Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are the festive little gems that transform your holiday season from blah to ho-ho-ho! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s not only sweet but also has a delightful crunch from crushed candy canes. The aroma wafts through your home, mingling with memories of snowy evenings and cozy gatherings around the fireplace. Just when you thought cookies couldn’t get any better, these beauties come adorned with a melty Hershey’s Kiss on top, adding a touch of chocolatey magic to each bite.
I remember the first time I baked Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. It was during one of those chaotic December days when my kids were out of school and all they wanted to do was eat everything in sight. We turned our kitchen into a winter wonderland, flour flying through the air like snowflakes, and laughter echoing like holiday cheer. The anticipation was palpable as we pulled the tray from the oven, and as soon as those cookies cooled slightly, they vanished faster than you can say “Santa’s coming!” Perfect for cookie exchanges or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to bring joy and sweetness to your festivities.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute baking sessions.
- The flavor combination of minty candy canes and rich chocolate is simply irresistible.
- Their festive appearance will brighten up any holiday gathering and make you the star baker among friends and family.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to experiment with different flavors or toppings!
Ingredients for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Granulated Sugar: This forms the base of your cookie dough, providing sweetness that balances well with the minty crunch.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; it gives the cookies their rich, buttery flavor.
- Eggs: Just one large egg helps bind the ingredients together while contributing moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract will enhance the cookie’s flavor profile beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure; don’t forget to sift it for lighter cookies!
- Baking Soda: A leavening agent that ensures your cookies rise to perfection.
- Candy Canes: Crush these festive treats to sprinkle on top for an extra pop of flavor and color.
- Hershey’s Kisses: The pièce de résistance that adds chocolatey goodness right on top of each cookie!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about two minutes should do it! Add in one egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and crushed candy canes. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet mixture until just combined; don’t overmix unless you want cookies as tough as Santa’s sleigh!
Step 4: Scoop & Bake
Using a cookie scoop (or just a tablespoon), drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 5: Add Kisses
As soon as you remove them from the oven, gently press one Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Creation!
Once cooled completely, serve these festive delights at your next gathering or enjoy them snuggled up on your couch with hot cocoa!
These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies will surely be a hit during your holiday celebrations. With their delightful combination of flavors and fun presentation, how could anyone resist? So grab those ingredients and let’s get baking!
You Must Know
- These delightful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies bring a festive twist to your holiday baking.
- With their cheerful red and white stripes, they’re as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the taste buds.
- Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve cookie perfection, start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla before gradually mixing in the dry ingredients. Finally, fold in crushed candy canes for that festive flair while your oven preheats.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these cookies by swapping out peppermint extract for vanilla or using different flavored kisses like caramel or dark chocolate. You can also experiment with adding nuts for extra crunch or drizzling melted chocolate on top for an indulgent finish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For a quick reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to make them soft and gooey again!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Lastly, let cookies cool completely before adding kisses to maintain their shape and flavor.
Baking these cookies always reminds me of that time my friend brought them to our holiday gathering. Everyone went wild over them! I watched as people tried to guess the secret ingredient, only to find out it was just pure candy cane goodness.
FAQs:
What are Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are delightful holiday treats made with a soft, chewy cookie base that features a chocolate kiss topped with crushed candy canes. These cookies blend the rich flavor of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint, making them a popular choice during the festive season. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift.
How do I store Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
To keep your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can stay frozen for up to three months.
Can I use different types of kisses for these cookies?
Absolutely! While traditional Candy Cane Kiss Cookies feature Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, you can mix it up by using other flavors like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled kisses. Experimenting with different varieties can add unique twists and flavors to your cookies, making this recipe versatile for any taste preference.
Are Candy Cane Kiss Cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, Candy Cane Kiss Cookies make wonderful gifts during the holiday season! Their festive look and delicious taste are sure to impress anyone who receives them. Consider packaging them in decorative tins or boxes lined with tissue paper for an added touch. These cookies not only taste great but also serve as a heartfelt gesture during the holidays.
Conclusion for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies:
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a festive delight that combines smooth chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these cookies can be whipped up quickly for any holiday gathering or celebration. By following this recipe, you’ll create treats that bring joy to friends and family alike. Whether enjoyed fresh or gifted to loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home.
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a festive delight, blending soft, chewy cookie goodness with the refreshing crunch of crushed candy canes and a delicious chocolate topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 24 Hershey's Kisses (approximately)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and crushed candy canes. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- As soon as you remove them from the oven, gently press one Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re warm. Allow them to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Once cooled completely, serve these festive delights at your next gathering or cozy up at home with them!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. Chilling the dough briefly can help prevent spreading during baking. Experiment with different flavored kisses for unique variations.
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