Name: Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp peppermint extract; 2 tsp milk; 1¼ cup white sugar, divided (1 cup + ¼ cup); 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup crushed candy canes; 28 Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

Step 1: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Using a handheld mixer on medium-low speed, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture and continue mixing for another minute.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Add the dry flour mixture, milk, and crushed candy canes to the wet ingredients. Beat just until the dough comes together, about 30 seconds.

Step 6: Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon portions, then roll each portion between your hands to form smooth balls.

Step 7: Roll each dough ball in the remaining ¼ cup sugar to coat the outside evenly.

Step 8: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Refrigerate the trays flat for 2 hours to chill the dough.

Step 9: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until the centers are set and the edges are lightly golden.

Step 11: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Then gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie.

Tips & Variations

For extra peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the sugar coating before rolling the dough balls.

Use crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes for a finer texture in the cookies.

Chill the dough balls longer if you want thicker cookies with less spreading during baking.

Try substituting milk with heavy cream for a richer dough.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep candy kisses from melting, place the container in a cool, dry place. You can also freeze baked cookies without the kisses for up to 3 months; add kisses after thawing. Reheat cookies briefly in the microwave if desired to soften the centers before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different candy instead of Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses?

Yes, you can substitute with other peppermint chocolates or even standard Hershey’s Kisses. Just be mindful that different candies may affect the overall sweetness and appearance.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also enhances the flavor and texture, resulting in a more tender cookie.