Peppermint Kiss Cookies are a delightful and festive addition to your holiday baking repertoire. These cookies feature a soft, chewy base infused with peppermint flavor, topped with a delicious Hershey’s Peppermint Kiss that melts slightly into the cookie as it bakes. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift, these cookies are sure to bring joy and cheer to anyone who tries them.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup light brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon peppermint extract
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36 Hershey’s Peppermint Kisses, unwrapped
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Coarse sugar for rolling (optional)
Method of Preparation
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
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Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
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Scoop and Roll: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. If desired, roll each ball in coarse sugar for added texture.
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Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
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Add Kisses: Immediately after removing from the oven, press a Peppermint Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
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Chill the Dough: Chilling is crucial for preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday parties or as gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins. Serve them alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy!
Health Benefits of Ingredients
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Peppermint Extract: May aid digestion and has soothing properties.
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Butter: Provides healthy fats when consumed in moderation.
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Sugar: While high in calories, it provides quick energy; enjoy these cookies as an occasional treat.
Summary of Recipe
Peppermint Kiss Cookies are soft, chewy cookies topped with a melted Hershey’s Peppermint Kiss, perfect for holiday celebrations. This recipe yields about 36 cookies and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including chilling time.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
These cookies are loved for their festive flavor combination of peppermint and chocolate, making them a seasonal favorite. The addition of Peppermint Kisses not only enhances their appearance but also adds an extra layer of deliciousness that is hard to resist!
Interesting Facts
The tradition of using peppermint in holiday treats dates back centuries, often associated with winter celebrations around the world. Peppermint Kiss Cookies bring this classic flavor into modern baking with their fun twist on traditional cookie recipes.
In summary, Peppermint Kiss Cookies are an easy-to-make festive treat that brings joy and flavor to any holiday gathering! Enjoy baking these delightful cookies with family and friends this season!
