Celebrate the holiday season with Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, a festive and flavorful treat perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. These minty cookies feature the delightful crunch of candy canes, topped with a Hershey’s kiss for a touch of sweetness. Their colorful appearance and festive flavors make them a favorite choice for holiday baking and sharing.
Ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter (softened): 1/2 cup
- White Sugar: 1 1/4 cups (divided into 1 cup and 1/4 cup)
- Large Egg: 1
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Peppermint Extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Milk: 2 tablespoons
- Crushed Candy Canes: 1/2 cup
- Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses: 28 pieces
Directions:
- Prep:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, cream together butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in crushed candy canes.
- Chill the Dough:
- Shape the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls and chill on the prepared sheets in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll dough balls in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and space them 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until cookies are set.
- Decorate:
- Immediately after baking, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (Includes chilling)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Approx. 28 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Calories: 122 kcal per cookie
Tips:
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent the cookies from flattening during baking.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and maintain the shape of the cookies.
- Adjust the baking time based on your oven’s characteristics to achieve the perfect doneness without overbaking.
FAQs:
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
_A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Q: How can I ensure the Hershey’s Kisses do not melt completely?
_A: Press the kisses into the cookies right after they come out of the oven, then cool the cookies on the baking sheet for only 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. The short cooling time helps prevent the kisses from melting too much.
Conclusion: Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are the perfect way to add festive cheer to your holiday celebrations. With their minty flavor and sweet chocolatey topping, these cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Enjoy baking these treats and watch them disappear as quickly as they are admired!