Name: Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies 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’s Hugs, unwrapped

There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about the sweet, creamy melt of a Hershey Hug nestled atop a rich chocolate cookie. This Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies Recipe brings together that perfect combo in a quick, fuss-free way you’ll want to make again and again.

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 Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t resist sharing this treat because it’s one of those rare cookies that combine simplicity and WOW factor. The way the fudge cookie base cradles the Hershey Hug candy is simply irresistible.

Quick and Easy: You whip these cookies up in under 20 minutes, perfect for a last-minute dessert or a weekend bake session.
Rich Fudge Flavor: The unsweetened chocolate plus sweetened condensed milk create a fudgy, moist cookie that’s just the right balance of sweet and chocolatey.
Distinctive Hershey Hug Finish: The striped milk and white chocolate candy on top melts just enough, adding a creamy texture and festive look.
Great for Gifting: These cookies look so pretty and taste divine, making them a fantastic homemade gift during holidays or special occasions.

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

Each ingredient here plays a distinct role in bringing that perfect fudgy sweetness in the Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies Recipe. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

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 a creamy, rich base and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Unsweetened chocolate: Gives deep, intense chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness from other ingredients.
Sweetened condensed milk: Brings moisture and a smooth, caramel-like sweetness while helping bind everything together.
Sugar cookie mix: Simplifies the process — no separate flour, sugar, or leavening to worry about, with perfect cookie structure every time.
Ground cinnamon: Just a hint adds warmth and spice that rounds out the chocolate beautifully.
Hershey Hugs (unwrapped): The star of the show — their signature creamy striped chocolate topping melts perfectly on these fudge cookies.

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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

I love customizing this Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies Recipe depending on the season or who I’m baking for. It’s such a great base to play with flavors and even dietary needs.

Variation: I once swapped the Hershey Hugs with Peppermint Bark Bells during the holidays — the minty twist was a crowd-pleaser!
Dairy-Free Version: Try using dairy-free chocolate and margarine, and be sure to grab a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative to keep it fudgy and rich.
Spice It Up: For a little extra warmth, add a pinch of cayenne or stir in a teaspoon of espresso powder into the cookie dough for an adult-friendly kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melting the Magic

First, I microwave the butter and unsweetened chocolate together in a large bowl, starting with one minute, then stirring, and repeating for another minute or until everything is smooth and glossy. This step is crucial—don’t rush it, and stir well so the chocolate melts evenly without burning.

Step 2: Adding Sweetness and Spice

Once the chocolate mix is perfect, I stir in the sweetened condensed milk. It thickens the batter beautifully and makes the cookies fudgy. Then I mix in the sugar cookie mix and cinnamon until it’s all evenly combined. The batter will be thick but soft enough to scoop.

Step 3: Baking and Topping with Love

I use a medium cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon of dough) to place evenly spaced dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets. Baking at 350°F for 6-7 minutes is key — you want edges to lose their shine but not overbake or dry out. Right out of the oven, I press a Hershey Hug candy gently but firmly into the center of each cookie, point side up. This step melts the candy just enough without losing shape.

Step 4: Cooling and Final Touches

After letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, I transfer them to a wire rack. Sometimes I give each cookie a gentle tap on the edge to encourage the melted Hug to spread slightly over the fudgy cookie—makes it look so inviting!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that take this Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies Recipe from good to spectacular. These tips make baking foolproof and bring out the best texture and flavor every single time.

Don’t Skip the Condensed Milk: It’s the secret to that rich fudgy texture that makes these cookies so addictive.
Watch Your Baking Time: Even a minute too long can dry these cookies out. Take them out as soon as edges lose shine but centers look soft.
Press Hershey Hugs Right Away: Adding the candy when cookies are hot lets them melt perfectly while keeping their striped look.
Use Parchment or Silicone Mats: Prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly without burning bottoms.

How to Serve Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies Recipe

Hershey Hug Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnish simple since the Hershey Hug candy makes these cookies stand out on their own. But if I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before baking or add a dusting of powdered sugar after cooling—it complements the rich chocolate perfectly.

Side Dishes

These cookies are a dream alongside a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a party, I love pairing them with a simple fruit platter to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve gifted these cookies, I arrange them in cute mason jars layered with wax paper or put them in decorative tins with a festive linen. For holiday gatherings, placing them on a platter with some holiday greenery or edible flowers really turns heads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fudgy for several days, which is perfect if you want to savor the flavors over time without rush.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! I flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. When you want a sweet treat, just thaw for about 30 minutes at room temp—easy and delicious anytime.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up the cookies after storing, I like to warm them for about 10 seconds in the microwave. It softens the fudge and revives that fresh-baked sensation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of chocolate instead of Hershey Hugs?

Absolutely! While Hershey Hugs are classic for this recipe, you can swap them with other chocolates like peppermint, milk chocolate kisses, or even flavored truffles to add a unique twist.

Why do the cookies need to be pressed with the candy right after baking?

Pressing the Hershey Hug into the cookie right after baking allows the candy to melt slightly and adhere to the cookie without losing its shape, creating that signature look and creamy topping.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and fudgy for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting a gluten-free sugar cookie mix, but results may vary since texture depends on the cookie mix. Make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free too, and consider testing a small batch first.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Hershey Hug Fudge Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s straightforward, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy those cozy moments biting into warm fudge cookies topped with creamy chocolate hugs—just like I do. Don’t forget to share how yours turn out; there’s nothing better than swapping baking triumphs with friends!