgy for about 3-4 days that way. If you notice the candy hardening too much, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens it beautifully.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! I individually wrap them in plastic wrap before sealing in a freezer bag, so I can pull out a few at a time. When ready, thaw at room temp and, if you like, warm slightly to revive that fresh-baked softness.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a couple of cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just enough to relax the chocolate and warm the soft cookie. I find this brings back their just-baked charm without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are Hershey’s Hugs exactly?

Hershey’s Hugs are delightful striped chocolates made of a smooth white creme center hugged by a layer of milk chocolate. They’re perfectly sized to melt over cookies and add both flavor and a cute visual touch.

Can I substitute other chocolates for Hershey Hugs?

Absolutely! Feel free to use other Hershey varieties like Hot Cocoa Kisses, Peppermint Bark Bells, or Mint Truffles. Just make sure to pick chocolates that melt similarly for the best effect on the cookies.

How do I avoid overbaking these cookies?

Keep a close eye on the baking time and look for the edges losing their shiny appearance—that's your cue to take them out. These cookies bake quickly, so setting a timer for 6 minutes and checking often helps prevent dryness.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for a day before baking. The baked cookies also freeze well, so making a batch ahead saves time and lets you enjoy them fresh whenever you want.

Final Thoughts

The Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe has a special place in my heart—not only because they’re ridiculously tasty, but because they’re so easy and fun to make with friends or family. Whether you’re after a quick sweet fix or wanting to impress a crowd, these fudgey little gems deliver every time. Give them a try and watch smiles light up around your kitchen!