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
Scale
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.
