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Candy Cane Kiss Cookies: Irresistibly Festive Treats You’ll Love
Introduction to Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Imagine the warm aroma of a holiday kitchen, where the promise of festive treats dances in the air. Candy Cane Kiss Cookies bring that magic right into your home, fusing the comforting taste of classic cookies with a delightful peppermint twist. These cookies not only look enchanting with their vibrant red and white color scheme but also create a sense of nostalgia that invites friends and family to gather around the table.
The preparation of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies is a cherished tradition for many, often evoking memories of baking alongside loved ones, sharing laughter, and enjoying the perfect bites of festive cheer. Each cookie is a soft, buttery delight, topped with a melt-in-your-mouth Hershey’s Kiss, evoking that classic peppermint candy that many of us adore during the holidays. As the cookies bake, you’ll experience that exciting moment when the first whiff of candy canes and chocolate fills your space—what could be better?
Whether you’re aiming to impress guests at a holiday party, looking for a delightful gift to share, or just satisfying your own sweet tooth, these cookies are a surefire way to spread holiday cheer. Plus, they don’t require advanced baking skills—perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. You can easily whip up a batch on a snowy Sunday afternoon, or involve the kids for a fun family activity.
Gathering the essential ingredients and following a simple set of instructions enables you to create these delightful cookies that will undoubtedly become a yearly favorite in your household. The beauty of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies lies in their simplicity paired with their festive flair, making them the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter.
So, grab your mixing bowls, preheat that oven, and let’s dive into this magical recipe that will charm your taste buds and warm your heart this holiday season.
Key Ingredients for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Butter: The heart of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, softened butter ensures a rich, tender texture. It’s the key to that melt-in-your-mouth experience that keeps you reaching for more.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough while aiding in browning to create that perfect golden hue. Getting the sweetness just right is essential for these festive cookies.
Eggs: A large egg, along with an extra yolk, adds that necessary moisture and richness. This combination elevates the overall flavor and results in a beautifully soft texture that is simply irresistible.
Vanilla Extract: This classic ingredient complements the sweetness of the cookies. Its warm, inviting aroma makes the baking experience even more delightful.
Peppermint Extract: While optional, it’s highly recommended for a festive flair that beautifully harmonizes with the candy cane kisses.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides the essential structure for the cookies, allowing them to remain soft and chewy, which is what you want in a perfect cookie.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These powerful leavening agents ensure that your cookies rise beautifully, creating a light and delectable treat.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness for that perfect bite.
Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses: The star of the show! These delectable chocolatey bites melt into the cookies, delivering a delightful surprise in every mouthful, as well as a touch of seasonal cheer.
Why You’ll Love These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
If you have a fondness for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, you’re in for a festive treat that not only brings the holiday spirit to your kitchen but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Imagine a place where the sweet scent of baking cookies meets the invigorating scent of peppermint—it’s the kind of magic that signals the arrival of the holiday season.
A Unique Flavor Combination
These cookies offer a delightful contrast—soft, chewy cookie dough with a rich chocolate center and a burst of peppermint. The combination of chocolate Hugs or Kisses with crushed candy canes on top creates a visual and taste sensation that is hard to resist. Every bite captures the essence of Christmas joy.
Perfect for Any Occasion
What makes these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies so special is their versatility. They’re the perfect addition to your holiday cookie trays, an excellent gift for friends and family, and a fun baking project for weekend get-togethers. Plus, their vibrant appearance makes them an eye-catching centerpiece, whether at a cozy gathering or a festive party.
Simple and Fun to Make
The best part? Making these cookies is as enjoyable as eating them! With easy-to-follow instructions, even novice bakers can whip these up in no time. So, gather your friends or family, and turn the baking process into a fun, shared experience—it’s a recipe that brings people together. Once you try these cookies, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved holiday tradition.
Tips for Making Perfect Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Crafting Candy Cane Kiss Cookies can be a delightful adventure, especially during the holiday season. With a few tips under your belt, you’ll have cookies that not only taste heavenly but also look stunning. Here are some friendly insights that will elevate your cookie-baking game.
Choose Quality Ingredients
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Butter: Always opt for unsalted butter. It allows you to control the salt content and ensures the flavors shine through. Softening the butter at room temperature is key to achieving a creamy texture when mixed with sugar.
