HAVE A COOKIE CONUNDRUM? A DESSERT DILEMMA? HERSHEY'S CAN HELP.

HERSHEY'S COOKIE HEADQUARTERS IS NOW OPEN: THE ONE-STOP HOLIDAY BAKING SITE FOR EXPERT ADVICE & RECIPES

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Dec 11, 2012, 10:07 ET

HERSHEY, Pa., Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, everyone can achieve baking bliss with a little help from Hershey's^® Cookie Headquarters(#CookieHQ). This year's #CookieHQ offers step-by-step recipes and gift how-tos, professional tips and exclusive access to a team of experts ready to answer the toughest baking questions. Now through January 13, 2013, at the @HersheysKisses Twitter handle, experts will be available weekdays from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 3 p.m.– 6 p.m. EST to help make homemade the easiest choice for holiday gifts and entertaining. Bakers can submit questions, share comments and join in on the latest conversations with fellow baking enthusiasts.

Holiday Recipes

But more than just answering baking questions, Hershey's is helping bakers whip up delicious sweet treats with holiday-themed recipes tested in Hershey's^® Kitchens. #CookieHQ offers recipes for holiday cookie classics like Peanut Butter Blossoms and Hershey's Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies and fun, Pinterest-worthy recipes like Santa Hat Topped Red Velvet Cupcakes. These seasonal recipes use holiday baking essentials like Hershey's^® Kisses^® Brand Chocolates, Hershey's^® Cocoa and Hershey's^® Baking Chips.

New This Year: Hershey's^® Baker's Dozen™

And as the icing on the proverbial cookie, a team of the best bloggers in baking and entertaining will be on-hand at #CookieHQ this year to ensure your baked goods turn out perfectly. Led by Linda Stahl, the head of Hershey's Kitchens, the Hershey's Baker's Dozen includes:

Karly of Buns in My Oven
Julie of The Little Kitchen
Bridget of Bake at 350
Shelly of Cookies and Cups
Lindsay and Taylor of Love and Olive Oil
Liz of Hoosier Homemade
Meaghan of The Decorated Cookie
Sarah of Baking 911
Naomi of Bakers Royale
Jessica of The Novice Chef
Susan of Doughmesstic
Courtney of Pizzazzerie

They're here to help ease your baking worries by providing how-to videos, answers to FAQs and gift ideas for "The Sweetest Thing to Bring" everyone on your gift list. To learn more, visit Hershey's Cookie Headquarters at www.HersheysKitchens.com.

Bake, Share & Win™ on Pinterest

Baking has even more rewards this holiday season. Now through January 13, 2013, Hershey's invites you to Bake, Share & Win on Pinterest. Participants can pin a photo of their finished Hershey's baking recipe with the hashtag #CookieHQ and email the photo to [email protected]. Ten winners will be randomly selected to receive a Baking Prize Pack (ARV $100).

For more information on #CookieHQ or to interview one of our Hershey's Baker's Dozen, contact Anna Lingeris [email protected] or Jaclyn Cole [email protected].

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 12,000 employees. With revenues of more than $6 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 25 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Bliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers. Hershey also offers premium and artisan chocolate products under such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba through the Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China and Mexico while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada.

For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company's global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities.

Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

SOURCE The Hershey Company