Hershey’s Kisses Brownies

Indulgent & Easy Hershey’s Kisses Brownies: The Ultimate Fudgy Treat!

Get ready for a chocolate experience like no other! These rich and incredibly indulgent brownies are not just topped with Hershey’s Kisses, but actually *made* with them as the primary chocolate source, creating an unparalleled fudgy texture and a distinctively sweet, milky chocolate flavor that true Hershey’s Kisses fans will adore.

Rich, fudgy Hershey's Kisses brownies stacked high, showing the smooth ganache frosting

Hi everyone! It’s Dorothy, from Crazy for Crust, and I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that brings an abundance of chocolate joy to your kitchen today. If you’re anything like me, the mere mention of chocolate is enough to pique your interest, but when it comes to a dessert that’s easy, unique, and unbelievably delicious, you’re in for a real treat.

A few years ago, I embarked on a culinary adventure for my cookbook, creating a show-stopping Milky Way Brownie Pie. During that process, a curious thought sparked in my mind: could I actually melt down candy bars, like those delicious Milky Way treats, and use them as the foundational chocolate base for a rich brownie? The idea was unconventional, but the results were surprisingly phenomenal. Not only did it work, but the pie tasted absolutely incredible, proving that sometimes, the best culinary breakthroughs come from thinking outside the traditional baking chocolate box.

Fast forward to a recent moment when I found myself with an unusual (and delightful!) surplus of Hershey’s Kisses. I know, it sounds like a dream, but yes, it truly happens in real life! With that previous success in mind, the question naturally arose: “Could I do it again?” Could I take these iconic, foil-wrapped chocolate treasures, melt them down, and incorporate them into my absolute favorite brownie recipe, replacing standard baking chocolate entirely? The thought alone was exciting, promising a brownie with a unique flavor profile and an unmatched fudginess.

And guess what? The answer is a resounding YES, YOU CAN! This revelation opened up a whole new world of possibilities for homemade brownies, making them even more special and accessible for everyone.

Close-up shot of Hershey's Kisses brownies with a bite taken out, revealing the gooey interior

Why These Hershey’s Kisses Brownies Are a Game Changer

One of the absolute best things about these Hershey’s Kisses brownies, beyond their sensational taste, is the sheer simplicity of their preparation. Forget about lugging out multiple mixing bowls, heavy stand mixers, or noisy blenders. This entire masterpiece comes together in just *one* big bowl. All you truly need are a microwave-safe bowl, a sturdy wooden spoon, your trusty microwave, and, of course, an ample supply of those delightful Hershey’s Kisses.

The beauty of this one-bowl method is not just about reducing cleanup – though that’s a huge bonus! It’s about making the process so straightforward and stress-free that even novice bakers can achieve perfectly fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownies every single time. It strips away the complexities often associated with baking, leaving you with pure enjoyment from start to finish.

Crafting Your One-Bowl Chocolate Dream

Making these brownies couldn’t be easier, truly. The first magical step involves gently melting down a generous amount of Hershey’s Kisses with some unsalted butter. The microwave is your best friend here, transforming these two simple ingredients into a luscious, molten chocolate base. As they melt, you’ll witness the Kisses releasing their distinct aroma, promising the delightful flavor to come.

Once melted, you’ll stir in granulated sugar, enriching the sweetness. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture initially looks a little separated or “seized” at this stage; this is completely normal when sugar is added to melted chocolate. The next crucial ingredients – fresh eggs and a splash of pure vanilla extract – will beautifully bring everything together, smoothing out the batter into a silky, cohesive consistency. A touch of salt balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall chocolate flavor, before you finally fold in the flour, just until combined. That’s genuinely it for the batter!

Pour this irresistible batter into your prepared pan and bake until the top is set with a slight crackle, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The result? A rich, deeply fudgy brownie that tastes remarkably like a giant, warm, melt-in-your-mouth Hershey’s Kiss. The texture is dense, moist, and wonderfully chewy, hitting all the right notes for a perfect brownie.

The Grand Finale: Hershey’s Kisses Ganache Frosting

But wait, there’s more! My culinary curiosity rarely lets me stop at “good enough.” I wasn’t entirely satisfied; I knew these amazing brownies deserved an extra touch of chocolate decadence. And so, the idea for a Hershey’s Kiss ganache frosting was born. This isn’t just any frosting; it’s an extension of the brownie’s unique character, elevating it to an extraordinary level.

