Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to bake these delightful cookies:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Form the cookie dough balls: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each dough ball in the sprinkles to coat them evenly. This will give the cookies a colorful, festive appearance.
- Bake the cookies: Place the sprinkle-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The center of the cookies should look slightly soft.
- Add the Candy Cane Kiss: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will slightly crack around the edges, but that’s perfectly fine! The warm cookie will help the Kiss to melt into place.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The Kisses will set as the cookies cool, creating a beautiful minty topping.
Serving and Storage:
These cookies are best served once the Kisses have fully set, and they make a great treat for any holiday occasion. Here are some tips for serving and storing them:
- Serving: Serve these cookies as a festive treat at your holiday gatherings or package them up in cellophane bags for gift-giving. The Candy Cane Kiss on top makes these cookies a showstopper!
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store the cookies in a single layer to prevent the Kisses from getting smushed.
Tips:
- Softening the butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, not melted, for the best texture in the dough.
- Handling the Candy Cane Kisses: If you’re worried about the Kisses melting too much when pressed into the warm cookies, you can freeze the Kisses for a few minutes before adding them to the cookies. This will help them hold their shape.
- Customize the sprinkles: While traditional red and green sprinkles are perfect for the holidays, you can customize the sprinkles to match your theme or use a mix of colors. Festive, holiday-themed sprinkles are always a great choice!
- Don’t overbake: To keep the cookies soft and chewy, be careful not to overbake them. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so pull them out when they’re just starting to brown on the edges.
Variations:
If you’re looking to mix things up or add your own twist to these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, here are a few variations you can try:
- Chocolate Candy Cane Kiss Cookies: For a richer flavor, try using a chocolate cake mix to make the cookie dough instead of the traditional sugar cookie dough. This will give your cookies a delicious chocolate base that pairs wonderfully with the minty Kisses.
- Double Candy Cane Kiss Cookies: For an extra minty flavor, use a double dose of Candy Cane Kisses—one Kiss for the center and another for the top, creating a two-layer minty topping!
- Crushed Candy Canes: If you love the extra crunch, try adding some crushed candy canes to the cookie dough. This adds an extra pop of peppermint flavor and texture that pairs perfectly with the Kiss.
Conclusion:
**Candy Cane Kiss Cookies** are a delightful treat that combines the best of holiday flavors: buttery cookies, the refreshing taste of peppermint, and the sweet, melty goodness of a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss. With their festive sprinkles and minty kiss on top, these cookies make the perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray or a special gift for loved ones. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a batch of these cookies in no time. Happy baking, and enjoy every minty bite!
