Festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies: Your Ultimate Holiday Baking Guide

Get ready to infuse your holiday season with the enchanting flavor of peppermint! These **Candy Cane Kiss Cookies** are a true festive delight, combining a tender, fluffy cookie base with the irresistible cool burst of Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses. Taking only about 20 minutes of active prep and bake time, this recipe is a holiday baking dream – quick, easy, and stunningly delicious. Each bite promises a harmonious blend of soft chewiness and refreshing peppermint, making them an absolute must-have for any Christmas celebration.

For many, the holiday season isn’t complete without a batch of homemade cookies. We adore crafting classic peanut butter kiss cookies, so it was a natural step to develop a festive peppermint version. These sugar cookies, crowned with peppermint-infused chocolate, quickly became a cherished Christmas tradition in our home, adding a vibrant touch to any holiday dessert spread.

If you’re a devoted fan of all things peppermint, much like us, then this recipe will surely capture your heart. It offers all the beloved flavors of peppermint in a delightful, bite-sized cookie form. Looking for more peppermint goodness? Don’t miss our indulgent Peppermint Bark Recipe for another easy and impressive treat.

Why These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Are Irresistible

There’s something uniquely magical about Hershey’s Kisses, and the peppermint variety elevates that magic to a whole new level, especially during the festive season. These little drops of peppermint-infused white chocolate truly are the stars of this recipe, imparting an unparalleled flavor to our soft, chewy sugar cookies. The cool, refreshing taste of peppermint combined with the rich, sweet cookie creates a symphony of flavors that is simply amazing.

Beyond their incredible taste, these cookies are a feast for the eyes. Their vibrant red and white swirls make them inherently festive, instantly bringing cheer to any holiday table. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a celebration in every bite! Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses are typically a seasonal item, gracing the holiday sections of your local grocery stores. We highly recommend stocking up early if you plan on making these delightful cookies (or just enjoying a bag for yourself!). They tend to disappear quickly, a testament to their popularity.

Essential Ingredients for Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Crafting these delectable peppermint kiss cookies requires a few common pantry staples, alongside the star ingredient – Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses. The simplicity of the ingredients ensures that even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best cookie dough consistency.

• **Butter, softened:** Essential for a rich, tender cookie texture.
• **White Granulated Sugar:** Provides sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
• **Hershey Candy Cane Kisses:** The key to the iconic peppermint flavor and festive look. You’ll need some chopped for the dough and whole ones for topping.
• **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie.
• **Egg:** Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
• **All-Purpose Flour:** The structural base of the cookie.
• **Baking Soda:** Acts as a leavening agent, contributing to the cookie’s rise and chewiness.
• **Salt:** Balances the sweetness and brings out other flavors.
• **Extra Granulated Sugar:** For rolling the cookie dough balls, adding a delightful sparkly coating.

You’ll find the precise measurements and a printable version of the complete recipe, including all ingredient details, further down in this post.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Cookies

While the classic Candy Cane Kiss Cookie recipe is perfect on its own, there are many delightful ways to customize these festive treats to suit your taste or create a unique batch for your holiday spread. Here are some ideas to inspire your baking creativity:

• **Baking Powder Substitution:** If you find yourself without baking soda, don’t worry! You can substitute it with baking powder. Remember that baking powder is a combination of baking soda and an acid, so you typically need more of it. For this recipe, use ½ teaspoon of baking powder instead of baking soda to achieve a similar leavening effect.
• **Crushed Candy Canes for Crunch:** For an added textural dimension and an even more intense peppermint kick, swap the chopped Hershey Candy Cane Kisses in the dough with finely crushed regular candy canes. This not only adds a wonderful crunch but also creates beautiful specks of red and white throughout the cookie. You can also sprinkle some on top of the melted Kisses for extra sparkle.
• **Festive Sprinkles:** Elevate the festive look by gently pressing holiday-themed sprinkles onto the cookie dough balls before baking, or scattering them over the warm cookies just after placing the Kisses. Red, green, and white sprinkles are particularly charming for Christmas!
• **Boost the Peppermint Flavor:** If you crave an even bolder peppermint taste, consider adding a teaspoon of pure peppermint extract to your cookie dough along with the vanilla. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your preference, as extracts can be quite potent.
• **Chocolate Lover’s Twist:** Transform these into a chocolate peppermint dream! Incorporate ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder into the dry ingredients when mixing the dough. This creates a rich, dark chocolate cookie base that pairs beautifully with the peppermint kisses.
• **Different Kisses:** Can’t find Candy Cane Kisses? Don’t let that stop you! Hershey’s Hugs (striped white and milk chocolate) offer a lovely alternative, or use classic milk chocolate Kisses for a simpler, yet still delicious, cookie.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Creating these delightful holiday cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to bring the festive spirit of peppermint and chocolate to your kitchen.

