Picture this: a cozy afternoon in December, the scent of peppermint and vanilla swirling through the air as I gather my ingredients for an irresistible holiday treat. That’s how I found myself whipping up these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. They are not just sweet bites of happiness; they embody the spirit of the season with a delightful blend of buttery cookie, a surprise chocolate center, and that unmistakable festive crunch.
After a whirlwind of holiday preparations, I craved something that would transport my taste buds straight to a winter wonderland. That’s when I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe, blending nostalgia and exciting flavors into one delicious package. Each bite is a soothing reminder that life is indeed sweeter when you take the time to bake from home.
Perfect for gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging on a quiet evening, these cookies are a sure way to bring joy to your table. Join me as I dive into this delectable recipe that promises to be a holiday favorite!
Why are Candy Cane Kiss Cookies a Must-Try?
Delectable combination: The perfect pairing of buttery cookie and rich chocolate creates an unforgettable experience.
Festive flair: With vibrant nonpareil sprinkles, these cookies are the star of any holiday spread.
Simple preparation: Even novice bakers can master this delightful treat with ease.
Chill factor: The chill step is key for maintaining shape while baking, resulting in perfectly chewy centers.
Crowd-pleaser: These cookies vanish at gatherings, making them a guaranteed hit with family and friends!
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Ingredients
• Complete your festive baking with these irresistible treats!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups + 1 tablespoon (260g) provides the necessary structure for these delightful cookies.
- Baking powder – 1 and 1/2 teaspoons helps the cookies rise to a perfect texture.
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter – 10 tablespoons (142g) should be softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup (200g) sweetens the dough and helps with the cookie’s texture.
- Large egg – 1, at room temperature, adds moisture and richness to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon brings depth to the flavor profile, making each bite comforting.
- Peppermint extract – 1/4 teaspoon is key for that festive candy cane essence.
For the Coating
- Nonpareil sprinkles – 1/2 cup (about 90g) adds a fun crunch and holiday cheer to your cookies.
For the Topping
- Hershey’s Kisses – 32–36 candy cane flavor, unwrapped, bring a delightful chocolate surprise to the center of each cookie. This will turn your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies into a true festive sensation!
How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
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Whisk Together: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well blended, creating a solid base for your cookie dough. Set this mixture aside for a fluffy texture in your cookies.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes, until creamy and light. Then, add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, beating for an additional minute until everything is beautifully combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. You’ll notice the dough getting thick—don’t worry, that’s just the right texture we want!
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Form the Dough Balls: Roll the cookie dough into balls, using roughly 1 scant tablespoon of dough per ball. It might seem a bit dry, but trust the warmth of your hands to help form them. Coat each ball generously with nonpareil sprinkles for that festive crunch.
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Chill the Dough: Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet or plate. Chill them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes (or up to 1 day if covered). This step is crucial for keeping the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
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Preheat the Oven: While your cookie dough balls are chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking.
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Bake the Cookies: After chilling, place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges appear set. The centers may look a tad under-baked, but don’t over-bake for that melty center.
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Add the Hershey’s Kisses: Once out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a plate.
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Set the Kisses: For a quick setting, place the plate of cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes so that the chocolate can firm up nicely in the cookies.
Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Candy Cane Kiss Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these cookies uniquely yours with delightful twists and swaps!
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Chocolate-Dipped: For an even more indulgent treat, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate before the kisses.
Dipping adds a luscious layer of flavor and a beautiful look, making them even more irresistible. -
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.
You’ll hardly notice the difference, keeping those flavors perfectly intact for enjoyment by all! -
Nutty Addition: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the dough for added crunch and flavor.
This adds a lovely earthy depth that contrasts deliciously with the sweet chocolate center. -
Mint Chocolate Version: Use mint chocolate Kisses instead of the regular candy cane Kisses for a bolder mint flavor.
This will intensify the holiday spirit, making every bite feel like a cozy winter evening. -
Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter.
Your beloved Candy Cane Kiss Cookies can still shine and delight while being plant-based! -
Lemon Zest Twist: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a refreshing, bright note that complements the peppermint beautifully.
This zingy twist will breathe summer freshness into a classic winter recipe! -
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a surprising warm heat that balances the sweetness.
