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

There’s something magical about the way chocolate melts into soft cookie dough, especially when topped with a hug of creamy Hershey’s chocolate. That’s exactly what you get with the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe—a bite that’s both comforting and festive, perfect for sharing or sneaking a few yourself.

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

From the first time I made these cookies, I knew they’d become a staple in my baking lineup. They combine fudgy richness with that irresistible pop of a Hershey Hugs candy right on top—making each cookie feel like a mini celebration. Plus, they come together quickly, so you won’t be stuck waiting for forever!

Ridiculously simple: Just a handful of ingredients and a quick microwave step gets you going fast.
Deliciously fudgy texture: Thanks to the unsweetened chocolate and sweetened condensed milk combo, these cookies stay soft and decadent.
Eye-catching Hershey Hugs topping: Adds both visual flair and that classic creamy-chocolate flavor punch.
Perfect for gifts or parties: These cookies look festive, taste fantastic, and travel well.

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

Each ingredient here plays an important part in creating that unforgettable fudgy cookie with a sweet surprise on top. I always recommend using good quality chocolate and fresh spices to really ensure those rich flavors shine through.

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: Melts perfectly with chocolate and adds creamy richness.
Unsweetened chocolate: Adds deep fudgy chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Sweetened condensed milk: Brings sweetness and helps keep the cookies moist and tender.
Sugar cookie mix: Builds the base dough, making prep easy and consistent.
Ground cinnamon: Just a hint spices up the chocolate with warm notes.
Hershey Hugs (unwrapped): That signature creamy milk chocolate and white creme striped candy that melts beautifully on top.

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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

One of the best things about the Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe is that it welcomes plenty of fun tweaks. I often swap in a peppermint-flavored Hershey’s Kiss around the holidays, or sprinkle chopped nuts into the dough for some crunch—it's all about making the cookie your own.

Variation: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick, which surprisingly pairs wonderfully with the fudge and cinnamon. Give it a try if you like adventurous flavors!
Dietary tweaks: For a dairy-free version, you can experiment by swapping butter with coconut oil and using a dairy-free chocolate, though results vary slightly in texture.
Seasonal changes: Using peppermint bark or candy cane Hershey chocolates brings an instant holiday vibe to these cookies.

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

Step 1: Melt Butter and Chocolate Just Right

I start by microwaving the butter and unsweetened chocolate together in a large microwavable bowl. After the first minute, I stir to help the chocolate start melting evenly, then microwave for another minute—or until everything is smooth and glossy. This step sets the foundation for that fudgy texture, so don’t rush it or you might end up with clumps.

Step 2: Stir in Sweetened Condensed Milk

Once the chocolate mixture is silky, I stir in the sweetened condensed milk right away. This gives the dough that beautiful rich consistency and sweetness where the fudge flavor really shines through.

Step 3: Mix in Sugar Cookie Mix and Cinnamon

Next, I fold in the sugar cookie mix and ground cinnamon until everything is blended well but not overmixed. This dough is sticky and soft, which means you’re on track for chewy, tender cookies.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

I use a medium cookie scoop—about a tablespoon of dough per cookie—to keep sizes even. Place them at least 2" apart on lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 6 to 7 minutes or until the edges lose their shiny look. Be careful not to overbake; these cookies should be soft when you pull them out.

Step 5: Top with Hershey Hugs and Let Cool

Immediately after baking, press one unwrapped Hershey Hugs candy onto the center of each cookie with the point facing up. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a rack. I've found gently tapping the cookie edges helps the chocolate spread nicely across the top.

Top Tip

Through making Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe over and over, I’ve learned that getting the timing right on the baking and topping step makes all the difference in texture and presentation. Here are some tips I swear by:

Chocolate melting: Stirring well after each microwave interval prevents burning and ensures a smooth chocolate mixture.
Don’t overbake: Cookies continue to set as they cool, so take them out just as the edges lose shine to keep them soft and fudge-like.
Press Hershey Hugs quickly: The moment cookies come out of the oven is the best time to add the Hershey Hugs for that perfect melt effect.
Spacing: Leave enough room between cookie dough scoops so they don’t spread into each other during baking.

How to Serve Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe

Fiesta Fudge Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with these cookies because the Hershey Hugs candy is the star. That said, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of festive colored sugar crystals can add a pretty touch without overpowering the fudgy charm.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also work wonderfully alongside a small fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

I love lining up these cookies on a festive platter with red and green napkins during the holidays, or stacking them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon as a sweet homemade gift. For parties, arranging them in small cupcake liners keeps them tidy and easy to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay soft and fudgy for about 3-4 days—perfect for enjoying over a few days without worrying about them drying out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! I usually freeze them unbaked in portioned scoops on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready, pop them in the oven straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. It’s a great way to have them ready for unexpected guests.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies after storage, I warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving. This revives the soft texture and slightly melty hug on top without making the cookie too hot or greasy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makes Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe different from regular fudge cookies?

These cookies combine the rich fudgy base made with unsweetened chocolate and sweetened condensed milk with the unique addition of Hershey Hugs candies pressed on top. This adds both visual appeal and a creamy milk chocolate and white creme swirl that you don’t typically get in ordinary fudge cookies.

Can I use other types of Hershey’s chocolates instead of Hugs?

Absolutely! The recipe is quite flexible. You can swap in Hershey’s Kisses, including seasonal flavors like peppermint or hot cocoa, to change things up and add your own twist to the cookies. Just make sure to adjust placement and size if needed.

How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure your dough is the right consistency—not too warm or soft before baking. Chilling the dough briefly can help in warmer kitchens. Also, leaving at least 2 inches between dough scoops prevents cookies from merging together as they bake.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready, shape and bake as directed. Alternatively, freeze the shaped dough for later baking. Just add the Hershey Hugs immediately after baking for best results.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely look forward to making Fiesta Fudge Cookies with Hershey Hugs Recipe whenever I want a quick indulgence or a festive treat to share. They’re easy, fun, and reliably delicious—plus who can resist that cute little chocolate hug melting on top? I can’t wait for you to try them and make them your own, just like I have.