Oh boy, do I have a festive treat for you! Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are the absolute embodiment of holiday cheer in bite-sized form. Every time I whip up a batch of these delightful cookies, I can’t help but think back to the first time I made them with my grandmother. We’d spend the afternoon giggling and trying to crush candy canes without making too much of a mess (spoiler alert: we always failed gloriously). The combination of sweet vanilla, a hint of almond, and that irresistible peppermint from the candy canes makes these cookies an absolute must during the holidays.
What I love most about Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, aside from their melt-in-your-mouth goodness, is how versatile they can be. You can decorate them with extra crushed candy canes, or even dunk them in white chocolate if you’re feeling extra indulgent! So grab your apron, and let’s get baking—holidays are not complete without a batch (or two) of these festive delights.
What’s in Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Unsalted Butter: This is the star of the show! Softened butter makes the cookies rich and adds that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. I always recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the cookies.
Granulated Sugar: The sweetener here! It helps give these cookies that lovely sweetness and light golden color.
Vanilla Extract: Add a splash of this for a warm and inviting flavor that complements the peppermint perfectly.
Almond Extract: Just half a teaspoon goes a long way! It gives a unique flavor that elevates the cookies. Make sure to use pure almond extract for the best taste.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of the cookies. It gives them structure, so they keep their shape while baking.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become super soft and fluffy!
Crushed Candy Canes: The festive crunch! About 4-5 candy canes, crushed into bits, add a delightful minty flavor and a sprinkle of holiday joy.
Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses: These are the cherry on top! Each cookie gets one of these delicious chocolate kisses pressed right in the center, bringing chocolatey goodness and an irresistible peppermint flavor.
Is Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Good for You?
While I would never claim cookies are health food, there are benefits to some of the ingredients!
Butter: Provides essential nutrients, but remember to enjoy in moderation.
Sugar: Gives that burst of energy but keeping it in check is important if you’re watching your intake.
Candy Canes: Loaded with sugar, but they do bring a fun, festive spirit to the party! Just be mindful if you’re sensitive to sugar.
Overall, this cookie is a delightful treat best enjoyed in moderation—perhaps sharing them with friends or family is a good idea!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup crushed candy canes (about 4-5 candy canes)
– 32 unwrapped Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses
Makes approximately **32 cookies**.
How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the crushed candy canes until evenly distributed in the dough.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and shape them into round balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and immediately press one Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Festive Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cookies
– For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top of the cookies right before baking. It makes them look even more festive!
– These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long—they’re just too good!
– Consider gifting a batch to friends or neighbors; they make for a delightful holiday surprise!
So there you have it—your guide to making the most scrumptious Candy Cane Kiss Cookies! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own sweet memories in the kitchen! Please let me know how they turn out, and happy baking!
