Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the classic flavors of peppermint and chocolate in adorable little packages. These cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a festive red and white candy cane kiss, making them a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a fun baking project with the kids, these cookies are sure to bring joy and sweetness to your festivities.
What Is Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are essentially butter cookies with a sweet twist. Each cookie is topped with a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss, which melts slightly as it bakes, creating a gooey center. The cookie itself is soft, buttery, and infused with a hint of vanilla. The peppermint in the kiss adds a refreshing crunch, while the vibrant colors make them visually stunning. These cookies are perfect for holiday gifting or sharing with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This
There are many reasons why Candy Cane Kiss Cookies capture the hearts of bakers and eaters alike.
- Easy to Make: The dough comes together quickly, which is ideal for busy bakers.
- Festive Appeal: Their vibrant appearance adds a festive flair to any cookie platter.
- Kid-Friendly: Baking these cookies together is a great bonding activity for families.
- Versatile: They can be made ahead of time and stored for holiday parties.
When you bite into one, you’re met with a satisfying mix of flavors that match the holiday spirit. The combination of the buttery cookie with the refreshing peppermint creates a harmony that is simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cookies and gives them structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps achieve a chewy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their crisp edges.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Deepens the flavor and adds moisture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 24 Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses: The signature topping that brings peppermint bliss.
How to Make
Follow these simple steps to create your own Candy Cane Kiss Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The fluffiness of the mixture is key for achieving a tender cookie.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is combined smoothly. The mixture should be creamy and uniform in color.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, allowing adequate space between each mound for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be golden at the edges but soft in the center. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.
- Add the Kisses: As soon as you take them out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will cause the chocolate to soften, making it easier to adhere.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they set properly and maintain their shape.
Variations & Substitutions
Chocolate Mint Variation: If you’re a fan of rich chocolate flavors, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder. This will give you a chocolate cookie base that pairs elegantly with the Candy Cane Kisses. The chocolate and peppermint combination is a match made in heaven.
Nutty Touch: For those who crave an added texture, try mixing in ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough. The nuts add a delightful crunch and warmth to every bite, perfectly complementing the soft cookie texture.
Dairy-Free Option: To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Ensure that the candy kisses are also dairy-free, as some brands may contain milk products.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure to check the brand to ensure it’s a 1:1 swap. This way, gluten-sensitive friends can enjoy the cookies without worry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain a soft texture.
Baking Too Long: Each oven is different. Speaking of baking, keep an eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven when they appear just set. They may look slightly underbaked, but will firm up as they cool, ensuring you get that delightful chew.
Pressing Kisses Too Hard: When adding the Candy Cane Kisses, gently press them into the cookie. Pressing too hard can cause them to melt excessively and lose their shape.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
When it comes to storing your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, following proper procedures ensures their freshness. Once the cookies are completely cool, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
If you find that your cookies have become a bit stale, you can easily revive them. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet. Warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes. This will bring back their initial softness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just ensure it’s covered tightly. If you want to freeze it, roll the dough into logs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then slice and bake as directed.
Can I substitute the Candy Cane Kisses with something else?
Yes! While the Candy Cane Kisses are iconic, you can try using milk chocolate kisses or even white chocolate ones for a different take. For a nutty flavor, consider using chocolate-covered almonds or even caramel-filled options for a delightful surprise.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to the butter being too warm or the dough not being chilled properly. Next time, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the butter, resulting in a thicker cookie.
Can I decorate the cookies after baking?
Certainly! If you want to add a little extra flair, you can drizzle melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the cookies after they’ve cooled. Sprinkles or crushed candy canes can also be sprinkled on top for added color and crunch.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Candy Cane Kiss Cookies make wonderful gifts during the holiday season. Package them in festive tins or boxes, and they’ll surely bring a smile to anyone’s face. Just make sure to store them properly to maintain freshness until gifting.
Conclusion: Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that encapsulate the spirit of the holidays. Their soft, chewy base pairs perfectly with the festive hint of peppermint, making them an irresistible treat for family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday traditions. Enjoy the process of baking, and don’t forget to share the joy with your loved ones!
