Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and festive occasions. Serve them on a decorative holiday platter at your Valentine’s party, or package them in gift bags to share with friends and family.

These cookies are not only easy to make but also packed with holiday flavors like mint and chocolate, making them a delightful addition to any Christmas celebration.

Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift exchange, or simply want to enjoy a festive snack, these cookies are a must-try.

Why You’ll Love Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Festive and Fun: These cookies are a holiday favorite because of their colorful appearance and festive decorations. The bright red and white candy cane topping paired with the chocolate Hershey’s Kiss creates an eye-catching treat that will instantly bring cheer to any table.

Easy to Make: Despite looking impressive, these cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can bake a batch of these mouth-watering cookies in no time. Plus, the use of pre-made dough makes this recipe even easier for those who are short on time during the busy holiday season.

Chocolate and Mint Perfection: The combination of the smooth chocolate from the Hershey’s Kiss and the refreshing minty flavor of the candy cane is a perfect match. The balance of flavors is both satisfying and nostalgic, giving you that familiar holiday spirit with every bite.

Customizable: While the traditional recipe features a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss in the center, there are plenty of ways to personalize your cookies. You can use different types of Hershey’s Kisses (like peppermint or caramel-filled), or you can adjust the amount of crushed candy canes to suit your taste. This flexibility allows you to make these cookies your own.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup of butter (softened)
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 cup of crushed candy canes
24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
Optional: Red and white sprinkles for additional decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will usually take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. Next, add in the vanilla extract and mix again until fully incorporated.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly thick but easy to handle.

Shape the Dough: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you like, you can roll the dough balls in some extra granulated sugar for a little sparkle.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until they are just starting to turn golden at the edges. They should be soft in the center. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two.
Add the Hershey’s Kisses: Once the cookies have cooled slightly, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Be careful not to press too hard, as you want the kiss to stay intact while still making a slight indentation in the cookie.

Decorate: While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle them with the crushed candy canes. You can also add a few red and white sprinkles to enhance the festive look of the cookies.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. The cookies will harden slightly as they cool, giving them a deliciously crisp texture on the outside with a soft center.

Variations of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Peppermint Kiss Cookies: Use peppermint-flavored Hershey’s Kisses for an extra burst of minty goodness. The peppermint flavor pairs beautifully with the candy cane topping for a double dose of holiday cheer.

Chocolate Drizzle: For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the cookies once they’ve cooled. This can complement the Hershey’s Kiss and give your cookies an extra layer of chocolatey flavor.
Use of Dark Chocolate Kisses: If you prefer a richer flavor, opt for dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses instead of milk chocolate. The dark chocolate will add a more sophisticated taste to the cookies and balance the sweetness of the candy canes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the center?

Yes, you can use any variety of Hershey’s Kisses, such as caramel, almond, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, just let it soften slightly before rolling it into balls.

How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and festive occasions. Serve them on a decorative holiday platter at your Christmas party, or package them in gift bags to share with friends and family.

These cookies can also be enjoyed as an afternoon treat with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee. Their bright colors and sweet flavors will make them a delightful addition to any holiday spread.

With their sweet and minty flavor, chewy texture, and chocolatey goodness, Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are sure to become a holiday staple. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a holiday event, these cookies are bound to impress and spread some seasonal cheer.