Peppermint Kiss Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Peppermint Kiss Cookies: the very name conjures up images of twinkling lights, cozy fireplaces, and the sweet anticipation of the holiday season. But these aren’t just any cookies; they’re a delightful combination of melt-in-your-mouth goodness and festive cheer, guaranteed to be the star of your Christmas cookie platter. Have you ever wondered why these simple treats hold such a special place in our hearts?

While the exact origins of the Peppermint Kiss Cookie are a bit hazy, the combination of chocolate and peppermint has been a beloved flavor pairing for generations, particularly around the holidays. The addition of the iconic Hershey’s Kiss, with its distinctive foil wrapping, elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s a symbol of sharing, of sweetness, and of the joy that comes with the season.

What makes these cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The soft, buttery cookie base provides a comforting foundation for the rich chocolate Kiss. The refreshing burst of peppermint adds a festive touch that awakens the senses. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect baking project for families and bakers of all skill levels. Get ready to spread some holiday magic with these delightful treats!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Red food coloring (gel or liquid)
• About 48 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped (Peppermint Bark Kisses recommended!)
• Optional: Coarse sugar or sprinkles for decorating

Preparing the Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted, for the best texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
2. Add the Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Don’t overmix at this stage; just combine until everything is incorporated. The peppermint extract is potent, so start with ½ teaspoon and add a tiny bit more if you want a stronger peppermint flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
5. Divide and Color the Dough: Divide the dough in half. In one half, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until you achieve your desired shade of red. I usually start with 4-5 drops of gel food coloring and add more until I get a vibrant red. If using liquid food coloring, you might need a bit more to achieve the same color intensity. Keep the other half of the dough plain (white).
6. Chill the Dough: Wrap each half of the dough separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. This chilling time is crucial! It allows the gluten to relax, prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, and makes the dough easier to handle. You can even chill the dough overnight if you want to bake the cookies the next day.

Forming the Peppermint Kiss Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Roll Dough Balls: Take a small amount of each color dough (about 1 teaspoon of each) and roll them together in your hands to form a marbled ball. You can experiment with different ratios of red and white dough to create different marble effects. Don’t overwork the dough while rolling, as this can make the cookies tough.
3. Place Dough Balls on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. The cookies should still be slightly soft in the center.
5. Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 2-3 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you add the Hershey’s Kisses.

Adding the Hershey’s Kisses:

1. Press in the Kisses: While the cookies are still warm (but not too hot to handle), gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, helping it adhere to the cookie.
2. Optional Decoration: If desired, sprinkle the cookies with coarse sugar or sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft. This adds a festive touch and extra sweetness.
3. Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the chocolate from smearing.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Peppermint Kiss Cookies:

• Use Softened Butter: This is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar. If it’s melted, the cookies will spread too much.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: As mentioned earlier, chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and making the dough easier to handle.
• Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
• Work Quickly When Adding the Kisses: The cookies need to be warm enough for the chocolate to adhere, but not so hot that the chocolate melts completely.
• Experiment with Flavors: You can substitute other extracts for the peppermint extract, such as almond extract or lemon extract. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Let them thaw completely at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough balls slightly and bake as directed.
• Troubleshooting:
  • Cookies spreading too much: Make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted. Also, make sure you’re chilling the dough for long enough.
  • Cookies are dry: Don’t overbake them. Also, make sure you’re not using too much flour.
  • Cookies are tough: Don’t overmix the dough.

Variations:

• Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies: Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
• Peppermint Bark Kiss Cookies with White Chocolate Drizzle: After the cookies have cooled and the Kisses are set, melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for extra flavor and decoration.
• Gluten-Free Peppermint Kiss Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Enjoy!

These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or just a sweet treat any time of year. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do! They are always a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are more than just a holiday treat; they’re a little bite of pure joy, a burst of festive flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it perfectly balances the rich, buttery cookie with the cool, refreshing peppermint of the Hershey’s Kiss. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture is simply divine, and the vibrant red and white colors make them visually stunning on any dessert platter. Forget those dry, crumbly cookies you find at the store – these are homemade goodness at its finest! But the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, I promise you can whip up a batch of these in no time. The recipe is straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the results are consistently delicious. Plus, the process of unwrapping all those Hershey’s Kisses is strangely therapeutic, don’t you think? It’s a perfect activity to do with kids, friends, or even just by yourself while listening to your favorite holiday tunes. Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these Peppermint Kiss Cookies are absolutely perfect as is, there’s always room for a little creativity! For a more intense peppermint flavor, try adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the cookie dough. You could also roll the dough balls in crushed peppermint candies before baking for an extra festive touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider using different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, like dark chocolate or caramel-filled. Imagine a batch of these cookies with dark chocolate kisses – decadent! For serving, these cookies are wonderful on their own with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday cookie exchange or a homemade gift basket. Package them in a pretty tin or cellophane bag with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful and delicious present for friends, family, and neighbors. You can even crumble them over ice cream for a pepperminty sundae! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! Baking is all about having fun and creating something delicious that you can share with the people you love. I’m so confident that you’ll love these cookies that I’m practically begging you to try them! Seriously, you won’t regret it. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, minty, and festive, and they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Peppermint Kiss Cookies. I can’t wait to hear what you think! And most importantly, please share your experience! Did you try any variations? Did you have any baking mishaps (we’ve all been there!)? What did your friends and family think? Leave a comment below and let me know how your cookies turned out. I love hearing from you and seeing your creations! Happy baking!

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