There’s something truly magical about the holidays when peppermint and chocolate come together in a perfect little bite. This Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe brings that festive joy right into your kitchen, offering irresistibly soft cookies topped with a minty Hershey’s Kiss that melts hearts and sparks smiles. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or just indulging your own sweet tooth, these cookies are a charming way to celebrate flavor and tradition in one delicious treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but essential for achieving the classic taste and texture that make Peppermint Kiss Cookies so beloved. Each component plays its part — from the creamy butter that keeps things tender, to the candy cane Hershey Kisses that crown your cookies with festive flair.
- 36 Hershey Kisses (Candy Cane): The star peppermint candy that melts perfectly atop each cookie, adding both flavor and festive charm.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Softened butter gives the dough a rich, tender crumb and helps everything blend beautifully.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to a slight crunch when rolled in sugar.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together, keeping the cookies moist and chewy.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm depth of flavor balancing the mint and chocolate.
- 2 cups flour: Provides the structure needed for these soft yet sturdy cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect tender texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness pop.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Keeps the dough moist and easy to shape.
- Extra sugar for rolling: Coats the dough balls to create a lightly crisp exterior with a little sparkle.
How to Make Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Candies
Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F so it’s perfectly hot when the time comes. While it warms up, unwrap all 36 candy cane Hershey Kisses and set them aside—this way, you’ll be ready to top each cookie fresh from the oven without any scrambling.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a hand or stand mixer, blend the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creaming step is key because it incorporates air, giving your cookies that lovely tender crumb we all crave. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is smoothly combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding this mixture and the milk to your butter mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms. This careful folding prevents overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies soft and light.
Step 4: Shape and Sugar the Dough Balls
Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking. Take small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Then, toss each ball lightly in extra sugar—this not only adds a subtle crunch but also creates that beautiful sparkling surface once baked.
Step 5: Bake and Press with Kisses
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until their edges just begin to turn golden brown. When you pull them out, let them rest on the sheet for about three minutes to firm up slightly. While still warm, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie—this step melts the base of the Kiss just enough to adhere, creating that iconic peppermint chocolate crown.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Transfer your cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully so the chocolate sets and the textures settle. This patience pays off in every delightful bite. Once cooled, the Peppermint Kiss Cookies are ready to enjoy or gift!
How to Serve Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of crushed candy cane or peppermint shards over the cookies right after you press the Hershey Kiss in. It not only intensifies the peppermint vibe but adds a fun crunch. You can also dust lightly with powdered sugar for that snow-kissed holiday look.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with classic beverages like hot cocoa or peppermint mocha. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite holiday tea to elevate your cozy snack time. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a divine little dessert plate with these cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe wonders on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holly berries for an eye-catching holiday centerpiece. You could also package them in clear cellophane baggies tied with red and white ribbon to give as charming homemade gifts that truly show you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover Peppermint Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their freshness and soft texture for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season without losing any charm.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just shape the dough, roll in sugar, and freeze on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies also freeze well, stored in airtight containers for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe warm, gently reheat in a low oven (around 300 °F) for 5 minutes or so. Microwave warming works too—just 10 to 15 seconds will soften the cookies and rekindle that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, especially the melty chocolate kiss on top.
FAQs
Can I use other types of Hershey Kisses for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the candy cane Hershey Kisses give a wonderfully festive peppermint flavor, feel free to get creative with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored Kisses to suit your taste or occasion.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup the same. Just be sure your baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free too for the best result.
Why do I need to press the Hershey Kiss into the cookies while warm?
Pressing the Kisses into warm cookies allows the candy to slightly melt at the base, which helps it stick as the cookie cools and solidifies—without this, the Kisses might not adhere properly.
How long do Peppermint Kiss Cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh and delicious for about a week at room temperature. After that, their texture might change, so freezing extras is a great option.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe is easy to double or even triple. Just be sure to adjust baking times slightly as needed and use multiple baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe feels like passing along a little holiday happiness straight from my kitchen to yours. They’re simple to make, fun to gift, and even better to eat. So, go ahead—gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the sweet, minty magic these cookies bring to every celebration.
