So I have this little issue as soon as I start getting into fall baking that has to do with pumpkin. You see, I have all these ideas for new pumpkin desserts that I want to share with all of you like yesterday… Hello, it’s only mid September, and although I’m seeing a lot of fab looking pumpkin recipes all around, I’m just not there yet. I look at this time as transition time, and I need to ease into this fall thing. Lucky for me, I stumbled upon a little treat last week that will hold me over for a bit, till next week anyway!
Pumpkin spice kisses could potentially be a little dangerous to have around the house! Have you tried them yet? While they’re not knock you over the head pumpkin, they have a warm, spice flavor that says fall. I knew I wanted to make cookies with them, so I adapted my favorite thumbprint cookie to create something new. Filled with brown sugar, a little cinnamon, and some bourbon, these cookies are a great fall treat.
The thumbprints were the perfect pairing for the kisses because they’re not too sweet. The kick of bourbon really helps balance things out as well 🙂 I love it paired with cinnamon too, it’s just instant warmth to me. When I made the cookie dough, I chilled it over night as I always do, but if you are pressed for time you don’t have to. Just make sure that after you scoop and roll the cookies, you chill them before baking so they don’t end up all flat and wonky looking. You don’t even have to make an imprint in the center before baking. Just have your kisses unwrapped when they come out of the oven so you can immediately press them into the centers. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool!
So this is my current pumpkin fix, and I’m going to get back to baking with apples since I’ve got some fun new recipes to share including a fantastic giveaway coming up next week! All I can tell you is you’re not going to want to miss it!!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces (8 Tbsp.) unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp. Bourbon
- 1/2 cup mascarpone
- 2 & 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 bag Hershey's Pumpkin Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium size bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugars till light and fluffy.
- Add egg, extract and bourbon, scraping the bowl down as needed.
- Mix in mascarpone.
- Add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Scoop cookies using a half ounce cookie scoop, roll into balls and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Chill cookies for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake cookies for 12-13 minutes, rotating once halfway through.
- While they're baking, unwrap the kisses.
- As soon as you remove cookies from oven, place them on a wire rack and press a pumpkin kiss into the center of each one.
Jenn Baker (@jbakernyc) says
I had been meaning to use my pumpkin kisses for baking…ended up eating them all out the bag. Next time though, this recipe for sure! These look fabulous!
Juanita says
Im not sure what you mean by the scooping out and rolling? Do I scoop out each cooking from dough mixture with cookie scoop and roll onto cookie sheet then chill? Dumb question? I need to try these cookies for sure. Thanks for sharing your yummy treats.
Juanita
bblondie says
Hi Juanita, You scoop the cookies using a cookie scoop. Then, using your hands, you roll them into balls. Place them on a cookie sheet and chill them for at least 30 minutes before baking. Enjoy!
Monica says
I just made these, and they are DELICIOUS! The dough is so good that I could even be eaten without the Kisses, but who would want to do that?! Thanks for the recipe!
bblondie says
Ha, very true! So glad you enjoyed them! Thanks so much for the comment, Monica 🙂
Amy Liz Schultz says
Making these tonight! Thanks for sharing! Yours look wonderful!
Erika says
These look delicious and I love your blog!! It’s so cute 🙂
Laurie says
One comment. The recipe/picture looks great, but you forgot to include the kisses in the recipe itself. They are neither in the ingredient list nor included in the instructions. However, I will add them when I write down the recipe. Thanks, they look amazing.
Ashley - baker by nature says
I love everything about these cookies!!! So cute and festive and perfect for welcoming fall.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
I bought a bag of these Kisses the other day! I need to make these!
I keep seeing you talk about vanilla bean paste. I NEEEEED this.
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
The seasons come and go too fast, I’m just waiting to see a peppermint post soon. Maybe I’ll just post one to mess with everyone?? Love these cool little cookies..
bblondie says
I think that’s a great idea! Thanks Gerry!
JulieD says
ooh goodness, these cookies look great!!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
What? Pumpkin kisses? When did this happen? I’ve been so busy with school that I haven’t taken notice to the outside world much. I’m going to need these in my life.
These cookies look so good, and I love that you added bourbon to them. Happy fall!
bblondie says
Ha, you definitely need these in your life!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Oh my gosh these look amazing! I’ve been staring at these on my computer at work and wish I had some! I never saw the pumpkin kisses, now I need them!!
Marta@What Should I Eat For Breakfast Today says
What a lovely name 🙂 I need to try it.
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
I really need to get my hands on those pumpkin kisses and make these cookies ASAP! I think I’ll even send them in a care package to Jason – he’ll love them!
bblondie says
That’s such a good idea!!
Terra says
I love your addition of bourbon, what a fantastic idea! I have not had the pumpkin kisses, but apparently I must run and grab some for sure:-) Yum, Hugs, Terra
Stephanie says
While autumn is my favorite season, I never want summer to truly end. All these pumpkin recipes start up way too soon!
Didn’t know there are pumpkin kisses now, can’t wait to pick some up!
bblondie says
Same here! And yes, you need to pick some up!
amy @ fearless homemaker says
I’m slowly easing into fall, too – i think it’s still too early for a lot of the super-autumny dishes so I’m happy to see these transition-into-fall cookies. they look fabulous!
bblondie says
Thanks Amy!
Colleen, The Smart Cookie Cook says
I can totally relate; pumpkin has already consumed my life, and it’s only mid-September! These cookies are so smart! They’re like the traditional peanut butter cookie w/ a chocolate kiss inside, only this is pumpkin-fied!
bblondie says
I know, I’m slowly giving in!
Cassie says
Wow, these are incredible! I didn’t know that these kisses existed. Love these!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
I forgot to pick up those kisses at the store yesterday. I have plans for them!! These look heavenly though!
bblondie says
Thanks Erin! I have more plans for them too!
Heather @ Heather's Dish says
too cute and so perfect for fall! i need to get my mitts on those kisses…