Peppermint Kiss Cookies

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Soft, buttery, and bursting with holiday cheer, Peppermint Kiss Cookies are a festive twist on classic thumbprint cookies. These delightful treats blend a tender sugar cookie base with crushed peppermint candies, all crowned with a signature Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth cookie that balances cool peppermint with creamy white chocolate, making it an instant holiday favorite.

Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, winter parties, or cozy evenings by the fire, these cookies not only taste incredible but also add a touch of whimsy to your dessert table. Their eye-catching red and white swirl tops make them as beautiful as they are delicious. One bite and you’ll understand why these cookies are a must-bake during the festive season.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe

• A beautiful holiday cookie that’s both fun and festive
• Sweet, minty, and buttery flavor combination
• Simple ingredients and quick prep time
• Kid-friendly and perfect for gifting
• Delightfully soft texture with a creamy kiss center

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start, make sure your kitchen is stocked with the essential tools to ensure smooth preparation. A stand or hand mixer is key for creaming butter and sugar into a fluffy base. A large mixing bowl gives you plenty of room to combine your ingredients evenly. You’ll also need a cookie scoop to ensure uniformly sized cookies for even baking, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Don’t forget the cooling rack – it allows your cookies to cool properly without becoming soggy. And most importantly, have your Candy Cane Kisses unwrapped and ready to press into the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. Timing is everything for that perfect soft-set finish!

Preparation Tips

Let your butter soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you begin. This helps create that light, airy texture in the cookie dough. When crushing peppermint candies, avoid pulverizing them too fine – small chunks add delightful bursts of peppermint throughout the dough. Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to roll into balls; this helps the cookies maintain their shape.

Once baked, wait just 2-3 minutes before pressing the Hershey’s Kiss into the center—just enough time to let the cookie set slightly without melting the kiss completely. Let the cookies cool completely before moving or stacking to keep the Kisses looking perfect.

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Ingredients for this Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
• About 30 Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. This creaming step is essential to build the cookie’s light texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts

Crack in the egg, then pour in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Beat again until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms. Don’t overmix—stop once everything is combined.

Step 4: Fold in Crushed Peppermint

Gently stir in the crushed peppermint candies. These add crunch and that signature minty burst to each bite.

Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Roll and Coat in Sugar

Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat lightly. This adds a lovely sparkle and slight crunch to the exterior.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just set and the tops begin to crack. Do not overbake.

Step 9: Add the Peppermint Kisses

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool for 2–3 minutes. Gently press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth will soften the Kiss just enough to secure it without melting.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. The Kisses will firm up again as the cookies cool. Once set, serve and enjoy or store as directed!

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Notes

For best results, use room temperature butter—it creates a more cohesive dough and ensures even mixing. While the peppermint candies provide flavor and crunch, avoid using overly large chunks which may cause uneven baking. If making a large batch, unwrap all your Candy Cane Kisses beforehand to make assembly smoother. These cookies are delicate when warm, so always let them cool fully before transferring or packaging.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking: These cookies should stay soft. If they turn golden brown, they’ve baked too long.
• Adding Kisses Too Late: If you wait too long after baking, the cookies will set and crack when pressing in the Kiss.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping this can lead to flat cookies, especially if your kitchen is warm.
• Crushing Peppermints Too Fine: Powdered peppermint melts and can create sticky spots or discoloration.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to stack them, place parchment or wax paper between layers to protect the Kiss tops. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving. Avoid refrigerating them, as it can dry them out and dull the peppermint flavor.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per cookie, approximate)

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 65mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just let it soften slightly before rolling and baking.

Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?

Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use regular Hershey’s Kisses instead of peppermint?

You can, but the peppermint version is what gives these cookies their unique holiday flair. Feel free to try with other Kiss varieties for fun twists.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

You can skip it, but the peppermint flavor will be milder. The crushed candies will still provide mintiness.

Can I substitute candy canes for peppermint candies?

Yes, crushed candy canes work perfectly. Just make sure they’re evenly crushed and not too large.

My cookies spread too much, what went wrong?

Most likely the dough was too warm. Be sure to chill the dough if it feels too soft, especially in warmer kitchens.

How do I keep the Kisses from melting too much?

Let the cookies cool for 2–3 minutes out of the oven before pressing the Kiss in gently. Avoid touching or moving them until fully cooled.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute. Texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Peppermint Kiss Cookies are the ultimate festive treat—bright, minty, soft, and satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, making gifts, or simply enjoying a cozy winter baking day, these cookies deliver charm and flavor in every bite. Their striking red and white appearance paired with buttery peppermint flavor make them a cheerful staple for the season.

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