There’s something truly magical about the holidays—and a lot of that magic begins in the kitchen. As the scent of vanilla and peppermint wafts through your home, you just know the season has arrived. And nothing says “holiday spirit” quite like a tray full of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies—those soft, buttery cookies rolled in red, white, and green sprinkles, and topped with a peppermint-striped Hershey’s Kiss that looks like it came straight out of Santa’s workshop.
Whether you’re baking for your family, prepping for a cookie exchange, or just want to add a little sparkle to your dessert table, these cookies are exactly what you need. So grab your apron, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and let’s make a batch of joy!
Why You’ll Love These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
- They’re adorable! Just look at those vibrant sprinkles and the swirl of the candy cane kiss on top.
- Festive flavors of vanilla and peppermint combine for the perfect holiday bite.
- Super easy to make—no special equipment or complicated steps.
- Perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or just indulging with a cup of cocoa.
Still not convinced? One bite, and you’ll be sold.
The Perfect Holiday Treat for Gifting and Gathering
These cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re a statement. When you bring a plate of these to a party or drop them into a gift tin for your neighbors, you’re basically saying: “Yeah, I know how to bring the holiday cheer.”
They’re soft in the center, slightly chewy around the edges, and topped with a creamy, pepperminty kiss that melts just a little, creating that iconic Christmas-cookie look.
What Are Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Think of them as a festive cousin to the classic peanut butter blossom cookie—only instead of peanut butter and a milk chocolate kiss, you get a vanilla peppermint cookie rolled in colorful sprinkles, topped with a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss.
They’re not just pretty—they taste like the holidays themselves. Sweet, buttery, with that cool zip of peppermint.
A Closer Look at Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses
The hero of the recipe! 🎯
Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses are white chocolate with crunchy peppermint candy bits swirled inside. They’re creamy, minty, and add the perfect finishing touch. And let’s be honest—they’re too cute to resist with those red stripes.
Pro tip: Unwrap them all before baking starts, because trying to do it last minute while cookies cool? Not fun.
Ingredients Breakdown
Butter and Sugar: The Creamy Base
Start with softened unsalted butter. Not melted, not cold. Room temp is key for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Paired with granulated sugar, it makes for a creamy, dreamy cookie base.
Egg & Flavoring: The Flavor Enhancers
One egg brings moisture and structure. Add in vanilla extract for warmth and peppermint extract for that holiday zing. A little goes a long way—don’t go overboard or you’ll feel like you’re eating a breath mint.
The Flour Mix: Building the Structure
We’re using all-purpose flour, baking powder (not baking soda!), and just a pinch of salt. This combo makes for a tender, thick cookie that holds its shape perfectly.
The Sprinkles: The Sparkle of the Season
This is where the fun begins! You’ll roll each dough ball in red, green, and white nonpareils or festive holiday sprinkles. Make sure they’re fully coated for maximum visual impact (like in the photo!).
Candy Cane Kisses: The Final Magical Touch
Those beautiful striped Kisses? They go on after baking, once the cookies are slightly cooled, to prevent them from melting completely. Then, a quick trip to the freezer helps them set and keep their iconic shape.
Essential Baking Tools You’ll Need
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (for uniform size)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
No fancy gear here—just the basics. Perfect for bakers of all levels!
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Tips!)
Let’s walk through it together:
1. Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, mix 10 tbsp of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2 full minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed.
2. Add the Egg and Extracts
Mix in 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ¼ tsp peppermint extract. Beat until combined. You’ll smell that peppermint magic right away. 🎄
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups + 1 tbsp of flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. This step helps evenly distribute your leavening agent.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough. Don’t overmix!
5. Scoop, Roll, and Sprinkle
Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each ball in holiday sprinkles until fully coated. You want the whole ball covered—like ornaments for your cookie tree!
6. Chill the Dough
Pop your sprinkle-coated dough balls into the fridge for 20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape in the oven.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies on a parchment-lined tray for 12 minutes, or until the edges are set. They should look pale—not golden brown!
8. Add the Kiss
Once out of the oven, cool cookies for 3–5 minutes, then gently press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each one. Immediately move the tray to the freezer for 1 minute so the Kisses set without melting.
Freezing & Storing Tips
One of the best things about these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies? You can make them ahead of time. Whether you’re prepping for a busy holiday week or baking in bulk for gifts, here’s how to make them last:
- Freezing the Dough: After rolling in sprinkles, freeze the dough balls on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Yes, even after baking, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just make sure the Hershey’s Kisses have fully set before stacking them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
- Storing at Room Temp: These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temp. The sprinkles and Kisses hold up surprisingly well!
How to Keep Your Candy Cane Kisses from Melting
This one’s crucial if you want your cookies to look just like the picture. After you press the Kiss into the warm cookie:
- Don’t skip the freezer step. It helps set the Kiss quickly before it melts or loses its shape.
- Avoid handling the cookies too much while they’re warm—they’re fragile until the chocolate firms up.
Want extra insurance? Use a chilled baking sheet straight from the fridge for transferring cookies to the freezer.
