Name: Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 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 irresistibly charming about the way these soft, fudgy cookies melt in your mouth, especially when topped with creamy, striped Hershey Hugs. The Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with a festive pop of sweetness, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on a cozy afternoon.

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’ve made Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe dozens of times now, and every batch feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. The way the fudge cookie base pairs with the creamy Hershey candy on top is just magical—a combo that’s both simple to make and wildly impressive.

Effortlessly festive: The Hershey Hugs add a fun, striped look that’s perfect for parties or holidays without any extra decorating.
Rich fudgy texture: Unlike most sugar cookies, these have that moist, fudge-y bite you’ll want to savor.
Quick to whip up: The prep and baking time combined is under 20 minutes—ideal for last-minute cravings or gift-giving.
Versatile with fun variations: Swap Hershey Hugs for other chocolates like peppermint or mint truffles for a seasonal twist that always wows.

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 behind this recipe lies in how these simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s both fudgy and festive. Each ingredient plays its part—in fact, a few tips I’ve picked up on the perfect brands and textures really help your cookies shine.

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: Use unsalted to control saltiness; it melts smoothly with the chocolate, creating that rich base.
Unsweetened chocolate: Provides deep, pure chocolate flavor without extra sweetness that lets the fudge taste stand out.
Sweetened condensed milk: This keeps the dough moist and gives it that luscious fudge texture.
Sugar cookie mix: Convenient and consistent, the mix anchors the cookie but you still get a cookie-like chew.
Ground cinnamon: Just a touch adds warmth and a gentle spice that balances the sweetness.
Hershey Hugs (unwrapped): The star topping—creamy, striped chocolates that melt slightly on the warm cookies for a perfect finishing touch.

📝

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 how flexible the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe is. I often swap out the Hershey Hugs for different seasonal chocolates to surprise my family—sometimes mint truffles for winter or peppermint bark for holidays. Feel free to get creative and make these your own!

Variation: Once, I added a pinch of chili powder to the dough for a subtle kick—surprisingly delicious and definitely a conversation starter.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil instead of butter and check for lactose-free Hershey alternatives, though it’ll change the texture slightly.
Seasonal fun: Use peppermint or candy cane-flavored Hugs around holidays for an extra festive look and taste.

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

Step 1: Melt Butter and Chocolate Smoothly

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. I find microwaving butter and unsweetened chocolate together in a large bowl is the easiest—and this method prevents burning. Microwave for 1 minute, give it a good stir, then heat for another minute or so until everything is velvety smooth. If you notice any lumps, just give the mixture a minute rest and stir again—it’ll melt perfectly.

Step 2: Stir in Sweetened Condensed Milk

Once the chocolate and butter are melted, stir in the sweetened condensed milk. This ingredient is what makes these cookies fabulously fudge-like, locking moisture in for that soft bite. Blend well until the mixture is completely combined and glossy.

Step 3: Add Cookie Mix and Cinnamon Until Just Blended

Now, gently fold in the sugar cookie mix and ground cinnamon until the dough comes together evenly. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine everything. The cinnamon adds a warmth that really lifts the fudgy richness without overpowering.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake with Love

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon), place dough balls 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. Bake for 6 to 7 minutes—you want the edges to lose their shine but not dry out. It’s key not to overbake; these cookies need to stay soft and fudgy inside.

Step 5: Press Hershey Hugs Candy on Warm Cookies

Right after pulling the cookies from the oven, immediately press one unwrapped Hershey Hug candy (point side up) into the center of each cookie. As the cookie cools, the candy melts just enough to create that iconic glossy topping that’s part of the charm here.

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then gently tap the edges of each cookie if you want the candy to spread slightly for a more eye-catching look before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Top Tip

From countless batches, I learned a few little tricks that make the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe absolutely foolproof and delicious every time.

Use silicone mats or parchment paper: They help cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking, making clean-up so much easier.
Don’t overbake: The edges losing their shine is your cue—overbaking dries these cookies out, and that soft fudge texture disappears.
Press candy immediately: Waiting too long means the candy won’t melt properly into the cookie, and you lose that pretty, glossy finish.
Cool on baking sheet first: Letting cookies set here prevents breaking when transferring to racks.

How to Serve Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe

Fiesta Fudge Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep these cookies simple since the Hershey Hugs are so pretty on their own—but sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after pressing in the candy. It adds a surprising contrast that makes the chocolate pop. Fresh mint leaves on the side can add a fresh note if you’re serving to guests.

Side Dishes

A cup of rich, dark coffee or creamy hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with these fudgy cookies. I also love setting them alongside a bowl of fresh berries—the tartness cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange them on colorful plates with little paper doilies, or stack them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon as easy party favors. During holidays, I swap Hershey Hugs for peppermint bark Hugs and sprinkle crushed candy cane bits on top for a festive touch that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Fiesta Fudge Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay delightfully soft and fudgy for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for nibbling throughout the week.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these cookies! I lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first (so they don’t stick together), then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feel, I warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. This melts the Hershey Hugs a bit again and revives the soft fudge texture—always a hit with my family.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other chocolates besides Hershey Hugs?

Absolutely! While Hershey Hugs give a lovely look and flavor, you can substitute with Hot Cocoa Kisses, Peppermint Bark Bells, Mint Truffles, or Candy Cane Mint Chocolates for fun seasonal variations.

What if I don't have a sugar cookie mix?

You can try making your own sugar cookie base with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a little sugar. However, the mix offers convenience and consistency that pairs perfectly with this fudge recipe, so it’s what I recommend for best results.

How do I avoid overbaking these cookies?

Keep a close eye on the baking time (6 to 7 minutes) and look for the edges to lose their shiny look—that’s the sign they are done. Taking them out a little early ensures they remain soft and fudgy inside.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

You can substitute butter with coconut oil and look for suitable dairy-free chocolates, but note the texture and flavor might differ slightly from the original. It’s worth experimenting if you have dietary restrictions!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to bake when I want something quick, impressive, and delicious. The way the fudgy cookie hugs that creamy chocolate candy is pure joy. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and see just how easy it is to bring a bit of fiesta into your kitchen—it just might become a new staple in your cookie rotation, too!