Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and one of my favorite ways to celebrate is by baking Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. Every year, I look forward to bringing friends and family together in the kitchen, surrounded by the warmth of festive cheer and the smell of fresh cookies. The colorful, gooey Candy Cane Kisses on top add a touch of whimsy, making each bite a delightful experience. These cookies not only taste amazing but also bring back fond memories of laughter and joy as we decorate and taste our creations together. I love how they embody the spirit of giving, perfectly suited for sharing at gatherings or leaving out for Santa. With each bite, you’re reminded of the sweet moments spent with loved ones, making them more than just a treat – they’re a celebration of togetherness.

Ingredients Overview for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

The ingredients used in Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are not only simple but essential for creating that perfect holiday flavor. Each component plays a key role in achieving the right texture and taste. The star players include all-purpose flour for structure, butter for richness, and of course, the delightful Candy Cane Kisses that bring everything together with their sweet minty flavor.

• 1½ cups powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1¼ cups butter, at room temperature: Essential for richness and a buttery flavor, giving the cookies a tender crumb.
• 1 large egg: This binds the ingredients together and contributes to the structure of the cookie.
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional): Adds an extra layer of minty flavor if you want a more robust peppermint taste.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall sweetness.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, providing the necessary structure for a chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup finely chopped Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses: Adds a festive crunch and a burst of minty chocolate flavor.
• granulated white sugar: Used for rolling the cookie dough balls, adding a sparkly finish.
• 30 unwrapped Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses: The iconic topping that makes these cookies unique and festive.

Preparation Steps for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Making Candy Cane Kiss Cookies is a fun and engaging process that brings the spirit of the holidays into your kitchen. Follow these easy steps to create your festive treats. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is the perfect temperature for baking, ensuring that your cookies become golden on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside. Make sure to clear some space in your refrigerator or freezer for your cookie sheet, as it will come in handy later.
2. In a large mixer bowl, combine powdered sugar, butter, egg, and the optional peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients at medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture should become creamy and well-blended, with a smooth texture. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which helps with the overall texture of your cookies.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat again at medium speed, scraping the bowl often until the mixture is well blended. It might seem a bit crumbly at this stage, but that’s perfectly normal.
5. Stir in the finely chopped Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses. This will give your cookies an added crunch and minty flavor. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Next, shape the dough into 3/4-inch to 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated white sugar to give them a sparkling finish. It’s a simple but effective way to add sweetness to the exterior of the cookies.
7. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheet. This spacing is important as the cookies will spread while baking, so give them ample room.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be set but still soft. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them light golden brown around the edges.
9. As soon as they come out of the oven, immediately press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. They will crack slightly around the edges, which is fine. Use your fingers to gently hold the cookie together while pressing the kiss inside.
10. To set the kisses quickly, place the cookie sheet in the freezer (preferred) or refrigerator for a few minutes. This helps the kisses maintain their shape and not melt too much. If you’re quick, you’ll end up with perfectly shaped kisses on your cookies.
11. Once they’re set, store your cookies in a covered container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can last in the freezer for a couple of weeks.

Helpful Hints

When it comes to baking Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, there are a few tips that can help ensure your success. Here are some useful suggestions:

• Storage: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.
• Freezing: If you wish to freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for about two weeks.
• Pairing: These cookies are perfect for pairing with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or your favorite holiday beverage.
• Decorating: For a festive touch, consider adding crushed candy canes on top of the kisses before they set.
• Batch size: If you’re cooking for a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheets!
• Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

What Complements This Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

• Holiday gatherings: These cookies are a hit at any festive gathering, making them a must-have for Christmas parties.
• Cookie exchanges: They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, adding a unique flavor and festive touch.
• Gift giving: Package them up in decorative tins as gifts for friends and family.
• Seasonal treats: Enjoy them during the winter season, especially around the holidays when everyone loves a sweet treat.
• Occasions: They’re suitable for birthdays, family gatherings, and even as a fun dessert for a dinner party.
• Storage tips: Store in a cool, dry place, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious for days.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are truly a special treat that brings joy and festivity to any occasion. With their soft texture and delightful flavor, they are bound to be a hit with family and friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share these sweet delights with your loved ones. Bake a batch, and you’ll soon find how quickly they disappear!

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

The ultimate festive treat! Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a delicious Candy Cane Kiss. Perfect for sharing during the holidays, they're sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Make these easy to prepare cookies tonight for a delightful holiday experience!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Servings: 30 cookies

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ cups Powdered Sugar
• 1¼ cups 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
• 1 cup Granulated White Sugar
• 30 unwrapped Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses

Equipment

• Blender
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is the perfect temperature for baking, ensuring that your cookies become golden on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside. Make sure to clear some space in your refrigerator or freezer for your cookie sheet, as it will come in handy later.
2. In a large mixer bowl, combine powdered sugar, butter, egg, and the optional peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients at medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture should become creamy and well-blended, with a smooth texture. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which helps with the overall texture of your cookies.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat again at medium speed, scraping the bowl often until the mixture is well blended. It might seem a bit crumbly at this stage, but that’s perfectly normal.
5. Stir in the finely chopped Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses. This will give your cookies an added crunch and minty flavor. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Next, shape the dough into 3/4-inch to 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated white sugar to give them a sparkling finish. It's a simple but effective way to add sweetness to the exterior of the cookies.
7. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheet. This spacing is important as the cookies will spread while baking, so give them ample room.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be set but still soft. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them light golden brown around the edges.
9. As soon as they come out of the oven, immediately press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. They will crack slightly around the edges, which is fine. Use your fingers to gently hold the cookie together while pressing the kiss inside.
10. To set the kisses quickly, place the cookie sheet in the freezer (preferred) or refrigerator for a few minutes. This helps the kisses maintain their shape and not melt too much. If you’re quick, you’ll end up with perfectly shaped kisses on your cookies.
11. Once they’re set, store your cookies in a covered container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can last in the freezer for a couple of weeks.

Notes

• Tip: The addition of peppermint extract is completely optional. The cookie gets plenty of peppermint flavor from the chopped kisses, but if you’d like it really minty, then go ahead and add the peppermint extract.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.