Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite holiday treats: Candy Cane Kiss Cookies! I’ve made these little delights more times than I can count, and they never fail to bring smiles and joy to everyone who tries them. The combination of rich chocolate and festive peppermint is simply irresistible! If you want to impress your family and friends this holiday season, trust me—this is the recipe you need in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels!
- Versatile: You can easily adapt the flavors and decorations to suit any occasion.
- Deliciously Festive: The chocolate and peppermint combination is a seasonal favorite.
- Visually Stunning: The red and white swirls make these cookies a showstopper!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake them in advance and store them for when guests arrive.
The Secret to Perfect Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
The key to making the perfect Candy Cane Kiss Cookies lies in the dough preparation and the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh, high-quality peppermint extract and make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This ensures that your dough comes together beautifully, creating the perfect texture.
Another insider tip is to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking. Trust me, this step is a game-changer!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are the highlight of our holiday gatherings! Everyone asks for the recipe!” – Sarah T.
“I made these for our annual cookie swap, and they were gone in minutes! Such a hit!” – Mark R.
“The combination of chocolate and peppermint is just heavenly. I can’t stop eating them!” – Lisa M.
Creative Variations to Try
- Chocolate Mint: Use chocolate kisses instead of the classic candy cane kisses for a double chocolate delight.
- Nutty Peppermint: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty twist.
- Colorful Fun: Use different colored sprinkles or edible glitter to decorate your cookies.
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Swap out the regular kisses for dark chocolate ones for a richer flavor.
Bonus: Consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the finished cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use other types of chocolate? Absolutely! You can experiment with different chocolate kisses, such as caramel or raspberry-flavored, to give your cookies a unique twist.
How should I store the cookies? Store your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.
What can I substitute for peppermint extract? If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use vanilla extract or almond extract, but keep in mind that the flavor will change.
Why do I need to chill the dough? Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in a perfect texture.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Serve with hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful holiday treat.
- Consider pairing them with ice cream for a delicious dessert combo!
Perfect Occasions for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
- Holiday parties and gatherings
- Cookie exchanges with friends
- Family celebrations and get-togethers
- Neighborhood potlucks
- Gifts for teachers and coworkers
- Christmas movie nights
- New Year’s Eve celebrations
The Complete Recipe
Thanks for sticking with me through all the delicious details! Now, let’s get to the star of the show: the recipe for these amazing Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 36 Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes to the dough or as a topping before baking.
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Optional add-ins include chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for added texture and taste. If you’re looking for substitutions, coconut oil can be used in place of butter, though the flavor will differ slightly. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the right balance of flavor and texture, so be sure to stick to the recipe for the best results!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The more air you incorporate, the lighter your cookies will be!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. You’ll love the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is the perfect time to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while waiting!
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if they look a little underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet!
Step 7: Add Candy Cane Kisses
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, gently press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will soften the kiss, making it gooey and delicious!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the aroma is going to be irresistible, and you’ll want to taste one right away!
Nutrition Info: Each cookie has approximately 120 calories, 5g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. These treats may be indulgent, but they’re worth every bite!
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