Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season. With their soft texture and minty chocolate center, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends. The bright red and white candy canes add a festive touch that makes them a great addition to any holiday cookie tray. Plus, they’re simple to make, meaning you can whip up a batch in no time!

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

4 Reasons Why You’ll Love It

Festive Holiday Flavor

The combination of peppermint and chocolate creates a deliciously festive flavor that embodies the holidays.

Easy to Make

With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats without hassle.

Beautiful Presentation

The cookies look as good as they taste, making them perfect for gift-giving or holiday gatherings.

Perfect for Sharing

These cookies are ideal for sharing, helping to spread holiday cheer to all your loved ones.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (including chill time)

Ingredients List

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1¼ cups (2½ sticks) butter, at room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup finely chopped Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses
• Granulated white sugar for rolling
• 30 unwrapped Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses

How to make Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Make space in the refrigerator or freezer for your cookie sheet.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixer bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the powdered sugar, butter, egg, and extracts. Beat at medium speed, scraping the bowl often until creamy (2 to 3 minutes).

3. Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat, scraping the bowl often until well blended (1 to 2 minutes). The mixture will be a bit crumbly. Stir in the chopped Kisses.

5. Shape the Dough

Shape the dough into ¾-inch to 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. Place the balls 1 inch apart on the cookie sheet.

6. Bake

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until set. As soon as they come out of the oven, press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. They’ll crack a little around the edges, so use your fingers to hold the cookie together while you set the Kiss inside.

7. Chill the Cookies

Put the cookie sheet (with cookies) immediately into the freezer (preferred) or refrigerator so that the Kisses will set quickly. They will begin to soften, so getting them into the freezer will help keep their shape.

8. Store

Store in a covered container at room temperature for up to a week. In the freezer, they should be okay for a couple of weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They also make for splendid dessert on a holiday dinner table, or wrapped up as gifts for neighbors and friends.

Storage Tips

• Use Airtight Containers: Ensure that the cookies are in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Separate Layers with Parchment: When stacking cookies, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for Longer Storage: For a longer shelf life, store them in the freezer, where they can last for weeks.
• Avoid Moisture: Keep cookies in a cool, dry place to avoid them getting soggy.

Tips for Success

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps in achieving the right cookie texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time to ensure the cookies remain soft.
• Chill Quickly: Quickly chilling the cookies helps the Kisses hold their shape better.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings or drizzles to customize your cookies.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Dough: Substitute some of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
• Different Candy: Use other types of chocolate kisses or festive candies for a unique twist.
• Add Sprinkles: Top the cookies with festive sprinkles for added color.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can, using butter will give the best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Just thaw before baking.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can skip it, or use additional vanilla extract for flavor.

How long can I store these cookies?
They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week and frozen for a couple of weeks.

Closing Notes

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are not only delicious but also a fun way to celebrate the holidays. From their sweet minty flavor to their beautiful appearance, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Gather your loved ones and enjoy making and sharing these festive treats together. Happy baking and enjoy the holiday spirit!