These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, infused with the refreshing flavor of peppermint and topped with a candy cane-flavored Hershey’s Kiss. Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive spirit. The combination of peppermint extract and candy cane kisses creates a delightful peppermint flavor that is both nostalgic and modern. These cookies are a great addition to any holiday cookie platter, and their ease of preparation makes them a perfect activity for family baking sessions.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups + 1 Tablespoon (260g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 Tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup nonpareil sprinkles (I use these)
- 32–36 candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions:
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until creamy and combined, about 2 minutes.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until fully combined. The dough will be very thick.
- Chill Dough Balls: Measure 1 scant Tablespoon, or 20g, of dough per cookie. Roll into a ball. If the dough feels too sticky to roll in your hands, chill it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes and then try again.
- Roll in Sprinkles: Roll the dough balls in a dish of sprinkles—nonpareil or colored sparkling sugar—and place on a lined baking sheet or a plate.
- Chill Dough Balls: Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, or up to 1 day. If chilling for longer than 1 hour, cover them.
- Preheat Oven: While the cookie dough balls are chilling, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Bake Cookies: Place the chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 minutes or until edges appear set. The cookies may look under-baked in the centers; that’s okay—do not over-bake.
- Cool Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Press in Kisses: Immediately press a candy cane-flavored Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Top Tips:
- Chill Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape and ensures they bake evenly.
- Don’t Overbake: Peppermint Kiss Cookies should be soft and chewy in the center. Overbaking can make them dry and hard.
- Use Fresh Kisses: Make sure to use fresh candy cane-flavored Hershey’s Kisses for the best flavor.
- Sprinkle Variations: Experiment with different types of sprinkles, such as nonpareils, sparkling sanding sugar, or regular jimmies-style sprinkles, for added color and texture.
- Peppermint Extract: Feel free to omit or replace the peppermint extract with almond extract for a classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations:
- Chocolate Version: Use regular chocolate Hershey’s Kisses instead of candy cane-flavored ones for a different twist.
- Almond Extract: Replace peppermint extract with almond extract for a classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Colored Sprinkles: Use colored sprinkles in festive colors like red and green for an extra holiday touch.
- White Chocolate Kisses: Use white chocolate Hershey’s Kisses for a creamy and sweet contrast.
- Nut-Free Option: These cookies are already nut-free, making them a great option for schools or workplaces with nut allergies.
Nutritional Guide:
| Servings | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 135 | 5g | 20g | 1g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on the ingredients and portion sizes used. Actual nutritional values may vary depending on specific brands and measuring methods. These cookies are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The high sugar content makes them a treat rather than a daily snack. However, the peppermint flavor adds a refreshing twist that can help balance the sweetness.
