Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat that instantly brightens the holidays, let me introduce you to the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies marry the tender buttery cookie base with the cool, refreshing zing of peppermint and the iconic Hershey’s Kiss sitting right in the center. Each bite offers a wonderful contrast between the soft cookie and the chocolatey, minty kiss, all wrapped up in a colorful sprinkle coating that makes them as fun to look at as they are to enjoy. Trust me when I say this recipe will have your kitchen smelling like peppermint paradise and your guests asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe shines because of its straightforward and accessible ingredients, each carefully chosen to contribute to the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and holiday spirit. From the rich butter that gives the cookies their tender crumb to the peppermint extract that adds a refreshing twist, every component plays an essential role.

• All-purpose flour (2 cups + 1 Tablespoon / 260g): Provides structure and tenderness to the cookies; make sure to spoon and level the flour for accuracy.
• Baking powder (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise and become delightfully soft.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (10 Tablespoons / 142g), softened: The backbone of that melt-in-your-mouth texture; softened for easy creaming.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200g): Adds sweetness and helps create that slight crunch on the edges.
• Large egg (1), room temperature: Binds the dough and provides moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic depth to the flavor.
• Peppermint extract (1/4 teaspoon): The star flavor of this recipe, giving it that unmistakable candy cane freshness.
• Nonpareil sprinkles (1/2 cup / about 90g): For a festive and colorful coating that adds a subtle crunch and visual delight.
• Candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kisses (32–36), unwrapped: The signature finishing touch that melts gently into each cookie’s center.

How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed so your cookies rise beautifully. Set this bowl aside for now while you work on your wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter and sugar on high speed until the mixture turns creamy and light—about 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it traps air in the dough, contributing to tender, fluffy cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Next, add the egg along with vanilla and peppermint extracts to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat them together until fully combined, scraping down the bowl sides as needed to make sure no pockets of egg or extract remain unincorporated. The peppermint extract infuses the dough with that signature candy cane vibe.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Switch your mixer to low speed and add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything comes together into a thick dough. Be mindful not to overmix; you want the dough dense but not tough. At this stage, the dough might feel dry, but don’t worry, it will come together when shaped.

Step 5: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls

Roll the dough into balls about 1 scant tablespoon each, roughly 20 grams. Your hands’ warmth will help smooth and bring the dough together if it’s crumbly. Then, generously roll each ball in the nonpareil sprinkles until fully coated. If the sprinkles aren’t sticking well, try pressing the dough balls into sprinkles laid out on a plate or add a teaspoon of water to make the dough slightly tackier.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Place the sprinkle-coated dough balls on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up. You can keep them chilled for up to one day, just make sure to cover them if chilling longer than an hour. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances the flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges look set but the centers might still appear slightly soft—this is perfect! They’ll firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to bake until they look fully done.

Step 8: Add the Hershey’s Kisses

Once the cookies are out of the oven, quickly press one candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Use a thin spatula to gently transfer the cookies to a plate or plates, then pop them into the freezer for 10 minutes to set the chocolate firmly in place. This quick chill also helps the cookies finish cooling without losing their softness.

How to Serve Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few crushed peppermint candies or some extra colorful sprinkles on top right after placing the Hershey’s Kiss. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a beautiful snowy effect that elevates their holiday appeal.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa, holiday spiced tea, or even a splash of eggnog. Serving them alongside warm beverages invites a perfect cozy moment, whether you’re at a festive gathering or enjoying a lazy winter afternoon at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the cookies on a decorative holiday tray with sprigs of fresh pine or holly for a visually stunning centerpiece. Or, stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon to give as charming homemade gifts. The vibrant sprinkles and shiny kisses make the presentation almost as delightful as the taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store your beautifully baked Candy Cane Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain the chocolate kisses’ perfect shape and the cookies’ tender texture.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies well in advance, you can freeze the dough balls after coating them in sprinkles. Place them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready, bake from frozen by adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. This way, the magic of this Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe is available anytime the craving hits.

Reheating

Should you want to enjoy these cookies warm, gently reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, as the kisses may soften too much. A quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds also works for a cozy bite-sized treat.

FAQs

Can I substitute the peppermint extract?

While peppermint extract is key to the candy cane flavor, you could experiment with almond or vanilla extracts if you prefer a different twist, but it won’t have that iconic minty zing that defines this recipe.

What if I don’t have nonpareil sprinkles?

You can use any small festive sprinkles or colored sugar crystals you have on hand. Just aim for something that will stick well and add a fun crunch and cheerful look.

Do I need to unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses before placing them on the cookies?

Yes, unwrapping the Kisses before pressing them into the warm cookies is important, or the foil may melt or catch fire in the oven, and it prevents the chocolate from melting smoothly onto the cookie.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

With the right gluten-free flour blend, you can certainly try adapting this recipe. Be sure to pick a blend that includes xanthan gum or similar binding agents to replicate the texture of all-purpose flour.

Why do some cookies look underbaked in the center?

This is intentional! The centers of these cookies stay soft and tender, so don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked when you pull them from the oven. They firm up perfectly as they cool.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe enough if you want to add a sprinkle of magic and minty cheer to your holiday baking. It’s approachable, fun, and simply delicious—perfect for baking with loved ones or gifting to friends. Once you try these, they’ll become a joyful tradition you reach for every festive season. So roll up your sleeves, gather that peppermint magic, and get baking!

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