Magical Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe: Holiday Joy in Every Bite

Crafting delightful peppermint kiss cookies brings pure winter magic right to your kitchen.

Sweet chocolate and cool mint dance together in every delectable bite.

Festive baking sessions sparkle with joy when these treats emerge from the oven.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect cookie experience that feels like a holiday hug.

Chocolate kiss centers nestle beautifully against tender cookie bases, promising irresistible flavor combinations.

Simple ingredients and quick preparation mean you can whip up these charming cookies in under an hour.

Invite loved ones to join the baking fun and watch smiles spread with each delicious morsel.

Why Peppermint Kiss Cookies Are So Festive

• Craft Chocolate Delight: These peppermint kiss cookies transform simple ingredients into a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate with refreshing mint flavors.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare these cookies in minimal steps, mixing dry and wet ingredients seamlessly to create a batch of irresistible chocolate treats perfect for any gathering.
• Family-Friendly Baking Adventure: Kids and adults can participate in rolling dough balls and pressing peppermint kisses, making this recipe a fun and interactive baking experience that brings everyone together.
• Festive Sweet Sensation: These cookies shine during holiday seasons, offering a perfect blend of chocolate and peppermint that captures the festive spirit with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Everything In Peppermint Kiss Cookies

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure and caramelization.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's moisture and structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, sweet aromatic note.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie.
• Cocoa Powder: Creates a deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and achieve a light, tender texture.

• Mini Chocolate Chips, Peppermint Kiss Candies, Powdered Sugar: Add extra chocolate flavor, festive peppermint touch, and decorative sweetness to the cookies.

How To Bake Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and clean-up.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer to cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Blend in egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until completely smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt
• Baking powder

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 5: Create Chocolate Dough

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing until a rich, dark chocolate dough forms.

Step 6: Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Gently fold mini chocolate chips throughout the cookie dough, distributing them evenly.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll dough into small, uniform balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Aim for consistent size to ensure even baking.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place cookie balls on prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges are set and tops appear slightly cracked.

Step 10: Add Peppermint Kiss

Immediately after removing from oven, gently press a peppermint kiss candy into the center of each warm cookie.

Step 11: Initial Cooling

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, allowing the chocolate kiss to slightly melt and adhere.

Step 12: Final Touches

Transfer cookies to a wire rack. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Step 13: Complete Cooling

Allow cookies to cool completely, giving the peppermint kiss time to firm up before serving or storing.

Tips For Peppermint Kiss Cookie Success

• Melt Kisses Perfectly: Press peppermint kisses into warm cookies immediately after baking to ensure they stick without breaking.
• Chill Dough for Easier Handling: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent sticking and create more uniform balls.
• Prevent Cracking: Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough blend smoothly and reduce cookie cracking during baking.
• Balance Chocolate Flavor: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder to enhance the rich chocolate taste of the cookies.
• Store Wisely: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor.

Tasty Ways To Twist Peppermint Kiss Cookies

• Candy Cane Crunch: Replace peppermint kisses with crushed candy canes sprinkled on top of chocolate cookies for extra festive crunch.
• Mocha Mint Magic: Swap vanilla extract with espresso powder to create a rich mocha flavor, then top with dark chocolate mint kisses.
• White Chocolate Peppermint Swirl: Use white chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips and garnish with white chocolate peppermint kisses for a creamy, elegant variation.
• Chocolate Orange Mint: Add orange zest to the dough and use chocolate orange kisses instead of peppermint kisses for a sophisticated flavor combination.

Perfect Pairings For Peppermint Kiss Cookies

• Pair Creamy Hot Chocolate: Warm, velvety hot chocolate complements the rich chocolate cookie, enhancing the peppermint kiss's cool mint flavor.
• Serve Peppermint Mocha: A festive coffee drink with mint and chocolate notes perfectly matches the cookie's decadent profile and holiday spirit.
• Match Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast against the warm, chocolatey cookie with its crisp peppermint center.
• Accompany Candy Cane Cocktail: An adult festive drink featuring peppermint schnapps and cream that echoes the cookie's minty, sweet essence.

Store Peppermint Kiss Cookies The Right Way

• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place cookies in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, ensuring they're protected from moisture and odors.
• Wrap individual cookies or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, storing for up to 3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, allowing them to return to their original soft texture.

FAQs On Peppermint Kiss Cookies

• Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can skip the mini chocolate chips if you prefer. The cookies will still have a rich chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder.

• How do I prevent the peppermint kiss from melting completely?

Press the kiss gently into the warm cookie right after baking. The residual heat will slightly soften the candy without completely melting it.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

An electric mixer is helpful for creaming butter and sugar, but you can also use a hand whisk with some extra effort. A baking sheet and parchment paper are essential.

• Are these cookies good for holiday baking?

Absolutely! The peppermint kiss and chocolate combination makes these cookies perfect for Christmas or winter gatherings. They’re festive and delicious.

Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic sparkles in these Peppermint Kiss Cookies, where chocolate sugar cookies cradle festive Hershey’s kisses. Chocolate and mint combine in a delightful treat sure to charm family and friends during winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate and Mint Components:

• 24 peppermint kiss candies
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until smooth.
4. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a rich chocolate dough.
6. Mix in mini chocolate chips to distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough.
7. Roll the dough into small, uniform balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
8. Place cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked.
10. Remove from the oven and immediately press a peppermint kiss candy into the center of each warm cookie.
11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set the chocolate kiss.
12. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
13. Let cookies cool completely, allowing the peppermint kiss to firm up before serving.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain clean cookie edges.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture in the cookies.
• For gluten-free variation, swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Work quickly when placing chocolate kisses to embed them while cookies are still warm and soft.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 166
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg