Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely freeze Hershey’s Kisses! Freezing is a great way to store Hershey’s Kisses for longer periods of time. When frozen properly in airtight packaging, Hershey’s Kisses can last 6-12 months in the freezer.
How to Freeze Hershey’s Kisses
Freezing Hershey’s Kisses is easy to do at home with just a few simple steps:
- Make sure the Kisses are in an airtight container or bag. This prevents freezer burn which can cause drying out.
- Get as much air out of the container or bag as possible. You can use a straw to suck out excess air before sealing.
- Seal the container or bag tightly. Freezer bags with zip closures or airtight plastic containers work best.
- Label the container with the contents and date. This makes it easy to track when they were frozen.
- Place the sealed Hershey’s Kisses in the freezer. Store towards the back rather than on the door for more consistent temperature.
For best quality, use the Kisses within 6-12 months. Though they may still be safe to eat after 12 months, the quality declines over time in the freezer.
Can You Refreeze Previously Frozen Hershey’s Kisses?
You can refreeze Hershey’s Kisses if they have been kept frozen consistently and have not thawed. Kisses that have fully thawed should not be refrozen, as this causes texture changes and moisture loss.
Here are some tips for properly refreezing Hershey’s Kisses:
– Only refreeze Kisses that still have ice crystals and feel cold to the touch.
– Do not allow the Kisses to reach room temperature before refreezing.
– Make sure to seal the Kisses in an airtight container or bag before returning to the freezer.
– Refreeze at 0°F or below as soon as possible. Do not store in the refrigerator first.
– Label the new package with the current date so you know when they were refrozen.
– Only refreeze once – do not repeatedly thaw and refreeze.
As long as the Kisses have been kept at a consistent freezing temperature, refreezing once should not greatly affect taste or texture. But it’s best to try to use refrozen items soon.
Does Freezing Affect Taste and Texture?
Freezing Hershey’s Kisses generally does not majorly affect the taste or texture when done properly. However, there are a few potential changes to be aware of:
Taste:
- May lose some sweetness intensity
- Slight muting of nuanced flavors
- Risk of absorbing freezer odors if not sealed airtight
Texture:
- Can become slightly more dense and stiff
- May become dried out or grainy if stored too long or with freezer burn
- Outer chocolate coating can become sugary or frosted in appearance
- Filling can become dry, stiff, or crystallized
To minimize changes in taste and texture:
- Use high quality, fresh Kisses before freezing
- Freeze in airtight packaging
- Allow to thaw completely before eating for best texture
- Eat within 6-12 months for optimal freshness
Overall, taste changes tend to be subtle, and many people do not notice a difference when Kisses are frozen properly. The filling may have the most noticeable texture change when thawed.
How to Thaw Frozen Hershey’s Kisses
Here are some recommended methods for safely thawing frozen Hershey’s Kisses:
Refrigerator Thawing:
- Place sealed Kisses bag or container in fridge
- Allow 24-48 hours for complete thawing
- Once thawed, use immediately
Countertop Thawing:
- Leave sealed Kisses out at room temperature
- Takes about 2-3 hours to thaw
- Use immediately once thawed
Microwave Thawing:
- Remove wrapping and place desired number of Kisses in a microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring between cycles
- Watch closely to prevent overheating or scorching
- Use immediately once thawed
Cold Water Thawing:
- Seal Kisses in a zip top bag submerged in cold water
- Change water every 30 minutes to keep it cold
- Takes about 1 hour for thawing
- Use immediately, do not refreeze
Avoid leaving Kisses to thaw at room temperature for extended periods of time, as this increases risk of bacterial growth.
How to Use Frozen Hershey’s Kisses
Here are some great ways to use frozen Hershey’s Kisses in recipes:
Baking:
- Add frozen Kisses to cookie dough or on top of baked goods
- Mix into brownie, cake, muffin or cupcake batter
- Stir into frosting, fudge or other candy recipes
Desserts:
- Blend frozen into milkshakes, smoothies or ice cream
- Top pies, cheesecakes, parfaits before serving
- Freeze into popsicles or candy bars
Drinks:
- Add to hot chocolate, coffee or chocolate martinis
- Blend into frozen hot chocolate or Frappuccino-style drinks
Snacks:
- Enjoy frozen as cold sweet treats
- Freeze into DIY candy bars with nuts, cereal, dried fruit etc.
