The festive spirit just isn’t complete without a sprinkle of sweetness, and these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate! Picture this: the delightful crunch of your favorite candy cane Hershey’s Kiss melding with a soft, buttery cookie that’s bursting with peppermint flavor. One bite, and the warmth of holiday nostalgia wraps around you like a cozy blanket.
I created this recipe during one of those chilly evenings when the scent of pine filled the air and holiday lights twinkled outside my kitchen window. As someone who often finds joy in baking, it was the perfect opportunity to play with flavors, and believe me, these cookies were the happy result! Whether for a holiday gathering or just a sweet treat for yourself, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a delightful option for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Let’s get started on creating some cookie magic together!
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies: What Makes Them Special?
Holiday Cheer: These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are not just cookies; they’re a festive celebration in every bite, bringing joy and warmth to your holiday gatherings.
Effortless Baking: With simple ingredients and easy steps, even a beginner can create these delightful treats without fuss.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of buttery cookie, rich chocolate, and refreshing peppermint will leave taste buds dancing with joy.
Perfect for Sharing: These colorful cookies are eye-catching and perfect for gifting, making them an ideal choice for parties or family get-togethers.
Quick Reward: In just 12 minutes of baking, you’ll have fresh cookies ready to enjoy—great for those last-minute holiday baking sessions!
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – 2 cups + 1 tablespoon (260g) will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
• Baking powder – 1 and 1/2 teaspoons helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Salt – 1/4 teaspoon enhances all the flavors for a well-balanced sweetness.
• Unsalted butter – 10 tablespoons (142g), softened, gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor.
• Granulated sugar – 1 cup (200g) adds sweetness and aids in browning the cookies.
• Large egg – 1, at room temperature, binds the dough together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon infuses warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
• Peppermint extract – 1/4 teaspoon elevates the holiday vibes with a refreshing twist.
For Topping
• Nonpareil sprinkles – 1/2 cup (about 90g) adds a festive touch and delightful crunch.
• Candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kisses – 32–36, unwrapped; the ultimate sweet surprise in the center of each cookie, adding that signature flavor.
How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
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Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl until well combined. This step is crucial as it ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
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Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer on high speed. Aim for about 3 minutes until they are creamy and light in color, creating the perfect base for your cookies.
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Add the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the creamy mixture. Beat until everything is well combined, about 1 minute. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure no ingredient is left behind!
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Mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed until fully combined. The dough will be quite thick, but that’s what will give your cookies that delightful texture.
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Roll the dough into balls, approximately 1 scant tablespoon each (about 20g). Once formed, generously roll each dough ball in nonpareil sprinkles to give them a festive look.
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Press the dough balls into the sprinkles if they’re not sticking well. If needed, beat in 1 teaspoon of water into the dough to make it a bit stickier, ensuring those sprinkles stay put!
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Chill the sprinkled dough balls on a baking sheet or plate in the fridge for 20 minutes, or up to 1 day. If chilling for longer than 1 hour, cover them to avoid drying out.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) while the dough chills. A hot oven is essential for that perfect bake!
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Arrange the chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges appear set and lightly golden.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. While they’re still warm, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie for that sweet surprise.
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Transfer the cookies using a thin spatula to a large plate or smaller plates. Place them in the freezer for 10 minutes to quickly set the candy in the cookie, ensuring a beautiful finish.
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Serve these delightful cookies once they are set and ready to be enjoyed by all!
Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
The holidays are about joy and togetherness, so let’s create a delightful feast that brings friends and family to gather around the table.
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Hot Cocoa Bar: A rich and cozy hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, will perfectly enhance the peppermint flavors in the cookies.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and crisp apples adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies. The bright colors will also make your holiday table shine!
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Chewy Gingerbread Bars: These spice-laden bars complement the minty cookies beautifully, offering a delightful contrast between flavors that holiday lovers will appreciate.
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Nutty Biscotti: Serve crunchy almond or hazelnut biscotti alongside for an easy-to-dip treat, enhancing texture and taste while still being festive.
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Eggnog Milkshake: For something indulgent, whip up a creamy eggnog milkshake. The flavors meld wonderfully with the Minty Kisses! Plus, it’s sure to impress your guests.
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Spiced Cranberry Spritzer: This fizzy, tart drink with hints of cinnamon and cloves brings the perfect zest that dances in your mouth while enjoying a cookie.
