There’s a certain joy that comes from the first bite of a Cookie, isn’t there? The moment you sink your teeth into a warm, soft cookie is simply magic, reminiscent of joyful holidays and cozy gatherings. Imagine a cookie that captures the festive spirit of the season: Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. With every nibble, you’re greeted by the delightful crunch of candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kisses nestled in a sprinkle-coated cookie, just waiting to burst with flavor.
After a chaotic week, I found myself craving something sweet but with a twist that would bring the holiday cheer back into my kitchen. This recipe emerged as a perfect solution, marrying the rich comfort of traditional cookies with the refreshing zing of peppermint. It’s a simple recipe that infuses warmth into any gathering, whether it’s a family get-together or a casual cookie swap with friends.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let’s create these charming Sugar cookies that are sure to leave smiles all around!
Why will you love Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Joyful Baking Experience: This recipe transforms your kitchen into a festive wonderland, perfect for creating holiday memories.
Delightful Flavors: The blend of buttery sweetness and refreshing peppermint will make your taste buds dance.
Eye-Catching Presentation: With vibrant sprinkles and dreamy Hershey’s Kisses, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious!
Quick and Easy: In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready to impress.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether for a gathering or as a sweet surprise for loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread joy!
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Ingredients
• Everything you need for festive baking!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups + 1 tablespoon (260g) provide the perfect structure for your cookies.
- Baking powder – 1 and 1/2 teaspoons helps the cookies rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
- Unsalted butter – 10 tablespoons (142g) at room temperature create a rich, creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup (200g) adds the necessary sweetness and helps achieve a lovely golden color.
- Egg – 1 large, at room temperature, binds all the ingredients beautifully.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon elevates the flavor with warmth and depth.
- Peppermint extract – 1/4 teaspoon delivers a festive minty kick that complements the candy cane essence.
For the Topping
- Nonpareil sprinkles – 1/2 cup (about 90g) add color and a delightful crunch.
- Hershey’s Kisses – 32–36 candy cane flavor, unwrapped, bring the ultimate festive touch in each cookie!
This combination of ingredients ensures that every bite of your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies is a magical experience, bringing together fun, flavor, and holiday cheer!
How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
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Whisk: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until everything is evenly mixed, then set this mixture aside for later use.
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Cream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes or until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, beating until all ingredients are well blended, about 1 minute. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides!
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Combine: Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until fully combined. The dough will be quite thick, which is perfectly normal for these delightful cookies!
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Roll: Take about 1 scant tablespoon of dough (around 20g) and roll it into a ball. Generously roll each ball in nonpareil sprinkles. If they’re not sticking, gently press them into the sprinkles or mix in a teaspoon of water into the dough to help.
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Chill: Place the sprinkle-covered dough balls on a baking sheet or plate. Chill them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, or up to 1 day if covered. This step is key for chewy cookies!
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Preheat: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking.
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Bake: Arrange the chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Bake them for 12 minutes, just until the edges appear set, bringing out all those lovely flavors.
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Cool: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Gently press a candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie to create that irresistible touch.
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Freeze: For a quick set, place the cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes. This will help the chocolate kisses hold their shape and remain delightful.
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Serve: Once they’re out of the freezer, serve your beautiful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies and watch the smiles appear!
Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate for an extra festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Fridge: If you prefer a chilled treat, store cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Serve them chilled for a refreshing bite!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat frozen cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring the candy melts slightly again; a delightful touch for your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies!
What to Serve with Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Imagine a cozy gathering filled with laughter, warmth, and the sweet aromas of holiday treats. These cookies are a perfect centerpiece to a festive table.
- Hot Cocoa: The rich and creamy taste of hot cocoa perfectly complements the sweet peppermint flavors of these cookies.
- Eggnog: A classic holiday drink, the creamy texture of eggnog enhances the festive spirit and pairs beautifully with the cookies.
- Mint Chocolate Brownies: Offer a dessert board by adding fudgy brownies to contrast the cookie’s sweetness with deeper chocolate notes.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a bright contrast, balancing the sugary sweetness with vibrant, juicy flavors for a light touch.
- Spiced Apple Cider: The warm, comforting spices in apple cider make for a delightful drink that harmonizes with the candy cane essence.
