If you are dreaming of the perfect festive treat that combines buttery goodness with a refreshing peppermint twist, look no further. This Indulgent Christmas Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe brings together the classic comforts of sugar cookies with the joyful crunch of crushed candy canes and the iconic Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss on top. Each bite melts in your mouth with a delightful balance of sweet, minty, and buttery flavors, truly making your holiday season extra special. If you want a cookie recipe that’s fun to make and even better to eat, this is the one to keep in your holiday baking arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a treat in itself because the ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that provides richness, to the peppermint extract that adds that unmistakable holiday spirit, every component is essential for these cookies to shine.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Room temperature butter ensures your dough is smooth and easy to work with while adding rich flavor.
- 1.25 cups white sugar (divided): Sweetens the cookies and a bit is reserved for rolling the dough to add a slight sparkle and crunch.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for softness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the cookies.
- 0.5 tsp peppermint extract: Delivers that refreshing holiday minty kick—use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted): The backbone of the cookie providing structure and classic sugar cookie texture.
- 0.25 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite without spreading too thinly.
- 0.25 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- 2 tsp milk: Adds moisture to the dough, contributing to a soft, chewy texture.
- 0.5 cup crushed candy canes: Adds festive color, crunch, and peppermint flavor inside the cookies.
- 28 pieces Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses (unwrapped): The star topping that melts slightly and adds charm and minty creaminess to each cookie.
How to Make Indulgent Christmas Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Begin by beating the room temperature butter and one cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential to create a smooth dough and gives the cookies that lovely tender crumb everyone loves. The sugar helps incorporate air, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. The vanilla adds warmth, while the peppermint extract is what makes these cookies unmistakably festive. Mix until all ingredients are just combined, creating a fragrant and flavorful base.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of your leavening and seasoning, promoting a consistent texture throughout the batch.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the two teaspoons of milk. This gives the dough its perfect consistency—not too dry, not too sticky—allowing for easy rolling and shaping. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies could turn out tough.
Step 5: Fold in Crushed Candy Canes
Gently fold in the crushed candy canes. These add delightful bursts of peppermint and little pops of color that make the cookies stand out on any holiday platter.
Step 6: Shape and Roll in Sugar
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough into balls. Roll each ball in the reserved sugar to give the cookies a sparkling, slightly crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Step 7: Bake and Press Candy Cane Kisses
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Immediately after removing from the oven, press one unwrapped Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss gently into the center of each cookie. The chocolate will soften to create a luscious center without losing its shape.
How to Serve Indulgent Christmas Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cookies visually spectacular, sprinkle a few extra crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate Kiss while it’s still warm. This adds texture and a festive look. A light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling adds a snowy touch perfect for holiday celebrations.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with rich hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a peppermint mocha latte. For a holiday brunch, they also complement eggnog or even a simple glass of cold milk beautifully by balancing intense sweetness with creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies in a clear jar tied with red and white striped ribbon for a cute gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a tiered serving tray with holly leaves or pine sprigs for a stunning centerpiece at holiday parties. For kids, wrap each cookie individually in cellophane with a festive tag—making treat bags delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week. The peppermint flavor remains vibrant, and the chocolate Kisses maintain their creamy texture when kept out of warm areas.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, lightly microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or reheat in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This way, the chocolate Kiss softens perfectly and the cookie regains that fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peppermint extract with something else?
Absolutely! While peppermint extract is key to that classic candy cane flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a more neutral sugar cookie, or even try almond extract for a unique twist. Just remember the peppermint extract creates the distinct festive taste.
What if I don’t have crushed candy canes on hand?
If crushed candy canes aren’t available, crushed peppermint hard candies or candy cane-flavored sprinkles work well too. You can even omit them, but adding crushed candy canes truly elevates the texture and festive flair of the cookies.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not too soft or melted. Chilling the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking can also help maintain the cookie’s shape. Using baking soda, as the recipe instructs, helps with a slight rise rather than excessive spreading.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents to keep the texture chewy and soft like the original.
Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?
Definitely! Kids will love rolling the dough balls in sugar and especially pressing the candy cane Kiss into the warm cookies. Just supervise around the hot oven, and you’ll have a fun family baking activity that creates delicious memories.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a special touch to your holiday baking, this Indulgent Christmas Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe is a must-try. The combination of creamy, minty, and sweet flavors wrapped up in a buttery sugar cookie is simply irresistible. Once you bake these, they’re sure to become a treasured tradition you’ll want to share year after year.
Print
Indulgent Christmas Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the festive season with these Indulgent Christmas Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. Soft buttery cookies infused with peppermint and a hint of vanilla, rolled in sugar and topped with a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss for a perfect holiday treat that combines classic flavors and a charming presentation.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1.25 cups white sugar (divided; reserve some for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 0.25 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 2 tsp milk
- 0.5 cup crushed candy canes
Topping
- 28 pieces Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and 1 cup of the white sugar until light and fluffy. This will create a smooth, creamy base for your cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until combined, ensuring the mixture is smooth and evenly blended for consistent flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and salt evenly throughout the flour.
- Form Dough: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add the milk and fold in the crushed candy canes gently, mixing just until combined to keep the candy pieces intact.
- Shape and Sugar Coat: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the reserved sugar to coat it well, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Add Candy Cane Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie; the heat will slightly melt the kiss, helping it adhere.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the kiss sets perfectly on top.
Notes
- For best results, let butter stand at room temperature to soften before mixing.
- Sifting the flour prevents lumps and helps create a lighter cookie texture.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies should be soft when removed from the oven for ideal texture.
- Crushed candy canes add a festive crunch and peppermint flavor but can be adjusted to taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
