Vegan Hershey Kisses

Isn't it a massive shame that Hershey's has never come out with a dairy-free Kiss? I think it's pretty wild of them to be honest. There is a huge market of vegan bakers who would love to spend money on them!! But oh well...I guess we will just have to continue making our own. Good thing it's easy and fun! These Vegan Hershey Kisses are made with only two ingredients and come together in about 30 minutes. Let's learn how to make them!

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Ingredients Needed For Vegan Hershey Kisses

You'll only need two ingredients to make these little candies!

• Nondairy Chocolate Chips (8oz Bag): Nondairy chocolate chips are a key ingredient for making Vegan Hershey's Kisses. These chips provide the rich and chocolatey flavor and the smooth, creamy texture that's characteristic of Hershey's Kisses. By using nondairy chocolate chips, the recipe ensures that the candy remains dairy-free, making it suitable for those following a vegan diet or those with lactose intolerance.
• Vegan Butter (1 tsp): Vegan butter is often used in chocolate recipes to add a hint of creaminess and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality to the final product. While it's a small amount, it contributes to the texture and mouthfeel of the chocolate. Additionally, it can help with tempering the chocolate, which is important to achieve that classic Hershey's Kisses snap when you bite into them. Vegan butter is used to maintain the dairy-free status of the candy.

Steps to Make Vegan Hershey Kisses (with pictures!)

1. Melt Chocolate: Add nondairy chocolate chips to a large, microwave-safe bowl. Place bowl in the microwave and heat in 30 second increments stirring after each. Continue until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vegan butter.
2. Chill: Fit a plastic piping bag with a small to medium, round piping tip. Also place a piece of strong tape over the tip to avoid leakage. Fill the bag with the chocolate mixture using a rubber spatula. You can turn down the top of the bag when doing this to ensure less of a mess. Once full, twist the top of the bag closed and seal with a rubber band. Place piping bag in the refrigerator to chill for 10-15 minutes.
3. Pipe: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Remove the piping bag from the fridge and also remove the tape from the tip. Begin piping the kisses by gently squeezing the bag of chocolate. You will want to squeeze harder when piping the bottom of the kiss and then squeeze lightly as you pull the bag up to get the signature "kiss" look. Remember that the goal here isn't perfection.
4. Chill: Once you have used up all of the chocolate and the kisses have been piped, place the baking sheet into the freezer to set for at least 15 minutes. Once kisses have set they can be transferred to an airtight container or bag that can be stored in the refrigerator.

Tips for Making Homemade Vegan Hershey Kisses

Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality vegan chocolate chips and vegan butter. The quality of these ingredients will impact the final taste/texture.
2. Melt Chocolate Gently: When melting the chocolate, use a double boiler or a microwave on low heat to avoid scorching or overheating. Stir the chocolate frequently to ensure it melts evenly.
3. Add Vegan Butter: As mentioned earlier, a small amount of vegan butter can help create a creamy texture in your homemade Kisses. It also aids in tempering the chocolate, so don't skip this step.
4. Use a Piping Bag: To achieve the classic Hershey's Kiss shape, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small hole cut in the corner. This will make it easier to create the iconic pointed top.
5. Pipe Onto Wax or Parchment Paper: Place paper on a baking sheet or tray before piping the chocolate. This makes it easier to remove the Kisses once they've cooled and solidified.
6. Allow Time to Set: After piping the chocolate, allow the Kisses to set in the freezer. This will ensure they harden properly and maintain their shape.
7. Experiment with Flavorings: If you want to add extra flavor to your vegan Hershey's Kisses, consider adding a drop of natural flavor extracts like vanilla, mint, or orange.
8. Keep Them Cool: Store your homemade Kisses in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will prevent them from melting or getting too soft.
9. Practice Makes Perfect: Achieving the perfect Hershey's Kiss shape may take some practice. Don't be discouraged if your first batch isn't perfect.
10. Customize the Size: Adjust the size of your Kisses by cutting a smaller or larger hole in the piping bag. You can make bite-sized Kisses or larger ones to suit your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular chocolate chips in a vegan Hershey's Kisses recipe?