A little heat can elevate the flavor profile, turning your cookies into a conversation starter! -
Caramel Surprise: Insert a soft caramel candy in the center instead of a Hershey’s Kiss for a chewy interior with a delightful gooeyness.
This sweet swap will leave everyone guessing what’s inside, making each bite a mystery.
Expert Tips for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and butter are at room temperature to ensure a well-blended and fluffy dough.
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Proper Chilling: Don’t skip the chilling step! This is vital for achieving that perfect chewy texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
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Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
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Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Bake until the edges are set and the centers look slightly under-baked to maintain a soft, gooey center.
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Decoratively Roll in Sprinkles: Feel free to roll the dough balls in extra sprinkles for that festive pop—it’s a great way to make your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies even more festive!
How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and softness.
Fridge: For extended storage, keep the cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving to regain their warmth.
Freezer: To freeze, layer the cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes, ensuring the centers remain soft and gooey!
Make Ahead Options
These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by rolling the dough into balls and then chilling them in the refrigerator. Just ensure to cover the dough if chilling longer than one hour to keep it fresh. Alternatively, you can freeze the rolled cookie balls for up to 3 months—just be sure to separate them on the baking sheet before freezing to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to bake, simply arrange them on a lined baking sheet and bake straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh, festive cookies without the stress on busy days!
What to Serve with Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Indulging in these festive treats is just the beginning of your holiday feast—pair them with delightful accompaniments for a complete experience!
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Hot Cocoa: A rich and creamy mug of hot cocoa perfectly complements the minty freshness of the cookies, creating a cozy winter vibe.
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Peppermint Bark: This delicious, crunchy treat echoes the candy cane flavors and adds a satisfying texture contrast to the soft cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream is the ideal partner, melting into the warm cookies for a delightful taste sensation.
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Eggnog: The rich, spiced flavors of eggnog enhance the festive spirit of the cookies, making it a perfect holiday drink pairing.
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Walnut Brownies: Chewy, chocolatey brownies bring a delightful chocolate punch, while the crunch of walnuts adds an unexpected twist to your dessert table.
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Christmas Fruit Salad: A medley of bright, juicy fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet, rich cookies, balancing the flavors beautifully.
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Spiced Tea: A warm cup of chai or spiced tea wraps you in comforting flavors that pair harmoniously with the creamy sweetness of the cookies.
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Sugar Cookies: Enhance your dessert spread with classic sugar cookies for those who appreciate a more straightforward sweet alongside the rich candy cane flavors.
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for my Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! Freshness matters when it comes to baking. For the best results, use room temperature unsalted butter and a large egg to create a creamy dough. Opt for all-purpose flour that is properly sifted for fluffiness. When selecting peppermint extract, go for pure extracts rather than artificial for a more vibrant flavor, and ensure your Hershey’s Kisses are the candy cane-flavored ones to infuse that festive vibe.
How should I store my Candy Cane Kiss Cookies to keep them fresh?
Very! Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If they seem to dry out, placing a slice of bread in the container can help maintain their moisture. You can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but make sure they come to room temperature before serving to regain their delightful warmth!
Can I freeze Candy Cane Kiss Cookies? If so, how?
You bet! To freeze, layer the cooled cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want them warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes.
What if my cookie dough seems too dry when mixing?
No worries! If your dough feels dry, this can happen due to the flour being overly compact or not enough moisture. If you see a crumbly texture, add a teaspoon of milk one at a time until you reach a workable consistency. The warmth of your hands also helps bind the dough together when you roll it into balls, so don’t hesitate to press firmly!
Are Candy Cane Kiss Cookies safe for pets and those with allergies?
While these cookies are a delicious treat for us humans, it’s important to keep them away from pets, especially chocolate, which can be toxic to dogs and cats. If you’re serving guests with allergies, consider substituting ingredients, like using a gluten-free flour blend, but always check with them about their allergens. It’s always better to be safe before celebrating with sweets!
Delicious Candy Cane Kiss Cookies for a Festive Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes until creamy and light. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, beating for an additional minute.
- Gradually add your flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed.
- Roll the cookie dough into balls using roughly 1 scant tablespoon of dough per ball. Coat each ball with nonpareil sprinkles.
- Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Bake for about 12 minutes.
- Once out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Place the plate of cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.