Name: Air Fryer Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489553H32M58S
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¼ cup shortening; 1 ½ cups sugar; 2 eggs; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups flour; 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup sparkling sugar or sprinkles (optional); 40 Hershey’s Kisses, milk chocolate or your favorite flavor

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it takes only a few minutes to prepare and bakes quickly in the air fryer. I enjoy how the cookies stay soft inside while turning golden outside. I also love that I can switch up the flavors by using different kinds of Hershey’s Kisses. These cookies always feel special and festive, yet they’re easy enough to make for a last-minute treat.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

¾ cup unsalted butter softened
¼ cup shortening
1 ½ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cup flour
1 box instant vanilla pudding
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sparkling sugar or sprinkles optional
40 Hershey’s Kisses milk chocolate, or your favorite flavor

Directions

Place the butter, shortening, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Cream them together with an electric mixer.
Add in eggs, vanilla, and instant pudding mix. Mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, stir the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture a third at a time, mixing between additions until all the flour is combined.
Preheat the air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes, making sure not to preheat with parchment paper inside.
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to make tablespoon-size dough balls.
If using sparkling sugar or sprinkles, place them in a shallow bowl and roll the dough balls until coated.
Flatten the cookie balls slightly with your fingers to about 1/2 inch thick.
Once preheated, add a parchment paper liner to the air fryer basket. Place the cookies on the parchment paper, keeping them about 1 inch apart. Work in batches if needed.
Bake for 5–8 minutes or until set and golden brown.
While the cookies bake, unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses.
Remove the basket from the air fryer and gently press a Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool in the basket for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 40 cookies. The prep time is 10 minutes, cooking takes 7 minutes per batch, and the total time is about 17 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes like to use dark chocolate or peppermint Hershey’s Kisses for a twist. Sprinkles can be swapped for colored sugar depending on the season. I also enjoy adding almond extract instead of vanilla for a slightly nutty flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want them to last longer, I freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To reheat, I let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes, or I warm them gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I like preparing the dough ahead and refrigerating it for up to 2 days before baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

I freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer bag. They bake straight from frozen with just an extra minute or two in the air fryer.

Do I need to chill the dough?

I don’t usually chill the dough, but if my kitchen is warm, chilling it for 30 minutes helps keep the cookies from spreading too much.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

I prefer butter for the best flavor, but margarine can work if that’s what I have on hand.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

I bake these in a regular oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, and they turn out just as delicious.

Can I use different pudding flavors?

Yes, I sometimes use chocolate or butterscotch pudding mix for variety.

Do I need to press the dough balls down?

Yes, I flatten them slightly to help them bake evenly and to make space for the chocolate Kiss.

How do I keep the chocolate Kiss from melting too much?

I press the Kiss in after baking, then let the cookies cool before moving them. This keeps the chocolate firm.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and they come out soft and tasty.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes, I love packing them in festive tins or boxes for holiday gifts.

Conclusion

I love making these Air Fryer Kiss Cookies because they’re simple, quick, and always a hit with family and friends. With their soft centers, sparkly coating, and chocolate topping, they’re perfect for Christmas or any celebration. They’ve become one of my favorite go-to holiday cookies.

Air Fryer Kiss Cookies Recipe

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Soft, buttery cookies made in the air fryer and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss. These festive treats are easy, quick to make, and perfect for holidays or any celebration.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes per batch
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 40 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Place the butter, shortening, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Cream them together with an electric mixer.
Add in eggs, vanilla, and instant pudding mix. Mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in thirds, mixing between additions until fully combined.
Preheat the air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes (do not preheat with parchment paper inside).
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to make tablespoon-size dough balls.
Roll dough balls in sparkling sugar or sprinkles, if desired.
Flatten dough balls slightly to about ½ inch thick.
Place a parchment paper liner in the air fryer basket. Arrange cookies 1 inch apart, working in batches if needed.
Bake for 5–8 minutes, until set and golden brown.
While baking, unwrap Hershey’s Kisses.
Remove cookies from the air fryer and immediately press a Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Cool in the basket for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.