Name: Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 large Egg Yolk; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1/4 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (optional); 2 2/3 cups Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda; 3/4 teaspoon Salt; 1 (9-ounce) package Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses (about 50-60 pieces); Optional: Sparkling sugar, sprinkles, or nonpareils for rolling cookies

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 37 reviews

There’s truly something magical about the holiday season, and nothing captures that spirit quite like these delightful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. If you’re looking for a treat that combines the nostalgic crunch of a peppermint candy cane with the soft, buttery comfort of a classic sugar cookie, then this Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are easy to make, incredibly festive, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting during the holidays. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your cookie rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many round cookies with light golden color and a soft, slightly cracked texture forming the base layer. Each cookie has a second layer, a bright white chocolate candy with red stripes, placed in the middle, creating a raised center with smooth shiny texture. The cookies are arranged closely in rows on a white plate with a starburst pattern. Small wrapped candies in silver and red are scattered around the plate. The overall setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe lies in how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding flavor and texture to creating that perfect soft cookie base that melts in your mouth.

1 cup Butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies tender.
1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and creates the perfect slight crunch.
1 large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps with the structure.
1 large Egg Yolk: Adds extra richness for a softer texture.
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
1/4 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (optional): Enhances the minty vibe to match the candy canes perfectly.
2 2/3 cups Flour: The foundation giving the cookies their shape and body.
1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just right.
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda: Works with baking powder to ensure a soft, chewy bite.
3/4 teaspoon Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
(1) 9-ounce pkg. Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses: The star of the show—peppermint chocolate kisses that melt your heart.

How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Begin by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl for about four minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to giving your cookies that soft texture and slight crisp on the edges. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything combines perfectly.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Now, add the egg and egg yolk along with the vanilla extract. If you want an extra burst of peppermint flavor, toss in the optional peppermint extract here as well. Mix everything for about one more minute to ensure a smooth, creamy batter that carries all those lovely flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Next, it’s time to fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Be gentle during this step—overmixing can develop too much gluten, which leads to tougher cookies. You want just enough mixing to bring everything together into a soft dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional)

If you want an easier time rolling out the dough or slightly thicker cookies, chill your dough for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is optional but can make your baking experience a little smoother, especially if your kitchen is warm.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare for Baking

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheets with parchment paper—a simple step that ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly. Roll the dough into small balls, perfect bite-sized portions for these festive treats.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

If you want to add a festive touch with sparkling sugar or colorful sprinkles, roll each dough ball through those before placing them on the baking sheet. Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, aiming for them to be soft in the center. Don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked—that softness is what makes them irresistible!

Step 7: Add the Candy Cane Kisses

While the cookies bake, unwrap all the Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses so you’re ready to press them into the warm cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. Wait about two minutes before gently pressing a kiss onto each cookie’s center—the warmth will slightly melt the bottom of the chocolate, securing it perfectly.

Step 8: Set the Cookies

For a cleaner finish and firmer chocolate, place the cookies in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes. This chilling step isn’t necessary, but it gives the kisses a beautiful sheen and sets everything nicely for serving or gifting.

How to Serve Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of a tray filled with small round cookies, each topped with a white chocolate drop decorated with red stripes, resembling a peppermint candy. The cookies are light golden brown with a slightly cracked surface. Scattered between the cookies are wrapped silver candies with red swirls and white tags. The tray has a dark surface with a geometric pattern, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of crushed candy canes or crushed peppermint candies on top of the kisses before chilling. Not only does this add a crunchy texture, but the flecks of red and white instantly make these cookies look merry and bright. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving adds a snowy touch that’s perfect for winter celebrations.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha, complementing their minty sweetness perfectly. You can also serve them alongside a cheese platter featuring mild cheeses like creamy brie or gouda to balance the sweet and savory flavors in a festive snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or cookie exchanges, arrange your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or cranberries for a beautiful seasonal touch. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon also turns these gems into thoughtful homemade gifts that anyone would be thrilled to receive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and set, store your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings or last-minute guests.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these cookies well in advance, freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or freeze the fully baked cookies after chilling. Just pop the dough balls into a freezer-safe container with parchment layers in between, or freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness, warm them gently in a 300 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep the kisses from melting too much.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without peppermint extract?

Absolutely! The peppermint extract is optional and only adds an extra minty note. The Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe will still be wonderful without it, thanks to the peppermint flavor in the Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses.

What type of sugar is best for these cookies?

Granulated sugar is best here because it helps achieve the perfect texture with a nice balance of crisp edges and a soft center. Using brown sugar could make the cookies denser and chewier, which is not the classic feel for this recipe.

Can I substitute the Candy Cane Kisses for other chocolate?

While you can try other chocolates, the charm of this recipe lies in the peppermint-flavored Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses. They melt just right and provide that sweet, minty pop that defines these cookies.

Is chilling the dough necessary?

Chilling the dough is optional but recommended if you want a thicker, easier-to-handle dough. It helps prevent spreading during baking, especially in warmer kitchens.

How do I prevent the kisses from melting too much?

To avoid the kisses melting excessively, press them gently into the cookies after letting the cookies cool for 2 minutes outside the oven. Chilling the cookies after pressing the kisses also helps set the chocolate beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a cookie that beautifully blends festive flavors with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. They’re so simple to make but feel wonderfully special—a real crowd-pleaser that will brighten any holiday table. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family into the kitchen, and enjoy the sweet magic of this timeless treat!