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 can sweetened condensed milk; 1 lb 1.5 oz sugar cookie mix; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 40 Hershey Hugs unwrapped

There’s something simply irresistible about the mix of rich chocolate and sweet, buttery cookie dough in the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe. The melty, creamy Hershey Hugs pressed right on top add that perfect festive touch you didn’t know you needed. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a total favorite for any gathering!

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 can’t help but smile every time I bake this one. The Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe is not only quick but brings so much joy with its melty, chocolatey goodness and that little pop of festive charm from the Hugs candy on top. It’s a surefire win that hooks everyone from first bite.

Simple, quick prep: These cookies come together in under 20 minutes, meaning your sweet tooth doesn’t have to wait long.
Beautiful festive look: The Hershey Hugs add a striped, chocolatey finish that’s perfect for parties or gifting.
Perfect texture: Soft, fudgy cookie base combined with a smooth chocolate top makes every bite heavenly.
Fun to customize: You can swap out the Hugs for other Hershey’s chocolates to match any season or mood.

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

The magic here lies in combining a good-quality sugar cookie mix with that rich unsweetened chocolate melted with butter. The sweetened condensed milk brings a smooth, fudgy texture, while the cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that balances the intense chocolate. Picking the right Hershey Hugs really takes these cookies to another level.

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: Provides richness and a tender crumb; make sure to use unsalted for best control over sweetness.
Unsweetened chocolate: This forms the deep fudge flavor—avoid substitutes like cocoa powder for this recipe.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds gooey sweetness and makes the cookie chewy and fudge-like.
Sugar cookie mix: Keeps things simple while providing a perfect base; I recommend a high-quality mix for best results.
Ground cinnamon: Just a hint for warmth—it quietly boosts the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.
Hershey Hugs: These unique chocolates combine creamy white creme and milk chocolate, creating an iconic look and taste.

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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

What’s wonderful about the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe is that it invites you to have fun with it. I like switching up the type of Hugs depending on the occasion—Peppermint Bark Bells make a fantastic holiday version. Give it a whirl, and customize to suit your cravings or seasonal vibes!

Variation: I once tried adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a subtle spicy kick—it was a surprising hit at our game night!
Dietary tweak: For a slightly lighter version, you can try a sugar cookie mix labeled gluten-free; just mind that baking time might vary.
Seasonal twist: Swap Hershey Hugs with Candy Cane Mint Chocolates for Christmas or Hot Cocoa Kisses in winter for extra cozy vibes.

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

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Butter Smoothly

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Then, place the butter and unsweetened chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, stir well, then continue for another minute or until the butter is fully melted and the chocolate mixture is smooth. Stir patiently—you don’t want any lumps hanging out here!

Step 2: Blend the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Next, stir in the sweetened condensed milk thoroughly into your melted chocolate. It’s going to feel thick and glossy. This luscious mix makes your cookie base incredibly fudge-like. It’s one of those moments when you just want to grab a spoon and sample a bit—but hold the line, cookies first!

Step 3: Add Cookie Mix and Cinnamon

Slowly add the sugar cookie mix and the ground cinnamon, stirring until everything is well combined. The dough will be thick but manageable. Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion out about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart on your baking sheets so they have room to spread.

Step 4: Bake and Add Hershey Hugs

Bake the cookies for 6 to 7 minutes. The key sign you’re looking for is when the edges lose their shiny look—don’t let them get too firm or brown! As soon as they come out of the oven, press one unwrapped Hershey Hug candy gently into the center of each cookie, pointy side up. This melts the candy slightly and melds it beautifully with the cookie.

Step 5: Cool and Perfect Your Finish

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For a little fun, I tap the edges of the cookies lightly—it helps the candy spread out in that perfect striped pattern on top. Then, cool completely, and get ready to delight in a cookie that’s just as pretty as it is delicious.

Top Tip

From baking these Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned that timing and the candy placement really make the difference between “just good” and “wow, these are amazing”. Here are my top tips to help you get it just right.

Don’t overbake: The cookies should still look slightly shiny on the edges when you pull them out; baking too long dries them out.
Press candy while warm: Putting the Hershey Hugs on hot cookies is key to getting that melting effect for a soft, glossy candy top.
Even portions: Using a cookie scoop guarantees your cookies bake evenly and stay consistent in size.
Cool before storing: Let the cookies cool completely to keep them from getting soggy when stored.

How to Serve Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe

Fiesta Fudge Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep these cookies simple—those Hershey Hugs candies are such a standout, I don’t want to cover them up. But for extra flair, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny sprinkle of edible gold glitter can make them sparkle for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy hot chocolate, especially during chilly evenings. If you want something savory on the side, a platter of fresh fruit or a light cheese plate balances out the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these on a tiered dessert stand with colorful napkins underneath to complement the festive candy tops. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with bright ribbons makes for a quick and adorable gift. They also look fantastic nestled among holiday greenery or confetti sprinkles on your serving platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to five days, though honestly, they rarely last that long at my house!

Freezing

If I want to stash some for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for soft, fresh-tasting cookies.

Reheating

Reheat cookies gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you want that melty, just-baked feel again. Be careful not to overheat—the Hershey Hugs can get too soft and messy if warmed too long.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can I substitute for Hershey Hugs if unavailable?

You can replace Hershey Hugs with other types of Hershey’s chocolates such as Kisses or Mint Truffles. While the unique striped look won’t be exact, the flavor and melt qualities are similar. Avoid very dark or chunky chocolates that might not melt as smoothly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix in place of the regular cookie mix. Be sure to check your other ingredients for gluten as well. Baking time might be a little different, so watch the cookies closely the first time you try it.

Why do the edges lose their shiny look when the cookies are done?

When baking, the shiny edges indicate moisture and softness. Once the edges lose their shine, it means the cookie has set enough to hold its shape but is still soft and fudgy inside. Pulling the cookies out at this stage helps prevent overbaking and dryness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

This dough is best made fresh because of the melted chocolate and condensed milk texture. However, you could prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it warm slightly before scooping and baking for more consistent results.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe has become my go-to crowd-pleaser whenever I want to whip up something fast and festive. They’re comfortingly rich but not overwhelming and look downright too pretty to resist with those iconic Hugs perched on top. I’m excited for you to give this a try—bake them for your next get-together or cozy night in; I promise, you’ll love the smiles they bring!