Name: Bake Irresistible Candy Cane Kiss Cookies This Holiday Season!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 10 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1/2 cup nonpareil sprinkles; 32–36 candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

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Ah, the holiday season – the perfect time to indulge in festive treats that bring joy to the senses. One such delectable delight is the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, a delightful fusion of classic cookie flavors and the iconic candy cane kiss. These cookies are a staple in many households during the most wonderful time of the year, and for good reason. With their soft, buttery centers, crunchy sprinkle coating, and the surprise of a creamy Hershey’s Kiss, these cookies are a true taste of holiday bliss.

Table of Contents

The Origins of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

The origins of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies can be traced back to the classic peanut blossom cookie, a beloved holiday favorite since the 1950s. As the years passed, creative bakers began experimenting with different flavor combinations, and the Candy Cane Kiss cookie was born. By incorporating the minty-fresh taste of candy canes and the rich, creamy goodness of Hershey’s Kisses, these cookies have become a beloved holiday tradition, delighting taste buds and evoking the spirit of the season.

Ingredients for Perfectly Delicious Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

To create these festive treats, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

2 cups + 1 Tablespoon (260g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 Tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract*
1/2 cup (about 90g) nonpareil sprinkles (I use these)
32–36 candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

The combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt creates the perfect cookie base, while the softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract give these cookies their signature flavor. The nonpareil sprinkles add a festive touch, and the Hershey’s Kisses provide the irresistible candy cane surprise in the center.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Ready to bring the magic of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies to your kitchen? Follow these easy steps:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and mix until combined.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the nonpareil sprinkles. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Add Kisses: Immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

The key to perfecting these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies is to pay attention to the baking time and resist the temptation to overbake. The cookies should have a soft, buttery center with just a hint of crispness around the edges. And of course, the addition of the Hershey’s Kiss is the crowning glory, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

To ensure your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, make sure your butter, egg, and other ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will help them blend together seamlessly.
Proper Flour Measurement: When measuring the flour, be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents the flour from becoming compacted, which can lead to a denser cookie.
Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overwork the dough once the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in tough, chewy cookies.
Careful Cookie Shaping: Rolling the dough into evenly sized balls and coating them in the sprinkles helps ensure even baking and a consistent appearance.
Storage Tips: Store your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.

Variations on Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

While the classic Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are always a hit, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on this holiday favorite:

Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies: Swap the peppermint extract for a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a decadent chocolate-mint flavor.
Peanut Butter Candy Cane Cookies: Replace the peppermint extract with 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter extract, and use peanut butter-flavored Hershey’s Kisses.
Festive Sprinkle Cookies: Instead of the traditional nonpareil sprinkles, use a mix of red, green, and white sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a more festive look.
Chocolate-Dipped Candy Cane Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, dip the bottoms in melted semi-sweet or white chocolate for an extra layer of decadence.

No matter which variation you choose, these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are sure to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of holiday cheer to any gathering.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a cozy winter evening. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate, peppermint tea, or a rich, creamy eggnog for a truly indulgent experience. They also make a lovely addition to holiday cookie platters, adding a pop of color and a burst of minty flavor to the assortment.

For those looking to share the holiday cheer, Candy Cane Kiss Cookies make wonderful homemade gifts. Package them in a festive tin or box, and your loved ones will be delighted by the thoughtful and delicious treat.

FAQs About Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

What ingredients are needed to make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?

The key ingredients for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies include all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, nonpareil sprinkles, and Hershey’s Kisses in the candy cane flavor.

Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of a Hershey’s Kiss?

While Hershey’s Kisses in the candy cane flavor are the traditional choice, you can certainly experiment with other types of chocolate. Mini peppermint patties or even small pieces of dark chocolate or white chocolate would also work well in the center of these cookies.

How long should Candy Cane Kiss Cookies bake in the oven?

The Candy Cane Kiss Cookies should bake for 10-12 minutes in a 350°F (177°C) oven. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still be soft when you remove them from the oven. Immediately press the Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, then allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

What is the best way to store Candy Cane Kiss Cookies to keep them fresh?

For optimal freshness, store the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to enjoy them for longer, you can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking as directed.

Conclusion

The Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a true holiday masterpiece, blending the classic flavors of peppermint and chocolate into a delightful and festive treat. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy family gathering or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread cheer and delight all who indulge. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible Candy Cane Kiss Cookies that will have everyone coming back for more. Happy baking, and happy holidays!

Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your results – I’d love to hear how your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies turn out!

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

Bake Irresistible Candy Cane Kiss Cookies This Holiday Season!