If you are looking to bring a burst of festive cheer to your holiday baking, look no further than this delightful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the classic buttery texture you crave with the irresistible peppermint punch of crushed candy canes and the iconic touch of a Hershey’s Kiss nestled right in the center. Every single bite is a joyful blend of sweetness and minty freshness that will have friends and family asking for more, making these cookies a must-have for your dessert table this season.

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple yet perfectly balanced, using everyday ingredients that combine to create those melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a peppermint twist. Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing out the cookie’s tender crumb, sweet flavor, and festive color.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and the perfect tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and crispness to the cookie edges.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Ensures the cookies stay soft and delicate.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Introduces a warm, familiar flavor base.
Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a refreshing minty note to spice things up.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The structural foundation of the cookies.
Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (1/2 cup): Adds vibrant color and bursts of peppermint crunch throughout.
Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses (30–36, unwrapped): The final festive touch, melting slightly to create a gooey center.
Additional granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a beautiful, sparkling finish on each cookie.

How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake while preventing sticking, so your cookies come out looking just right every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the tender and slightly crisp texture everyone loves in a cookie.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. The peppermint extract is what transforms these from ordinary cookies into a festive favorite that sings of winter cheer.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together — overmixing can make cookies tough, so keep it gentle.

Step 5: Fold in Crushed Candy Canes

The crushed candy canes add beautiful pops of red and white color alongside bursts of minty sweetness. Fold them carefully into the dough so they distribute evenly without breaking up too much.

Step 6: Shape, Sugar-Coat, and Bake

Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough, rolling each into a ball. Coat each ball in granulated sugar for a dazzling sparkle, then place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly puffed.

Step 7: Add the Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses

As soon as you pull the cookies from the oven, carefully press one unwrapped Candy Cane Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets the kisses set back up without melting away, preserving that perfect mint-chocolate surprise inside.

How to Serve Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a festive finishing touch, sprinkle a few crushed candy canes on top of the cookies right after adding the Hershey’s Kisses. You can also dust lightly with powdered sugar to mimic the look of a snowy winter day.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha, making your holiday moments extra cozy. Their minty sweetness also complements rich desserts like chocolate fudge or vanilla bean ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe on a holiday-themed platter with some fresh evergreen sprigs or red berries for a vibrant presentation. Wrapped individually in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon, these cookies also make charming edible gifts for teachers, colleagues, or neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their tender texture and festive flavor. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days, ready whenever a peppermint craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these delightful treats in advance, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls (without the Hershey’s Kisses) for up to 3 months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, extending the baking time by a couple of minutes. You can also freeze fully baked cookies, but add the Kisses fresh after thawing to keep the perfect texture.

Reheating

To revive your cookies’ freshly baked goodness, warm them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back some softness while gently softening the chocolate center.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?

If peppermint extract isn’t available, you can use a few drops of spearmint extract or a touch of vanilla extract mixed with crushed peppermint candies to maintain that minty flavor.

What if I don’t have Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses?

Regular Hershey’s Kisses or any peppermint-flavored chocolates can work as a substitute. For a creative twist, you might even try mini chocolate truffles or white chocolate drops.

How do I prevent the Kisses from melting too much?

Freezing the Hershey’s Kisses for about 30 minutes before pressing them into the hot cookies slows down the melting process and helps them keep their shape beautifully.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend to enjoy these cookies while accommodating dietary needs without compromising on texture or flavor.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place candy canes in a resealable plastic bag and gently tap using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan until you get small, coarse pieces. This method avoids powdery dust and creates perfect crunchy bits for folding into your dough.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe is a surefire way to capture the spirit of the season with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting treats, or just indulging your own festive cravings, these cookies bring warmth, sweetness, and a fun peppermint surprise that’s hard to beat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved holiday tradition in your home.