• **Step 1. Prepare Your Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

**Step 2. Cream Wet Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer or a hand-held mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined. This process incorporates air, making your cookies soft. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.

**Step 3. Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough Balls:** In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, gently fold in the chopped Hershey Candy Cane Kisses by hand. Place ¼ cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll approximately 1 tablespoon of dough into a smooth ball. Roll each dough ball generously in the extra granulated sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated, then place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

**Step 4. Bake to Perfection:** Transfer the baking sheets to your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the cookies are ready when their edges are slightly golden brown and the centers are just set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain their signature chewy texture.

**Step 5. Add the Kisses and Chill:** As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for just 2-3 minutes. While they are still warm and soft, gently press an unwrapped Hershey Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly soften the chocolate, helping it adhere. To ensure the kisses maintain their iconic shape and don’t melt completely, immediately transfer the baking sheets of cookies to the refrigerator or freezer for 5-10 minutes. Once cooled and set, move the cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Cookies

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when baking these delightful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies:

Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Kiss Cookies

Achieving perfectly soft, chewy, and beautifully formed Candy Cane Kiss Cookies is easy with a few expert tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your holiday treats turn out flawless every time:

• **Don’t Overmix the Cookie Dough:** This is a crucial tip for any cookie recipe! When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until the flour streaks have just disappeared. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in tough, dense, and flat cookies after baking. A light hand will ensure your cookies remain wonderfully soft and tender.
• **Chill Cookies After Adding Kisses:** Once you’ve pressed the Hershey’s Kisses into the warm cookies, it’s vital to move the baking sheets to the refrigerator or freezer immediately. This rapid cooling helps the chocolate Kisses set quickly and retain their classic pointed shape. If left at room temperature, the residual heat from the cookies can cause the Kisses to melt down and lose their form, making for a less appealing presentation.
• **Prepare Your Baking Sheets:** Always line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This not only prevents the cookies from sticking but also promotes even baking and makes cleanup an absolute breeze. It’s a simple step that saves a lot of hassle.
• **Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity:** For cookies that are consistently sized and bake evenly, invest in a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons). Using a scoop ensures that each cookie dough ball is roughly the same size, which means they’ll all be ready at the same time and look professionally made. This also helps with the overall presentation when stacking them on a platter.
• **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you begin mixing. Room temperature butter creams more smoothly with sugar, creating a lighter, fluffier dough, while a room temperature egg incorporates more evenly into the mixture, leading to a better emulsification and a more uniform cookie texture.
• **Know Your Oven:** Every oven can vary slightly in temperature. If your cookies seem to be browning too quickly or not enough, consider using an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s accuracy. Adjust baking times as needed, remembering that cookies are often best when slightly underbaked for a chewier center.

More Delightful Cookie Recipes for Your Repertoire

If you’ve enjoyed baking these festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, you’ll love exploring these other easy and delicious cookie recipes, perfect for any occasion:

• Gingerbread Kiss Cookies Recipe: A spicy twist on the classic, perfect for winter.
• Lemon Cool Whip Cookies: Light, zesty, and incredibly simple.
• Chocolate Kiss Cookies Recipe: Rich, decadent chocolate cookies topped with a classic Kiss.
• Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies: A timeless holiday favorite with warm spices.

More Candy Cane Inspired Desserts to Celebrate With

Beyond cookies, the delightful flavor of candy canes can inspire a whole host of holiday desserts. Here are some more sweet treats featuring that signature peppermint punch:

• Candy Cane Sleighs: A fun, edible craft that doubles as a festive treat.
• Easy Candy Cane Pie Recipe: A creamy, minty pie that’s surprisingly simple to make.
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe: Double the chocolate, double the peppermint – pure bliss!
• Peppermint Fudge Recipe: A smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge, perfect for gifting.

We encourage you to go ahead and make these incredibly delicious Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. They’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Once you’ve baked a batch, please come back and leave a comment and a star rating for the recipe. We absolutely love hearing from you and seeing your festive creations!