Decoration Tips for Extra Holiday Magic
If you really want to go full-on festive (and who doesn’t during the holidays?), try these fun twists:
- Add edible glitter or sugar crystals on top of the sprinkles for a sparkling snow effect.
- Use star-shaped sprinkles in place of round ones for a more whimsical look.
- Mix up the sprinkle colors—try silver and gold for a more elegant vibe, or go pastel for a winter wonderland theme.
Substitutions & Variations
No need to stress if you’re out of a few ingredients or want to mix it up:
Gluten-Free Option
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
Chocolate Kiss Alternatives
Not a peppermint fan? No problem. Try:
- Milk Chocolate Kisses
- Hot Cocoa Kisses
- Caramel-Filled Kisses
Each one adds a different twist!
No Peppermint? No Problem!
You can leave out the peppermint extract entirely and just go for classic vanilla sugar cookies with candy cane kisses. Still delicious!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These cookies are easy, but here are a few pitfalls to dodge:
- Overbaking – They should still look pale when you take them out. Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly cookies.
- Skipping the chill – Don’t skip chilling the dough. It’s what keeps your cookies thick and chewy.
- Adding the Kiss too late – Wait too long and your cookies cool too much, and the Kiss won’t “stick” properly.
- Not fully coating in sprinkles – This is a visual cookie. The more color, the better!
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies / Holiday Baking
Description
🎄 Soft, sparkly, peppermint-kissed Christmas cookies that melt in your mouth! These festive treats bring instant holiday magic with every bite. ❤️🍬✨
Ingredients
10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
2 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sprinkles (for rolling)
21–23 Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped 🍥
Instructions
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. 😊
👉 Duration: 2 minutesAdd the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until well combined.
👉 Duration: 1 minuteIn a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
👉 Duration: 1 minuteAdd the dry mixture into the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
👉 Duration: 1–2 minutesScoop 1-inch balls of dough and roll each ball in sprinkles until fully coated. 🎉
👉 Duration: 3 minutesPlace the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate to firm up. ❄️
👉 Duration: 20 minutesBake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until edges are set but not browned.
👉 Duration: 12 minutesLet the cookies cool on a plate.
👉 Duration: 3–5 minutesPress a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie, then place in the freezer briefly to set the chocolate. 🍬
👉 Duration: 1 minute
Notes
For best results, unwrap the Candy Cane Kisses before baking so they’re ready to press in while cookies are warm.
Don’t skip chilling — it keeps the cookies thick, soft, and perfectly shaped.
If the kisses start melting after pressing, pop the cookies into the freezer for 1 minute to set them.
Use nonpareil sprinkles for the best texture and color pop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 21 cookies
- Calories: approx. 150 kcal per cookie
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With These Cookies
These cookies were made to be enjoyed with festive drinks and cozy vibes. Try pairing them with:
- Hot chocolate topped with whipped cream
- Peppermint mocha or coffee
- Warm apple cider
- Vanilla eggnog
Or go for the classic: a tall glass of cold milk and a cozy blanket.
You may also like these recipes :
White Chocolate Cranberry Snow Kiss Cookies
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Make It a Family Baking Day
One of the best things about this recipe? It’s super kid-friendly! From rolling dough balls to dipping them in sprinkles, little hands will have a blast helping out.
Make it a whole family activity:
- Play Christmas music
- Wear matching aprons
- Have a sprinkle station with different colors
- Take cookie selfies at the end!
Memories like these? Priceless.
How to Package These Cookies for Gifting
Spread the holiday love by gifting these cookies to friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
Try these packaging ideas:
- Clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon
- Holiday cookie tins with tissue paper
- Mason jars with a handwritten tag
- Mini boxes with wax paper lining
Include a cute note with the name of the cookie and ingredients (in case of allergies). Bonus: Tie a Candy Cane on top for extra flair!
Nutritional Info Breakdown (Approximate)
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 1g
(Values may vary depending on the size and brand of ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts: Why These Cookies Deserve a Spot on Your Christmas Table
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s easy to make, festive to look at, and full of holiday flavor, these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies check every box. They’re soft, buttery, full of seasonal cheer, and topped with a pepperminty swirl that makes them almost too pretty to eat… almost.
Perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, Santa’s plate, or just a late-night snack by the Christmas tree, these cookies are guaranteed to become a yearly tradition.
So go ahead—whip up a batch, turn up the carols, and make this holiday season the sweetest one yet.
Similar recipes : Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy Recipe
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight?
Absolutely! Just roll them in sprinkles right before baking to prevent the colors from bleeding into the dough.
2. Can I use colored sugar instead of sprinkles?
Yes, colored sanding sugar works beautifully and gives a shimmery finish!
3. How long do the cookies stay fresh?
They stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temp.
4. Can I freeze baked cookies with the Kisses on top?
Yes! Just make sure the Kisses are fully set. Freeze in layers with parchment paper between each layer.
5. My Kisses melted—what happened?
You probably waited too long to put them in the freezer, or your cookies were too hot. Press the Kisses in once the cookies have cooled for 3–5 minutes and freeze immediately.