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Buttery Shortbread Cookies: Keep the richness going with these melt-in-your-mouth treats, providing diversity in texture and making for a wonderful cookie platter.
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Pecan Pie Bars: Their caramel-like sweetness pairs beautifully with the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, offering a luxurious dessert experience.
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Mulled Wine: Warm, spiced wine offers a cozy and aromatic drink option that complements the holiday spirit and flavors of the cookies perfectly.
Expert Tips for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
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Chill the Dough: For best results, chilling the dough is crucial. It helps solidify the fat, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
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Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precision. This ensures a consistent cookie texture, avoiding dryness or excess moisture.
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Sprinkle Success: If sprinkles don’t stick well, gently press the dough balls into a plate of sprinkles. Adding a teaspoon of water can help them adhere better, enhancing your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies’ festive look.
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Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking can result in a chewy texture instead of the intended soft and tender cookie.
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Warm Kisses: For an even melt of the Hershey’s Kisses, add them to the cookies right after they come out of the oven when they’re still hot, ensuring that delightful surprise at the center!
Make Ahead Options
These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough balls and roll them in sprinkles up to 24 hours in advance. Simply chill them in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before baking, and if chilling longer, make sure to cover them to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and place the chilled cookie dough on the baking sheet, baking for 12 minutes until golden. This way, you’ll have freshly baked cookies with minimal effort, all while keeping their delightful flavors intact!
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Variations
Feel free to add your own twist to these delightful cookies and make them your own!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to create a cookie that everyone can enjoy.
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Chocolate Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an irresistibly rich burst of chocolate with every bite.
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Mint Chocolate: Swap out the peppermint extract for mint extract to deepen the minty flavor and surprise your guests.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to add texture and a nice crunch to your cookies.
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Cream Cheese: For a softer, more tender cookie, blend in 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese into the dough, adding a lovely tang.
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Boozy Twist: Add a splash of peppermint schnapps to the dough for an adult spin that’s sure to be a hit at holiday parties.
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Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and egg substitute to make the cookies dairy-free while keeping them utterly delicious.
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Decorative Frosting: Drizzle white or dark chocolate on top after baking for a beautiful finish and an extra layer of sweet flavor.
Embrace the festive spirit and get creative! Your unique spins will make these cookies even more enjoyable for everyone.
How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you want to extend the freshness, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply microwave the frozen cookies for about 10-15 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for these cookies?
Absolutely! When you’re choosing your ingredients, especially the butter, make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. Also, using a large egg at room temperature allows for better incorporation into your dough. For the best flavor, always choose high-quality vanilla and peppermint extracts—these are the magic makers for your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies!
How should I store leftover Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, the fridge is a great option; they’ll stay good for up to 1 week. Just be sure to seal them properly to maintain their softness and prevent drying out!
Can I freeze Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Certainly! To freeze these delightful cookies, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky or crumbly?
If your dough is overly sticky, add a sprinkle of flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a more manageable consistency. Conversely, if the dough is too crumbly and doesn’t hold together, try adding a teaspoon of water or an extra egg yolk to help bind it without compromising the texture. Rolling the dough balls in the sprinkles may also help them stick better!
Are there any dietary considerations I need to keep in mind?
It’s a great idea to accommodate various dietary needs! If anyone is allergic to certain ingredients like nuts or gluten, consider using gluten-free flour blends, which can work beautifully in this recipe. Additionally, for those avoiding dairy, a plant-based butter alternative can be a wonderful substitute to maintain the texture and flavor of your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.
How long do these cookies last after baking?
Once baked, these cookies are best enjoyed within 3 days for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture! If you manage to keep them around longer, they’ll still taste great but may become a bit firmer. Keeping them in an airtight container will help prolong their deliciousness.
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies That Will Make Your Holidays Merry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until creamy and light in color.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the creamy mixture and beat until well combined.
- Mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed until fully combined.
- Roll the dough into balls, about 1 scant tablespoon each, and roll in nonpareil sprinkles.
- Press the dough balls into the sprinkles to ensure they stick.
- Chill the dough balls in the fridge for 20 minutes, or up to 1 day.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) while the dough chills.
- Arrange the chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets and bake for 12 minutes.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Transfer the cookies to a plate and place them in the freezer for 10 minutes to quickly set the candy.
- Serve the cookies once they are set and ready to be enjoyed by all!