This frosting is essentially a luscious ganache, created by gently warming heavy whipping cream and then pouring it over more unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses. The warmth of the cream slowly melts the Kisses, and with a quick whisk, you achieve a wonderfully smooth, glossy, and intensely chocolatey topping. This velvety ganache is then poured generously over the cooled brownies. As it sets, it forms a perfectly smooth, slightly firm, yet still melt-in-your-mouth layer that perfectly complements the fudgy brownie beneath. It’s a delightful contrast in texture and a double dose of that beloved Hershey’s Kiss flavor.

These brownies are truly SO good, especially if you have a special fondness for Hershey’s Kisses. They are super chocolaty, boasting a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. I’m confident that any chocolate connoisseur, perhaps even Joan, would wholeheartedly approve of this ultimate chocolate treat! They embody everything a perfect brownie should be: rich, moist, decadent, and utterly irresistible.

A stack of fudgy Hershey's Kisses brownies with ganache frosting, ready to be served

Enjoy every single fudgy, chocolatey bite!

Hershey’s Kisses Brownies

Fudgy Hershey's Kisses brownies with a smooth ganache frosting on a white plate

Ingredients

For the Fudgy Brownies:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 10 ounces unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses (approximately 63 pieces)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Hershey’s Kiss Ganache Frosting:

  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses (approximately 30 pieces)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13” (23x33cm) baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil extends over the sides to create “handles.” Spray the foil generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt Chocolate Base: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and 10 ounces (about 63 unwrapped pieces) of Hershey’s Kisses. Microwave on high for approximately 2 minutes, stirring thoroughly every 30 seconds, until the Kisses are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. It’s okay if it looks slightly separated initially.
  3. Mix Brownie Batter: Stir the granulated sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. The mixture might appear a bit thick or “seized” – this is normal! Incorporate the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth and glossy. Finally, stir in the salt and then gently fold in the flour until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
  4. Bake the Brownies: Pour the luscious brownie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for about 20-22 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges are set, the top has a slight crackle, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Do not overbake to ensure maximum fudginess! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to frost them. This is crucial for a clean slice and set frosting.
  5. Prepare Ganache Frosting: To make the rich frosting, heat the heavy whipping cream in a small microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds, until hot but not boiling. In a separate bowl, place 1 cup (about 30 unwrapped pieces) of Hershey’s Kisses. Pour the hot cream over the Kisses and let it sit for 30 seconds to allow the chocolate to soften. Then, whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth, glossy, and uniform. If any Kisses remain unmelted, microwave for an additional 15-20 seconds and whisk again until perfectly smooth.
  6. Frost, Slice, and Store: Pour the warm ganache frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies, spreading it into a thin, smooth layer. Allow the frosting to set and harden at room temperature for a few hours, or chill in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes to speed up the process. Once the ganache is set, use the foil “handles” to lift the brownies from the pan. Slice into desired bars (squares or rectangles). Store these indulgent Hershey’s Kisses brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Did you make this recipe?

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Fudgy Hershey's Kisses brownies arranged on a serving plate

More Delicious Brownie Recipes You’ll Love!

If you’re a brownie enthusiast like me, you’re always on the hunt for new variations to satisfy that chocolate craving. Beyond these delightful Hershey’s Kisses brownies, here are a few other beloved recipes that have captured hearts (and taste buds!) on Crazy for Crust:

Zucchini Brownies

Don’t let the name fool you! These Zucchini Brownies are incredibly moist, secretly nutritious, and packed with a rich chocolate flavor that will surprise and delight even the pickiest eaters. A fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without compromising on decadence!

Moist Zucchini Brownies topped with a smooth chocolate frosting

Cookies ‘n Cream Extreme Brownies

For those who believe there’s no such thing as too much good stuff, these Cookies ‘n Cream Extreme Brownies are a dream come true. Imagine fudgy brownies loaded with crushed Oreo cookies, then topped with a creamy, cookies ‘n cream inspired frosting. It’s an indulgence you won’t want to miss.

Cookies 'n Cream Extreme Brownies, layered with chocolate brownie and white frosting with cookie pieces

Brownie Gooey Bars

Prepare for ultimate gooey bliss with these Brownie Gooey Bars! Featuring a rich brownie base topped with a luscious, sweet, and unbelievably chewy filling, these bars are the perfect combination of fudgy and gooey. They are a true crowd-pleaser and dangerously addictive.

Decadent Brownie Gooey Bars with a thick, chewy layer on top