As I wandered through a bustling holiday market, the air was filled with the warm, sweet scent of peppermint and vanilla. It was there that I stumbled upon a delightful treat: Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. These festive bites aren’t just a visual showstopper, but they carry the magic of the season right into your kitchen. With their easy 25-minute prep and bake time, these cookies are perfect for whipping up when friends drop by unexpectedly or for bringing cheer to a cookie swap. Not to mention, they’re an instant crowd-pleaser—with that iconic Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss nestled right in the center, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop at just one! Ready to create a batch that will have everyone asking for the recipe? Let’s dive in!
Why Are Candy Cane Kiss Cookies So Irresistible?
Festive Vibes: These cookies bring a burst of holiday spirit with their vibrant colors and delightful peppermint flavor.
Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, even novice bakers can whip these up without a hitch!
Perfect for Sharing: Bake a double batch for your next gathering; these treats disappear fast!
Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet vanilla and zingy peppermint creates a flavor profile that’s truly festive.
Visual Appeal: The iconic Candy Cane Kiss on top adds a touch of elegance—perfect for holiday parties!
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to bake these festive delights!
For the Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – ensures a rich, creamy base for your cookies.
- 1¼ cup white sugar, divided – sweetness to balance the peppermint essence.
- 1 large egg – binds the ingredients together for a perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a warm, inviting flavor that complements the peppermint.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract – intensifies the refreshing candy cane taste in these cookies.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation for your cookie dough, giving it structure.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda – helps cookies rise for that lovely soft bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- 2 teaspoon milk – keeps the dough moist and workable.
- ½ cup crushed candy canes – gives a delightful crunch and holiday flair to each bite.
- 28 Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses – the iconic topping that makes these cookies truly irresistible!
These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are not just a treat, they're a festive experience waiting to happen!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Begin by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy clean-up later. Ensuring your workspace is organized will give you a smooth start as you prepare your delightful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-low speed to cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This should take about 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it takes on a pale color and a soft, airy texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, incorporate the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the creamy mixture. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute, ensuring everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a holiday aroma that promises deliciousness in the making.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the baking soda and salt throughout the dough. Once mixed, you’re ready to bring the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, forming the base of your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.
Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients along with 2 teaspoons of milk and the crushed candy canes. Beat just until the ingredients are combined, about 30 seconds, being careful not to overmix. Your cookie dough should now be soft and slightly sticky, speckled with delightful bits of candy cane.
Step 6: Form the Cookie Dough Balls
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll each into a smooth ball with your hands. The cookies should be about 1 tablespoon in size, ensuring even baking. This step is vital to achieving the perfect Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, with uniform shapes that will bake beautifully.
Step 7: Coat with Sugar
Roll each dough ball in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar to coat the outside. This adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely sparkle to the cookies, enhancing their festive appearance. Each ball should be evenly coated, creating a delightful contrast to the soft candy center that will soon adorn them.
Step 8: Chill the Dough
Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Refrigerate the pans, laying flat, for 2 hours. Chilling the dough is key to maintaining the shape while baking and enhancing the flavor of your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.
Step 9: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential for ensuring the cookies bake evenly and thoroughly. The right temperature will yield a soft center and edges that are just slightly crisp, leading to a perfectly balanced cookie experience.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Watch closely for the moment they set in the center and just start to turn golden on the edges. This is when your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies will reach that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Step 11: Press in the Kisses
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Then, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. This delightful act creates the signature look and holiday flavor that makes these cookies truly special, while the warmth of the cookies will slightly melt the Kisses.
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies to delight your family and friends this holiday season!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a cookie everyone can enjoy.
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Chocolate-Dipped: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
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Mint Chocolate: Use peppermint bark pieces instead of candy canes for a richer chocolate flavor.
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Oatmeal Twist: Incorporate 1 cup of quick oats into the dough for added texture and heartiness. These chewy variations are lovely!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness. It’s a taste of adventure!
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Nutty Crunch: Mix in ½ cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and depth of flavor, bringing warmth to every bite.
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Vegan Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly version rich in flavor.
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Different Kisses: Swap out the Candy Cane Kisses for other varieties, like regular Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate hazelnut ones, for a different flavor experience.
These variations let you craft your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies uniquely, sparking joy for every taste bud!
Storage Tips for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, keep the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. The peppermint flavor will be enhanced.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: To bring back the warm, fresh-baked feel, pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring that the Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss stays gooey. Enjoy your delightful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies any time!
What to Serve with Christmas Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Imagine a cozy gathering filled with laughter, where the sweet scent of peppermint lingers in the air, complemented by delightful bites all around.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich and velvety, this comforting drink harmonizes perfectly with the sweet, minty flavor of the cookies, making for a dreamy pairing.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranates and oranges adds a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweetness of your cookies.
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Spiced Pumpkin Bread: The warm spices in this bread provide a lovely balance to the peppermint, creating a comforting, homemade feel that everyone will love.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic treat offers a creamy finish that pairs beautifully with the crunch of crushed candy canes, creating a delightful textural contrast.
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Coffee or Espresso: A robust cup of coffee’s bitter notes create a wonderful harmony, cutting through the sweetness of the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies for a balanced experience.
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Holiday Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses and sweet jams can cater to savory cravings and expand flavors, showcasing the variety of a festive spread.
Make Ahead Options
These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are perfect for busy holiday bakers looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of chilling the dough, then cover the cookie sheets tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For even longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough directly on the baking sheet (no thawing necessary) and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, your cookies will be just as delicious and festive, with that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality intact—and you’ll enjoy serving freshly baked treats with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Chill the Dough: Proper chilling for 2 hours is crucial; it ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking and enhances flavor.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until unified. This helps maintain the cookies’ tender texture and prevents toughness.
Uniform Size: Use a tablespoon to scoop out the dough, ensuring each cookie is similar in size for even baking. Larger cookies may require longer bake times.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; they should be set in the center but not browned. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
Press Kisses Gently: After baking, press the Kisses into the hot cookies softly, allowing them to melt slightly for that perfect, gooey center in your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my candy canes are fresh?
Fresh candy canes should be vibrant in color and free from dark spots or stickiness. If they look dull or have a lot of broken pieces, it’s best to get a new batch to ensure your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies shine in flavor and looks!
What's the best way to store my cookies?
Store your cooled Candy Cane Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong their freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just remember, chilling can enhance that peppermint flavor!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze the unbaked dough, scoop the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Afterward, transfer the frozen balls into a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding an additional minute or two to the cooking time.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you encounter cookies that spread too much, it may be due to warm dough or not enough chilling time. Ensure your dough chills flat for the full 2 hours as directed. If you're still having issues, try adding a little more flour to your mixture next time.
Are these cookies pet-friendly?
No, it’s best to keep these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies away from pets. The ingredients such as chocolate (in the Hershey’s Kisses) can be toxic to dogs and other pets, so ensure they're securely stored away from furry friends!
Irresistibly Easy Candy Cane Kiss Cookies for the Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Your Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until fluffy.
- Add the Egg and Extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the creamy mixture and mix.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture, milk, and crushed candy canes to the wet ingredients and mix.
- Form the Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop portions of the dough and roll into smooth balls.
- Coat with Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the remaining sugar to coat the outside.
- Chill the Dough: Place the dough balls on the baking sheets and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, watching for the moment they set.
- Press in the Kisses: Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes and press a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie.
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