There’s something truly enchanting about the holiday season, and nothing captures that festive spirit quite like baking a batch of Peppermint Kiss Cookies. As the scent of butter and sugar fills your kitchen, memories of cozy gatherings with friends and family come rushing back. I first tried these delightful cookies at a holiday party, where the combination of crushed candy canes and creamy chocolate kissed my taste buds with every bite.
Imagine pulling a tray of warm, soft cookies from the oven, the glossy Hershey’s Peppermint Kiss at their center just waiting to melt into pure bliss. Whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck, or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are an easy yet delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a treat that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of cocoa or coffee. Join me as we whip up these festive treats and spread a little cheer!
Why will you love Peppermint Kiss Cookies?
Indulgence at its finest: These cookies are a winter wonderland in every bite, combining the festive crunch of candy canes with the creamy goodness of chocolate.
Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip these up in no time, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies will be the star of any dessert table.
Make-ahead friendly: Bake a batch and store them, so you’re always prepared for unexpected guests or sweet cravings.
Visual appeal: With their vibrant red and white look, these cookies not only taste great but also make for beautiful gifts or party favors!
Peppermint Kiss Cookies Ingredients
Ready to create a delightful holiday treat?
For the Cookie Dough
• Sugar – works as the sweet base for these delightful cookies.
• Butter – use softened butter for a creamy texture that blends perfectly.
• Egg – binds the ingredients together, giving your cookies richness.
• Vanilla Extract – adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour – the backbone of your cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.
• Baking Powder – gives your cookies a soft rise and light texture.
• Salt – a pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
For the Topping
• Crushed Candy Canes – provide a festive crunch and minty flavor that defines Peppermint Kiss Cookies.
• Hershey’s Peppermint Kisses – the signature touch, delivering gooey chocolate goodness at the center of each cookie!
How to Make Peppermint Kiss Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key for achieving that perfect, chewy texture while preventing the bottoms from browning too quickly.
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Cream together the sugar and softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes and will create a delightful base for your cookies.
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Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well blended. The mixture should look creamy and slightly thickened, which adds richness to your dough.
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Mix the dry ingredients by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually stir this into your creamed mixture until just blended. You want to avoid overmixing to keep those cookies soft!
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Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, coat each ball with the crushed candy canes, giving them a festive touch and crunch that’s irresistible!
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Arrange the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading during baking, ensuring they don’t stick together.
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Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden, and the tops appear set but soft to the touch.
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Press a Hershey’s Peppermint Kiss into the center of each cookie right after they come out of the oven. The heat will melt them slightly, creating a beautiful, gooey topping.
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Cool on wire racks until they are firm enough to handle. This allows the cookies to set completely while keeping that deliciously soft center.
Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Peppermint Kiss Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your cookies for a unique twist!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy.
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Chocolate Variation: Use dark or milk chocolate kisses for a different flavor profile that adds depths of richness.
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Minty Boost: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for an extra punch of minty freshness.
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Nutty Touch: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a hearty flavor.
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Drizzle Delight: Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch that enhances their festive look.
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Cocoa Cookies: Incorporate 1/4 cup of cocoa powder into the dry ingredients for a chocolatey base that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
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Spicy Twist: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Coconut Bliss: Add 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the cookie dough for a tropical twist that complements the peppermint perfectly.
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Peppermint Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and soft texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, though this may slightly alter their texture.
Freezer: If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, heat the frozen cookie dough balls directly from the freezer; simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, then apply the Peppermint Kisses right after they come out of the oven!
Expert Tips for Peppermint Kiss Cookies
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Measure Accurately: Ensure your ingredients are measured accurately, particularly the flour, as too much can lead to dry cookies.
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Butter Temperature Matters: Use softened butter, not melted. Softened butter helps to achieve that perfect creamy texture while ensuring your cookies don’t spread too much.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, stir just until blended to avoid tough cookies.
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Spacing is Key: Make sure to space the dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheets, allowing room for them to expand as they bake.
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Press Immediately: Press the Hershey’s Peppermint Kiss into the cookie right after they come out of the oven to ensure they melt perfectly into the center.
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Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on wire racks until fully set to maintain their soft texture inside—this makes all the difference in your holiday treat experience!
What to Serve with Peppermint Kiss Cookies?
Looking to elevate your holiday dessert experience? Pair these delightful cookies with complementary treats that enhance their festive flavors.
- Steaming Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolatey taste of hot cocoa balances out the minty sweetness, making every sip feel like a warm hug.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast, creating a delightful melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Peppermint Tea: A soothing cup of peppermint tea harmonizes with the cookies’ flavors, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.
Imagine serving these cookies alongside your favorite beverages, creating a delightful spread that brings joy to every gathering.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies with a splash of tartness.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a rich, creamy indulgence with a hint of tang, adding depth to your dessert table.
- Holiday Punch: A festive holiday punch offers a fruity, sparkling sip that complements the minty goodness beautifully.
These pairings not only enhance your Peppermint Kiss Cookies but also create an unforgettable culinary experience to share with loved ones this season!
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and rolling them into balls, then refrigerating them in an airtight container. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring they’re just as delicious after chilling. If you want to get even more ahead, you can freeze the rolled cookie balls for up to 3 months—just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them directly from the fridge or after freezing, adding a minute or two to the baking time for perfectly fresh cookies!
Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of candy canes should I use for these cookies?
I recommend using traditional peppermint candy canes for that classic holiday flavor. You can also try using crushed peppermint candies if you prefer something a bit different, adding a colorful twist to your Peppermint Kiss Cookies!
How should I store leftover Peppermint Kiss Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last a little longer, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but do note that the texture might be slightly different.
Can I freeze Peppermint Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! If you want to prepare them ahead of time, here’s how: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and don’t forget to press the Peppermint Kisses in right after they come out of the oven for that melty goodness!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find your cookies spreading more than expected, it might be due to overly warm dough or too much flour. Make sure your butter is softened (not melted) and try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. Chill your cookie sheets briefly in the fridge before placing the dough balls on them if needed!
Are Peppermint Kiss Cookies safe for pets?
No, it’s important to keep Peppermint Kiss Cookies away from pets, as chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Always enjoy your baking creations yourself and share them with friends and family, keeping furry companions safe!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Your cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden and the tops look set but soft; this typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. They will continue to firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture in the center.
Irresistible Peppermint Kiss Cookies for Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the sugar and softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well blended.
- Mix the dry ingredients by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each with crushed candy canes.
- Arrange the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Press a Hershey's Peppermint Kiss into each cookie right after they come out of the oven.
- Cool on wire racks until firm enough to handle.