- Christmas Cheesecake: Rich and creamy, cheesecake brings a festive flair that pairs delightfully with the minty cookies, creating a dessert lover’s dream.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy element that enhances the cookies’ peppermint flavor and makes them feel extra special.
- Festive Fruit Tart: The fresh berries and creamy filling of a fruit tart provides bright flavors that contrast wonderfully with the cookies.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Its sweet, tangy taste makes this cake an exciting pairing, ensuring a delightful mix of flavors around the table.
Helpful Tricks for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
- Prep Ahead: Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 20 minutes prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring that they are perfectly chewy.
- Perfect Sprinkles: Ensure stickiness: If sprinkles aren’t sticking, dampen your hands slightly or add a teaspoon of water to the dough for better adhesion.
- Even Baking: Space it out: Keep the cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for even spreading and baking.
- Cool Time: Don’t rush cooling: Allow cookies to cool thoroughly on the tray for 5 minutes before adding the Hershey’s Kisses for the best flavor and structure.
- Quick Set: Use the freezer: Placing cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes after baking helps set the chocolate quickly without losing its shape, ensuring a delightful treat!
Make Ahead Options
These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who love to meal prep and want to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply follow the recipe steps, rolling the dough into balls and coating them in sprinkles before placing them on a baking sheet. If you’d like to prep even further in advance, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed for fresh, delicious cookies that will taste just as delightful!
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with delightful twists and substitutions!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
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Vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the regular egg and choose vegan butter for a dairy-free treat. They’ll still taste magical!
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Chocolate Lovers: Swap out the candy cane Hershey’s Kisses for chocolate mint or dark chocolate Kisses for a richer, deeper flavor.
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Minty Chocolate Swirl: Add a swirl of chocolate ganache to the top right before the Kisses go in for an extra layer of indulgence; your guests will be begging for more!
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Cocoa Kisses: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the flour mixture for a chocolatey base that complements the mint perfectly.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful crunch and richness that adds texture and taste.
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Spicy Touch: For a bit of warmth, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough to give a subtle kick that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness.
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Holiday Sprinkles: Use festive shaped sprinkles instead of nonpareils to match other holiday treats, making these cookies even more cheerful and exciting!
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ingredients for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose all-purpose flour that’s fresh and free from lumps. Your unsalted butter should be softened to room temperature for easy creaming—about 30 minutes out of the fridge should do it! As for the candies, go for the Hershey’s Kisses that specify “candy cane flavor” to complement the refreshing peppermint extract perfectly.
How should I store my Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. If you opt for a chilled treat, transferring them to the fridge will extend their shelf life to 5 days. Just remember to keep them covered!
Can I freeze Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, I recommend placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their delightful flavor for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and reheat for about 5-10 minutes.
What should I do if my Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are too dry?
Oh, no! If your cookies turn out dry, it may be due to over-baking or not enough fat in the dough. Make sure to carefully monitor baking time—12 minutes is usually spot on. If you want them fluffier, you can experiment with adding an extra tablespoon of softened butter or adjusting the flour measurements slightly next time.
Are Candy Cane Kiss Cookies safe for pets or anyone with allergies?
While these cookies are heavenly for humans, they aren’t suitable for pets, especially because of the chocolate content. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, be sure to check the labels on your chocolate and sprinkles, as they may contain common allergens like dairy or gluten. Alternatively, you can substitute with allergy-friendly chocolate options or sprinkles.
How can I make my Candy Cane Kiss Cookies even more festive?
Very! For an extra festive touch, consider drizzling your cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkling additional nonpareil sprinkles on top. You could also swap out the peppermint extract for orange or almond extract for a delightful variation!
Irresistible Candy Cane Kiss Cookies for Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until everything is evenly mixed, then set this mixture aside for later use.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes or until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, beating until all ingredients are well blended, about 1 minute.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until fully combined. The dough will be quite thick.
- Take about 1 scant tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Generously roll each ball in nonpareil sprinkles.
- Place the sprinkle-covered dough balls on a baking sheet or plate. Chill them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Arrange the chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Bake them for 12 minutes.
- After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Gently press a candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- For a quick set, place the cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Once they’re out of the freezer, serve your beautiful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.