Jolly Sweet Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe for Holiday Magic

Festive baking reaches new heights with these delightful candy cane kiss cookies that blend peppermint crunch and chocolate charm.

Tender chocolate cookies embrace delicate candy cane kisses in a delectable holiday treat.

The rich cocoa base provides a perfect canvas for these minty medallions.

Guests will adore the elegant swirl of chocolate and peppermint dancing across their taste buds.

Each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweet and cool flavors.

The cookies sparkle with crushed candy cane edges, adding a festive crunch to every mouthwatering morsel.

Bake a batch and watch these seasonal delights disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 25

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies: Ingredient Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the fundamental structure and tender crumb for classic holiday cookies.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light, fluffy texture by helping the cookies rise evenly.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookie.

• Butter: Creates rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delivers deep, golden flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a crisp exterior.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's soft consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and rounds out the sweet flavor profile.

• Candy Canes: Introduces festive peppermint crunch and holiday spirit to the cookie.
• Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses: Provides creamy chocolate center with refreshing mint twist, perfect visual and taste finale for each cookie.

Bakeware You’ll Need for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and mixing the dough.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing wet ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: Used for baking the cookies with even spacing.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Provides easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Zip-Top Bag: Great for crushing candy canes without making a mess.
• Rolling Pin or Spoon: Helps crush candy canes into small pieces.
• Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Mix and Bake Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for hassle-free cleanup.

• Create Butter Clouds

Whip softened butter and sugar together until they become light and fluffy, transforming into a dreamy mixture that’ll make your cookies irresistible.

• Build Cookie Foundation

Gently fold in the egg and vanilla, blending until smooth. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, being careful not to overwork the dough.

• Shape Delightful Rounds

Roll the dough into small balls, spacing them nicely on the baking sheet. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over each ball, pressing lightly to make them stick.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the cookies in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Watch for golden edges but keep the centers soft and tender.

• Crown with Kisses

Right after pulling the cookies from the oven, crown each one with a Candy Cane Kiss. Let them cool slightly on the sheet before moving to a wire rack.

Fun Adjustments for Your Candy Cane Kiss Cookie Batch

• Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to crush them into fine, even pieces for better distribution and cleaner coating.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps intensify flavors and makes holiday baking less stressful.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly. Add a pinch of xanthan gum for better texture.
• Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use dairy-free chocolate kisses to create a delicious alternative for those with dairy restrictions.

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies: Serving Tips for a Festive Touch

• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap these festive cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbons for a charming homemade present that sparkles with seasonal cheer.
• Festive Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative holiday platter, alternating with candy canes and white chocolate truffles to create a stunning sweet display that will wow guests at any Christmas gathering.
• Cocoa Pairing Suggestion: Serve these delightful cookies alongside rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and extra crushed candy cane pieces for a cozy, indulgent winter treat that warms both heart and taste buds.
• Coffee Shop Style Presentation: Dust the cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and place them on a rustic wooden board with a steaming cappuccino for an Instagram-worthy holiday moment that looks straight out of a trendy café.

Best Ways to Keep Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Ready to Enjoy

• Keep cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. They'll stay fresh for 5-7 days at cool room temperature or up to 10 days in the refrigerator.
• Prepare cookie dough balls and freeze uncooked for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking and adding Hershey's Kisses.
• Store cookies with Hershey's Kisses in single layers to prevent chocolate from melting or getting squished. Room temperature works best to maintain chocolate's perfect texture.
• Fully baked and cooled cookies can be frozen for 2-3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for best taste and texture.

FAQs

• What are Candy Cane Kisses?

Candy Cane Kisses are limited-edition Hershey’s chocolates with a white chocolate base and peppermint flavor, typically available during the holiday season. They have a festive red and white striped appearance and a cool mint taste.

• Can I use regular Hershey's Kisses if Candy Cane Kisses are unavailable?

Yes, you can substitute with regular Hershey’s Kisses. The cookies will still be delicious, though they’ll lose the peppermint flavor and holiday spirit of the original recipe.

• How do I prevent the Candy Cane Kisses from melting completely?

After baking, let the cookies cool for just a minute or two before gently pressing the Kisses into the center. This helps the chocolate maintain its shape while still slightly softening to adhere to the cookie.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

You’ll need a mixing bowl, electric mixer, baking sheet, parchment paper or silicone mat, and a rolling pin or something to crush the candy canes. Basic kitchen tools work perfectly for this recipe.

Sweet Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies blend festive peppermint flavors with buttery chocolate chip cookies. Delicate peppermint kisses crown each cookie, creating a delightful holiday treat you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (2 sticks/226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract (optional, for extra mint flavor)
• 24 Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
• Granulated sugar (extra for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure seamless cookie release.
2. Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl until uniformly blended, creating a foundational dry mixture.
3. Butter Transformation: Cream softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture achieves a light, voluminous texture with pale, airy consistency.
4. Wet Element Integration: Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar blend, mixing until the components merge into a silky, homogeneous batter.
5. Dough Development: Gently combine dry ingredients with wet mixture, stirring minimally to form a cohesive dough without compromising its delicate structure.
6. Cookie Shaping and Decoration: Roll dough into precise 1-inch spheres, positioning them on the prepared sheet with strategic spacing, then sprinkle crushed candy cane fragments over each ball, pressing lightly to secure.
7. Baking Precision: Bake for 8-10 minutes, monitoring for subtle golden edges while maintaining a tender interior, ensuring optimal cookie texture.
8. Chocolate Embellishment: Immediately post-baking, crown each warm cookie with a Hersheys Candy Cane Kiss, leveraging residual heat to create a gentle chocolate melt.
9. Cooling Protocol: Rest cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to complete cooling and stabilize their delicate structure.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect creamy texture, which helps create light and fluffy cookies.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies; mix until ingredients are just combined for a tender crumb.
• Crush Candy Canes Carefully: Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to create fine, even pieces that distribute evenly and prevent large, hard chunks in the cookies.
• Kiss Placement Timing: Place Hershey’s Kisses immediately after baking while cookies are warm, allowing the chocolate to slightly melt and create a smooth, glossy topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg