Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe

Ready to make a sweet treat that’s as adorable as it is delicious? This Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe brings together soft, chewy sugar cookie dough wrapped snugly around a creamy chocolate and vanilla Hug—perfect for gifting or snacking with a smile.

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Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Why They Work
• Make It Your Way
• Step-by-Step: How I Make Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe
• Top Tip
• How to Serve Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions:
• Final Thoughts
• Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering your ingredients, look for a quality sugar cookie mix that you enjoy and fresh Hershey’s Hugs to ensure the perfect gooey center. The pink or red food coloring is what really brings that charming Valentine’s touch!

• Sugar cookie mix: The base for our cookie cups—makes baking simpler and yields a tender, buttery texture.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and helps create that perfect chewy crumb.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the dough, ensuring it holds the Hug filling nicely.
• Egg: Binds all ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Pink/red food coloring: Brings festive color to your cookie cups—adjust to your desired hue.
• Hershey’s Hugs: The star filling—chocolate and white chocolate swirl that melts in the oven.
• Decorative sprinkles: Optional, but adds a fun, festive finish to your Valentine’s Day treats.

Make It Your Way

The fun part about making these Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe is how easy it is to get creative. Whether you love extra color, different toppings, or even tailoring them to dietary needs, these cookie cups are a perfect canvas for your imagination!

• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Swap the pink/red food coloring with brown cocoa powder mixed into the dough for a rich chocolate base. I tried this once, and the cocoa paired beautifully with the creamy Hershey’s Hugs inside—pure bliss in every bite.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix and be sure your flour swap is gluten-free too. I found that the texture stays wonderfully soft and chewy, almost indistinguishable from the classic version!
• Festive Holiday Sprinkles: Beyond Valentine’s Day, these cookie cups are perfect for any celebration. Switching out the heart sprinkles for stars or snowflakes makes them instantly festive for birthdays or winter holidays.
• Vegan Version: By selecting a vegan sugar cookie mix and replacing butter with a plant-based alternative, plus using dairy-free Hershey’s-style kisses, you can make these just as delightful. It’s how I accommodate vegan friends when sharing sweet treats.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven for Success

First things first—spray your mini cupcake pan generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking later on. Then, preheat your oven to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is key to getting a soft yet set cookie cup without overbaking.

Step 2: Mix Your Cookie Dough with a Pop of Color

In a large bowl, combine your sugar cookie mix, melted butter, all-purpose flour, egg, and a few drops of pink or red food coloring. Beat them together gently just until everything comes together—no over-mixing here! Keep adding small amounts of coloring to reach your perfect Valentine’s pink hue.

Step 3: Shape the Dough and Add the Hug Center

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it to about the size of your palm. Place an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing edges and rolling gently to form a smooth ball. You might notice some small cracks forming—just pinch those closed with your fingers for the best seal.

Step 4: Place Dough Balls Into Pan

Stand each dough ball upright in the cavities of your prepared mini cupcake pan. This helps the cookie cup keep its shape while it bakes. Keep going until all your dough is used up—this recipe yields about 25 cookie cups, perfect for sharing!

Step 5: Bake to Soft Perfection

Bake your cookie cups for 10 to 12 minutes, or until you see the outer dough looking set but still soft to the touch. The smell of buttery sugar cookies will fill your kitchen—almost impossible to resist! Keep a close eye near the end to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Add Sprinkles and Cool Gently

Right after pulling the cookie cups from the oven, press your chosen decorative sprinkles gently on top. This little touch adds a festive look and sticks best while the dough is still warm. Then, be patient and let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Cooling in the pan is essential—it lets the cookie cups firm up so they don’t crumble when you remove them.

How to Serve Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe

Garnishes

These cookie cups are already adorable, but you can elevate their charm by topping them with festive sprinkles shaped like hearts, flowers, or even little stars. Fresh berries served alongside add a juicy, fresh contrast, or dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Serve your Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for the perfect afternoon treat. They also make a lovely companion to a fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet dessert pairing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to two weeks — perfect if you want to bake ahead for your celebrations or keep some treats handy for anytime snacking.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cookie cup individually to avoid sticking, then place them all in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for 5 to 6 months, so you can prepare these adorable treats well in advance and enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy frozen cookie cups, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a freshly baked feel, warm them briefly in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 3 to 5 minutes before serving—just enough to soften the cookie and melt the Hug center slightly.

Final Thoughts

Making these Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe is such a joyful way to share a little love in each bite. Whether you’re gifting them to friends, family, or sneaking one for yourself with a cup of coffee, these sweet, chewy, and festive treats never disappoint. With a bit of patience and these helpful tips, you’ll have perfectly charming cookies that capture the spirit of the holiday and bring smiles all around. Happy baking and Happy Valentine’s Day!

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