If you're following a vegan diet, it's important to use vegan chocolate chips that don't contain dairy. Regular chocolate chips generally contain milk solids, which are not suitable for a vegan recipe.

What's the purpose of vegan butter in the recipe?

Vegan butter is used to add creaminess and a smooth texture to the chocolate. It also helps with tempering the chocolate and contributes to the mouthfeel of the Kisses.

Can I add flavorings or extracts to the chocolate for variety?

Yes, you can add natural flavorings or extracts like vanilla, mint, or orange to the melted chocolate to add extra flavor. Just be mindful of not adding too much liquid, as it can affect the chocolate's texture in the long run.

Can I add toppings or variations to my homemade Kisses?

Yes, get creative! You can add toppings like crushed nuts, sea salt, vegan sprinkles, or even a pinch of espresso powder on top of the Kisses before they set to create unique variations.

FAQ's Continued

Can I store homemade vegan Hershey's Kisses at room temperature?

It's best to store your homemade Kisses in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place, especially if you live in a warm climate. This helps prevent them from melting or becoming too soft.

How do I make bite-sized or larger Kisses?

To make bite-sized Kisses, cut a smaller hole in your piping bag. For larger Kisses, cut a larger hole. Experiment with the size to achieve the desired result.

Can I use this recipe to make other shapes or chocolate treats?

Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted to make various chocolate shapes and treats. To illustrate, you can use different molds or even make chocolate bars or clusters by piping the chocolate onto a baking sheet.

Can I make vegan Hershey's Kisses without a piping bag?

While a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a hole cut in the corner makes it easier to achieve the classic Kiss shape, you can still make homemade Kisses by using a spoon to drop small dollops of the melted chocolate onto parchment paper. They won't have the exact Kiss shape but will taste just as delicious.

How to Use/Store Vegan Hershey Kisses

Uses for Vegan Hershey Kisses

Homemade vegan Hershey's Kisses are a versatile treat that can be used in various ways. Here are some ideas for how to use them:

1. Enjoy as a Snack: Of course, you can simply enjoy them as a sweet, bite-sized snack. They're perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings.
2. Decorate Baked Goods: Use homemade Kisses to decorate cupcakes, cakes, cookies, or other baked treats. They also make charming edible toppers.
3. Hot Chocolate or Coffee: Drop a homemade Kiss into a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and let it melt for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
4. Gifts: Package homemade Kisses in a decorative box or tin and give them as gifts for special occasions, like birthdays, holidays, or as a token of appreciation.
5. Ice Cream Topping: Crumble homemade Kisses over a scoop of vegan ice cream for added texture and flavor.
6. Trail Mix: Add chopped homemade Kisses to a vegan trail mix for a delightful sweet element amidst the nuts and dried fruits.
7. Cupcake Fillings: Use them as a surprise filling for cupcakes. Bake the cupcakes with a Kiss hidden inside, and when you bite into them, you'll find a gooey, chocolatey center.
8. Add to Cookies: Incorporate chopped homemade Kisses into your favorite vegan cookie recipes for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.
9. Homemade Mocha: Add a melted homemade Kiss to a cup of vegan coffee or espresso for a mocha-like drink.
10. Gourmet Popcorn: Mix Kisses into a batch of freshly popped vegan popcorn so as to make a sweet and savory snack.

Storing

Storing vegan Hershey's Kisses is essential in order to maintain their quality and prevent them from melting or becoming stale.

To this end, store your homemade or store-bought vegan Hershey's Kisses in the refrigerator. To protect the Kisses from moisture, air, and odors, also place them in an airtight container. A lidded plastic or glass container works well, or you can also use a resealable plastic bag. Kisses will keep this way for up to 2 weeks.

Kisses can also be placed in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Please remember if you make this recipe to snap a pic and share with @censoredbaker on instagram!

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