Introduction
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are buttery, soft sugar cookies with a hint of peppermint, topped with a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss for a festive touch. These classic Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, and gifting. With their red-and-white swirled Hershey’s Kiss and snowy sugar coating, they bring both delicious flavor and holiday cheer to every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Festive & Fun – Perfect for Christmas celebrations and cookie platters.
- Soft & Buttery – A melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie base.
- Peppermint & Vanilla Flavor – A delicious holiday combination.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
- Great for Gifting – Beautifully decorated and packaged for holiday treats.
Origin of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
- These cookies were inspired by the classic Peanut Butter Blossoms, which were first created in 1957.
- Hershey’s introduced Candy Cane Kisses as a limited-edition Christmas treat, and bakers soon began using them in sugar cookies for a festive holiday twist.
- Over the years, these cookies have become a Christmas baking tradition in many households.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
For Rolling:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or red and green sanding sugar for a festive touch)
For Topping:
- 24 Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses (unwrapped)
How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, peppermint extract, and milk, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls, then roll them in sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
Step 3: Add the Candy Cane Kiss
- Let the cookies cool for 2 minutes, then gently press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely (this helps prevent the Kiss from melting).
Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Tips:
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it’s too sticky to roll.
- Use festive sanding sugar for extra holiday color.
- Let cookies cool slightly before adding the Kiss to prevent melting.
- For extra peppermint flavor, add crushed candy canes to the dough.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overbaking the cookies – They should be soft, not crunchy.
- Adding the Kiss too soon – If the cookies are too hot, the chocolate will melt.
- Skipping the sugar coating – It adds sweetness and a sparkly holiday look.
- Not spacing cookies properly – They spread slightly while baking.
Serving Tips
- Enjoy with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or eggnog.
- Arrange on a holiday cookie platter with gingerbread and shortbread cookies.
- Gift in decorative tins with parchment paper for festive packaging.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Butter & Eggs – Provide healthy fats and protein.
- Flour – A source of carbohydrates for energy.
- Candy Cane Kisses – A fun treat but best enjoyed in moderation.
- Peppermint Extract – Aids digestion and gives a refreshing flavor.
Interesting Facts About Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
- The first Hershey’s Kiss was made in 1907.
- Candy Cane Kisses were introduced in the early 2000s as a holiday special.
- This recipe is a Christmas variation of Peanut Butter Blossoms, which won 2nd place in a Pillsbury Bake-Off in 1957.
- Rolling the cookies in red and green sugar makes them extra festive!
Summarized Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
Flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, milk, Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses.
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, and cream butter and sugar in another.
- Add egg, vanilla, peppermint extract, and milk. Combine with dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls, coat in sugar, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then press a Candy Cane Kiss on top.
- Let cool and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a fun, festive, and easy-to-make holiday treat that bring peppermint and buttery goodness to your Christmas baking. Whether for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or homemade gift, these cookies are sure to be a seasonal favorite!
