Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

Introduction

The holiday season is a magical time filled with delightful aromas, cheerful decorations, and, of course, festive treats. One of my family’s favorite cookies is the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. Every year, I make these cookies to celebrate the season, and they have quickly become a cherished tradition. The combination of buttery cookie dough rolled in colorful sprinkles, topped with a creamy candy cane-flavored Hershey’s Kiss, creates a visually stunning and delicious cookie that is loved by everyone. The kids adore them, and even my husband, who is not usually a fan of peppermint, can’t resist their charm. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.

Ingredients

• 2 cups + 1 tablespoon (260g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 10 tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup (about 90g) nonpareil sprinkles or sanding sugar
• 32-36 candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, use a hand-held or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and light. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract (if using). Continue to beat for another minute until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Form the Dough:
   On low speed, gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined. The dough should be thick and somewhat sticky.
4. Shape the Cookies:
   Roll the dough into balls, using about 1 tablespoon of dough for each (approximately 20g per dough ball). Generously roll the dough balls in the nonpareil sprinkles or sanding sugar, pressing them in gently to ensure they adhere. If the dough feels too firm and the sprinkles don’t stick, add 1 teaspoon of water to the dough and try rolling again.
5. Chill the Dough:
   Place the dough balls on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 day. If you’re chilling the dough for more than 1 hour, cover it to prevent it from drying out.
6. Preheat the Oven:
   While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
7. Bake the Cookies:
   Once chilled, place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers may look slightly under-baked; do not over-bake. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
8. Add the Hershey’s Kisses:
   Gently press a candy cane Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. Use a thin spatula to carefully transfer the cookies to a plate or cooling rack. Place the cookies in the freezer for about 10 minutes to quickly set the candy.
9. Serve and Store:
   Serve the cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 36 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including chilling time)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve cookies warm right out of the oven for a melty chocolate experience.
• Pair with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa.
• Arrange cookies on a festive plate for holiday gatherings.
• Use them as a sweet treat for cookie exchanges.
• Include them in gift baskets for friends and family.

Additional Tips

1. Choose Quality Butter: Using high-quality unsalted butter will enhance the flavor of your cookies.
2. Properly Measure Flour: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies; too much flour can alter the texture.
3. Experiment with Extracts: If peppermint isn’t your thing, substitute with almond or vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
4. Use Different Sprinkles: Feel free to get creative with colored sprinkles or even themed sprinkles for different occasions.
5. Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for an easy baking session later.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Incorporate mini chocolate chips along with the Hershey’s Kisses for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Holiday Variations: Change the Hershey’s Kisses to other flavors, such as almond or caramel, depending on the season.

Serving Suggestions

• With Hot Beverages: Serve alongside hot chocolate, coffee, or tea during the winter months for a cozy treat.
• Holiday Dessert Table: Place them on a dessert table at holiday parties alongside other festive sweets.
• Gift Giving: Package them in decorative boxes or tins for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Freezing and Storage

• Dough Storage: You can prepare the cookie dough, roll it into balls, and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
• Freezing Unbaked Cookies: Unbaked cookie dough balls (with sprinkles) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure they are fully cooled before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular Hershey’s Kisses instead of candy cane?
   Yes, regular Hershey’s Kisses will work, but the flavor will change.
2. Can I omit the peppermint extract?
   Yes, you can omit it for a more traditional cookie flavor.
3. What can I substitute for sprinkles?
   You can use sanding sugar or even crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
   The edges should be set, while the center may look slightly under-baked; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for later use.
6. What if my dough is too sticky?
   If your dough is too sticky to roll, you can chill it for a little longer or add a tablespoon of flour to help.
7. How should I store leftover cookies?
   Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
8. Can I freeze the baked cookies?
   Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
9. How do I make these cookies look more festive?
   You can drizzle them with melted white chocolate or add colorful holiday-themed sprinkles.
10. What if I can’t find candy cane Kisses?
    You can use any flavor of Hershey’s Kisses or even chocolate truffles.

Conclusion

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are not just another holiday treat; they encapsulate the spirit of the season with their festive flavors and eye-catching appearance. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your celebrations. So gather your ingredients, embrace the holiday spirit, and indulge in the joy of baking these delightful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

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