Oh, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when everything is cozy, twinkling lights adorn our homes, and the sweet scent of delicious baked goods fills the air. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up during this season is my Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. It’s like a festive explosion in your mouth! They’re not just a delight to eat; these cookies bring back precious memories of baking with my grandma, who always had a spirit as sweet as the treats we made.
Picture this: a chilly afternoon, my grandma and I surrounded by colorful sprinkles, flour-covered countertops, and endless laughter. We’d bake all day, and these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies were always a showstopper, making their grand entrance at our holiday gatherings. The combination of buttery goodness, luscious chocolate, and a pop of peppermint creates a symphony of flavors that makes every bite feel like a celebration. So, grab your apron, and let’s bake some joy together!
What’s in Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Unsalted Butter: This is the star of the show, giving our cookies that rich and creamy base. Softened butter is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture we all love.
Granulated Sugar: This white granulate adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges. You can’t go wrong with a little sweetness during the festivities!
Powdered Sugar: Also known as icing sugar, this helps to add a touch of sweetness and ensures a soft texture. Plus, it makes the cookies look adorable when rolled in sugar.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together and gives the cookie that perfect structure we’re looking for.
Vanilla Extract: A classic in baking, this adds warmth and richness to the flavor. I’m a big fan of using pure vanilla extract as it really enhances the overall taste.
Peppermint Extract: You can’t have Candy Cane Kiss Cookies without this minty goodness! It makes the flavor pop and gives the cookies that festive flair.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our cookie dough, providing structure and stability.
Baking Powder: This little leavening agent helps our cookies rise and become beautifully soft.
Salt: A pinch of salt boosts all the other flavors and rounds out the sweetness of the cookies.
Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses: The cherry on top! These chocolate beauties melt delightfully in the center of our cookies, adding a chocolatey surprise.
Crushed Candy Canes: Not just for decoration, these give a wonderful crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor on top!
Additional Granulated Sugar: For rolling the cookie dough balls, gives them that extra sparkle and sweetness.
Is Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Good for You?
Now, let’s talk health! While these cookies are undoubtedly delicious, it’s good to keep in mind that they are a treat, not a health food. Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients and their benefits:
Butter: While it adds richness, butter is high in saturated fats, so moderation is key. It’s totally okay to indulge once in a while!
Granulated and Powdered Sugar: They provide that delightful sweetness. However, consuming too much sugar isn’t great for you, so enjoy these cookies in moderation.
Flour: All-purpose flour is a staple, but it’s not as nutritious as whole grains. Again, these cookies are a treat, so don’t stress too much!
Candy Canes: While they do add flavor and fun, be mindful of their sugary content. Plus, the mint can be good for digestion!
In short, while these cookies do have some treats that don’t scream “health,” they certainly provide joy and festive cheer—something we can all celebrate!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 10-12 Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (for sprinkling)
– Additional granulated sugar (for rolling)
These quantities will make about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
1. First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This really gets the air in your mix!
3. Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Just make sure it’s well combined—no lumps allowed!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. It’s all about that flour power!
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms. It should come together beautifully.
6. Now it’s time to roll! Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets.
7. Pop those cookies in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and begging to be devoured.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and, while they’re still hot, quickly press an unwrapped Candy Cane Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This is where the magic happens!
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Finally, once they’re cooled heavenly, sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes for that festive sparkle!
Sweet Secrets for Your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
– These cookies store well in an airtight container—perfect for making ahead of time for parties or gifting.
– If you’re a peppermint lover like me, feel free to replace some of the vanilla extract with extra peppermint extract. Just be careful, or you might end up with a flavor explosion!
I can’t stress enough how delightful these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are to make and even more fun to share! If you find yourself needing a little holiday cheer or simply want something delicious to snack on, give these cookies a try. I’m confident they’ll be a huge hit at your next gathering—or you know, just for your own cozy enjoyment at home. If you do make them, please drop me a message and let me know how they turned out! Happy baking!