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Granulated Sugar: Using fine granulated sugar is essential for the right sweetness balance. It incorporates smoothly with the butter, creating a fluffy mixture.
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Candy Canes: For that perfect candy cane flavor, crush them into small bits. Larger pieces can be too overwhelming, so a mix of small chunks and fine dust works best for a balanced minty crunch.
Mixing is Important
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Do Not Overmix: When combining your dry ingredients with the wet ones, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy!
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Chill the Dough: Allow your dough to chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.
Timing is Crucial
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven. The Candy Cane Kiss Cookies should be lightly golden around the edges, while the centers remain soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
By incorporating these tips, you’re on your way to baking the most scrumptious Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Time Breakdown for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Making Candy Cane Kiss Cookies is not just about the end result—it’s about savoring each step in the process. From the moment you gather your ingredients to the sweet aroma filling your kitchen, time is on your side.
Preparation Time
Carving out about 15 minutes for preparation should do the trick. This includes gathering your ingredients, mixing the dough, and shaping it into perfect little balls ready to bake.
Baking Time
Once your cookies are prepped, pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them; they’re best when they’re soft in the center but lightly golden around the edges.
Total Time
From start to finish, you’ll spend roughly 30 minutes creating these delightful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. This quick and easy recipe makes it simple to fit holiday baking into a busy schedule, letting you enjoy delicious treats in no time!
Nutritional Information for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also offer a quick glance at their nutritional content. Let’s break it down so you can enjoy these tasty bites with peace of mind.
Calories
Each Candy Cane Kiss Cookie contains approximately 120 calories. This makes them a fun choice for a dessert without going overboard on calories during the festive season.
Protein
These cookies provide about 1.5 grams of protein per cookie, making them a sweet complement to your holiday gatherings while still offering a touch of nourishment.
Sodium
With around 60 milligrams of sodium, these cookies are a moderate option. This is perfect for keeping within dietary guidelines while indulging in a seasonal favorite.
Enjoy every bite, knowing a little about what goes into your treats!
FAQs about Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
When the festive season rolls around, Candy Cane Kiss Cookies become a delightful highlight, turning any gathering into a sweet celebration. You might have some questions as you prepare to bake these crowd-pleasers; let’s clear up a few common ones!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best features of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies is their adaptability. You can prepare the cookie dough up to a week in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling into balls and adding the kisses.
How should I store leftover cookies?
If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), storing them is simple. Keep your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. If you want to extend their freshness, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be good for a couple of months. Make sure to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying again.
Can I use different types of chocolate kisses?
Definitely! While the classic candy cane kisses are delightful, you can experiment with different flavors. From milk chocolate or dark chocolate to caramel-filled kisses, the options are endless. Just remember, if you opt for a different flavor, adjust the flavor of your dough slightly to ensure they complement each other well. Enjoy the creative process!
Conclusion on Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
In conclusion, Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a delightful way to bring holiday cheer into your kitchen. The combination of buttery dough and rich chocolatey kisses topped with festive peppermint instantly evokes the spirit of the season. These cookies not only look charming on a dessert platter but also make for a perfect gift for friends and family.
As you dive into preparing this recipe, keep in mind the joy that comes from sharing sweet moments, a vital ingredient that makes every bite taste even better. Enjoy baking these treats, and let your friends wonder how you captured the holiday magic in a cookie!
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Candy Cane Kisses Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delicious cookies filled with Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 large Egg Yolk
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (optional)
- 2 2/3 cups Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 9-ounce pkg. Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses (about 50-60)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar for 4 minutes or until light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl.
- Add egg and egg yolk and vanilla (and peppermint extract, if using) and mix for 1 minute longer.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Don’t overmix or it creates too much gluten, which leads to tough cookies.
- For easier rolling, you may opt to chill the dough for 20-30 minutes but this is optional.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll into small cookie dough balls. If you are using sparkling sugar, sprinkles, or nonpareils, pour into a bowl and roll each ball into the sprinkles.
- Place on the light colored baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until still soft in the center.
- While baking, unwrap all of the candy cane kisses so you are ready.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and wait two minutes before pressing the kisses into the center of the cookies.
- Optional: Move the cookies to the refrigerator for 5–10 minutes to “set” the kiss.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is optional but it can make rolling easier.
- Use light-colored baking sheets for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
