If you’re looking for a festive treat that is utterly delightful and irresistibly charming, the Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe is just what you need. This delightful cookie combines a soft, buttery base with a crisp peppermint candy cane-flavored Hershey’s Kiss right in the center, creating a perfect harmony of texture and flavor. Whether you’re baking for holiday gatherings or simply craving a sweet, minty indulgence, these cookies offer that nostalgic, warm feeling that fills your kitchen with joy and excitement. Trust me, once you try this Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your cookie jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a cookie that’s soft, sweet, and bursting with peppermint goodness. Each ingredient plays a special role in giving these cookies their perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture and lovely flavor.
- 36 Hershey Kisses (Candy Cane): These mint-flavored chocolates add a festive and flavorful centerpiece for each cookie.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Butter provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookie dough.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens and helps create a slightly crisp exterior when baked.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 2 cups flour: Forms the structure of the cookie, giving it that soft yet sturdy bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture to keep the dough soft and easy to shape.
- Extra sugar for rolling the dough: Gives the cookies a pretty, sparkly finish and a little simple crunch.
How to Make Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This sets the perfect temperature to get your cookies baking evenly so that each one turns out just right.
Step 2: Ready the Candy Kisses
Carefully unwrap all 36 peppermint-flavored Hershey Kisses and set them aside. It’s a great idea to have them all prepared and within reach before you dive into making the cookie dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together your softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step makes sure your cookies have that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality that everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. These ingredients add moisture and deepen the flavor profile of your cookies, giving that yummy homemade touch.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasonings. Then add the flour mixture to your butter mixture alternately with the milk, mixing gently until fully combined without overworking the dough.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar the Dough
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the extra sugar for a festive sparkle. Place these balls evenly spaced on your baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a soft golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool for about 3 minutes — this cooling time prevents the peppermint kisses from melting too soon when added.
Step 8: Press the Kisses In
Carefully press one peppermint Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, letting the chocolate set perfectly while the cookies firm up.
How to Serve Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a touch of crushed candy canes or a pinch of powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving. These garnishes add an extra pop of festive color and enhance the peppermint flavor, making the presentation as delightful as the taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of cold milk, balancing their minty sweetness. For a grown-up twist, try serving them alongside peppermint-infused coffee or an espresso for a cozy holiday treat.
Pcreative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a bright holiday platter with fresh evergreen sprigs or in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon for gift-giving. You can also stack them in layers separated by parchment paper for a charming cookie tower that will wow guests at any party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them soft and fresh while maintaining the crunchy sugar coating on the outside.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to freezer bags once solid. They’ll stay deliciously fresh for up to three months, perfect for holiday prep.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, gently warm the cookies in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly-baked softness and let the peppermint kisses soften slightly for maximum enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I substitute the candy kisses with another chocolate?
Absolutely! While the peppermint Hershey Kisses are key to that classic flavor, you can experiment with other chocolates like plain milk chocolate or even white chocolate according to your taste.
How do I prevent the kisses from melting too much?
Make sure to let the cookies cool slightly before pressing the kisses into them. The cookies should be warm but not hot, so the kisses soften just enough to stick without losing their shape.
Can this dough be made in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help develop flavors even more and make the baking day easier.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
As written, no. However, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check that the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
What’s the best way to make these cookies festive for holidays?
Rolling the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkling crushed candy canes on top before baking instantly amps up the holiday vibes and makes these cookies extra magical to behold and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, peppermint-kissed cookie fresh from the oven, and this Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply because you deserve a sweet moment of happiness, these cookies are an excellent way to share the holiday spirit. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peppermint Kiss Cookies are festive, buttery cookies topped with classic Candy Cane Hershey Kisses. These delightful holiday treats combine a soft sugar cookie base with a hint of vanilla and a signature peppermint chocolate kiss, perfect for Christmas parties or gifting.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- extra sugar for rolling the dough
Toppings
- 36 Hershey Kisses (Candy Cane flavor), unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Prepare kisses: Remove all wrappers from the 36 Candy Cane Hershey Kisses and set them aside for topping the cookies after baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning through the flour.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until all ingredients are incorporated to create a smooth cookie dough.
- Shape dough balls: Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in extra sugar to coat before placing them evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned, indicating the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 3 minutes.
- Add kisses: Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press one unwrapped Candy Cane Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie so it adheres while the cookie is warm.
- Cool completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely, allowing the kisses to set firm while the cookies finish baking through.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Rolling dough balls in sugar adds a nice texture and sparkle to the cookie surface.
- Press the kisses into the cookies while they are warm so they stick properly without cracking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies without the kisses and add kisses after thawing and warming slightly.
