Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Name: Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter, softened; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 20 Candy Cane Hershey Kisses

By:

Thomas

Published:

November 16, 2025

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This Candy Cane Kiss Cookies recipe is one of those sweets that immediately takes you to a cozy holiday scene. Picture the kitchen filled with the warm scent of melting chocolate and peppermint. Each bite of these cookies is a little burst of festive flavor, kind of like a warm hug for your taste buds. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up! Whether you’re looking to impress at a cookie exchange, make a special treat for the family, or just cozy up with something sweet, these cookies hit the spot every time. Trust me, your friends and loved ones will be asking for the recipe once they take their first bite! So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on making these delightful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies!

Why This Recipe Works

This Candy Cane Kiss Cookies recipe combines the rich flavors of buttery cookie dough with the festive burst of peppermint from the Candy Cane Hershey Kisses. The texture is perfectly soft and chewy, and the colorful candy topping not only adds a pop of holiday cheer but also enhances the flavor profile, making these cookies irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Not only are these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies deliciously festive, but they are also incredibly easy to make! Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just a special treat for yourself, they bring joy with every bite. The combination of simple ingredients creates a delightful cookie that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

½ cup salted butter, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
20 Candy Cane Hershey Kisses

Preparing Your Dough

Beat the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step makes a big difference because it incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies light and delightful.

Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Incorporate the egg yolk and pure vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined. The vanilla adds a beautiful aroma that complements the peppermint perfectly.

Combine with Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour into the bowl, mixing until the flour is fully integrated into the dough. Be careful not to overbeat the mixture, which can make your cookies tough. You want a nice soft dough that’s ready for baking!

Chilling the Dough

Refrigerate

Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. This step is crucial; it prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven nice and hot will help create that lovely golden color on your cookies.

Shape the Cookies

Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using your hands, create 1-inch balls of dough and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. Keep them spaced a couple of inches apart to allow for spreading.

Create a Thumbprint

Using your thumb or finger, gently press into the center of each cookie ball to create a small crevice. This will later hold your Candy Cane Kisses perfectly!

Bake

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft but just set at the edges.

Add the Kisses

As soon as you pull them out of the oven, immediately press a Candy Cane Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. This is the best part—it not only adds flavor but also gorgeous color!

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up a bit while still being soft and chewy.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these delightful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies warm, or pair them with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a festive holiday drink. They’re like the perfect little treat to brighten up any holiday gathering.

Tips for Success

Ensure the butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar. This really makes a difference in texture.
Do not skip the chilling step; it prevents spreading during baking. Trust me; your cookies will thank you later!
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing for best texture.

Variations

Consider adding crushed peppermint or chocolate chips for an extra twist. You can also substitute the Candy Cane Kisses with other seasonal flavors or traditional chocolate kisses. It’s fun to mix things up!

Storage Tips

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies (without the Kisses) for up to three months. Just remember to add the Kisses after thawing!

Pairing Ideas

Try pairing these cookies with a scoop of peppermint ice cream or serve them alongside a festive fruitcake for a balanced dessert table. Mixing flavors and textures can really elevate your dessert game!

FAQs

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead?
Yes, if you prefer a less salty flavor, unsalted butter can be used, but you may want to adjust the amount of added salt in your recipe.

2. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill your dough adequately and bake them on parchment paper to maintain their shape.

3. Can I use other flavored Kisses?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with flavors like caramel or chocolate if you want a different taste.

4. What can I do if I don’t have Candy Cane Kisses?
You can use regular Hershey’s Kisses or other festive candies such as peppermint bark or chocolate mint candies.

5. How can I make these cookies vegan?
You can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and replace the egg yolk with a flaxseed or chia seed egg.

These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a cherished holiday tradition that can be enjoyed by family and friends. With their bright colors and delightful flavors, they are sure to spread cheer during the festive season. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply indulging yourself, these cookies will create sweet memories that last long after the last bite is gone.