The frozen Kisses hold their shape well when baked or blended. Let thaw slightly before consuming for best texture. Get creative with frozen Kisses in all kinds of sweet and savory recipes!
Storage Time for Frozen Hershey’s Kisses
When stored properly in airtight freezer bags or containers at 0°F, here are the approximate storage times for frozen Hershey’s Kisses:
| Freezer Storage Time | Kiss Quality |
|---|---|
| 0-2 months | Fresh, just like new |
| 3-6 months | Still very good quality |
| 6-12 months | Edible but aging in quality |
| Over 12 months | Dried out, flavor and texture loss |
For best flavor and texture, aim to use frozen Kisses within 6-12 months. Properly stored Kisses can last over a year frozen, but the quality will decline over time.
Monitor your freezer temperature and watch for any freezer burnt packages. Avoid temperature fluctuations to get the maximum frozen storage life.
Signs Your Frozen Hershey’s Kisses Have Gone Bad
Here are some signs that your frozen Hershey’s Kisses may be past their prime or unsafe to eat:
- Freezer burnt with dry, crumbly texture
- White icy coating or crystallized chocolate
- Dried out, hard filling
- Off odors or uncharacteristic scents
- Mold growth on chocolate or filling
- Chocolate separates from filling or wrappers
- Liquid filling or wrappers stained with chocolate
Safety Risks:
- Do not eat Kisses that are severely freezer burnt, dried out, or contain mold
- Discard packages that have leaked or show signs of thawing and refreezing
As a visual guide, properly frozen Kisses will look glossy and well-shaped when thawed with an intact filling center. Signs of aging include dull, sugary chocolate or stiff, dried out filling that has pulled away from the chocolate shell.
When in doubt, remember the phrase “When frozen, Kisses stay delicious. When in ruins, out they go!” Discard expired items to enjoy safe frozen treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Hershey’s Kisses last at room temperature?
At room temperature, Hershey’s Kisses generally stay fresh for 1-2 months in their unopened packaging. Once opened, they are best consumed within 5-7 days. The filling tends to harden faster than the chocolate in warm conditions. Storing Kisses in cooler, dry areas extends shelf life.
Can you freeze Hershey’s Kisses with almonds?
Yes, all varieties of Hershey’s Kisses can be frozen successfully, including almond Kisses. The nuts may become slightly crunchy after thawing but do not significantly impact the safety or taste. Freeze plain and almond Kisses for 6-12 months.
Should you wrap Hershey’s Kisses before freezing?
indivudal wrapping before freezing. The original foil wrappers and plastic packaging help protect the Kisses from freezer burn. For long term storage, place Kisses packages in an additional layer of plastic wrap, aluminum foil or airtight bags.
Can frozen Hershey’s Kisses go in lunch boxes?
Absolutely! Frozen Kisses make great cold, sweet treats to tuck into lunch boxes. They thaw well at room temperature within a couple hours. Just be sure to pack the frozen Kisses with an ice pack or insulation to keep them solid until lunch.
How do you store leftover frozen Hershey’s Kisses?
To store leftovers, rewrap any unused frozen Kisses well in plastic or foil. Return to freezer as quickly as possible, label with new date, and try to use within 1-2 months for best quality. Do not refreeze partially thawed Kisses.
Conclusion
Freezing is an effective storage method to extend the shelf life of Hershey’s Kisses. With proper airtight packaging, temperature monitoring, and use within 6-12 months, Kisses can stay deliciously fresh when frozen. Monitor for signs of freezer burn, texture changes, dried out filling, and other signs that signal it’s time to discard aged frozen Kisses. Follow the tips in this article to freeze Kisses like a pro!
