Welcome to Our Kitchen: Making the Best Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
No heading needs to be written for the introduction.
The holidays just aren’t the same without that minty chocolate magic. I remember my grandmother making something similar every December. Now, I bring that same joy to my own kitchen. We are making the best Candy Cane Kiss Cookies today. These simple treats taste just like Christmas morning. I promise you this recipe is pure comfort. It fits right into our family’s love for easy, meaningful baking. Get ready for soft, buttery cookies. They get that perfect chocolate surprise on top. This recipe is a real keeper.

Why You Will Love These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
These are honestly my favorite holiday bake.
Why should you make these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies right now?
They fit our whole 911Recipes mission perfectly.
- Quick Prep Time: You get big holiday flavor fast.
- Authentic Christmas Flavor: Peppermint meets rich chocolate.
- Texture Heaven: Soft cookie, melty center.
Quick Prep Time
We are talking fast here, friends.
These fit right in with our Quick & Easy Meals.
You spend little time mixing dough.
Baking time is super short, too.
Authentic Christmas Flavor
The crushed candy cane gives a nice little snap.
It cuts through the buttery dough beautifully.
That warm Hershey’s Kiss melts just right.
It is pure holiday cheer in every bite.

Gather Your Ingredients for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Let’s get organized before we start creaming butter.
Having everything ready makes baking smoother.
Here is what you need for these lovely Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.
Don’t worry; the list isn’t scary at all.
Dry Ingredients
Whisk these three things in a small bowl first.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients and Flavorings
Cream the butter and sugar well.
Remember your butter needs to be softened.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
The Essential Topping
This part is non-negotiable for the classic look.
Make sure all your chocolate kisses are ready.
You need 1 bag of unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses.
Essential Equipment for Your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
You don’t need fancy gadgets here.
Just your everyday kitchen helpers will do.
Grab these items before you mix anything up.
- Large mixing bowls and a whisk.
- Electric mixer for better creaming.
- Baking sheets and parchment paper.
- A rolling pin for crushing candy canes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Now for the fun part—making the actual cookies!
Follow these steps closely for beautiful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.
Don’t rush the creaming step; it adds air.
Preparing the Dough Base
First, get your oven hot. Set it to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper now.
Beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
Mix in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to that mix.
Stir until everything is just barely combined.
Adding Peppermint and Shaping the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Gently fold in your crushed peppermint pieces now.
Roll the dough into small, one-inch balls.
For extra sparkle, roll the balls in more sugar.
Place the dough balls two inches apart on the sheets.
These will become wonderful Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.
Baking and Applying the Chocolate Kiss
Bake for just 8 to 10 minutes total.
The edges should look lightly golden brown.
Pull them out right away; do not overbake them.
Immediately press one unwrapped chocolate kiss into each warm cookie center.
Let them sit on the hot pan for five minutes.
This short wait helps them set up nicely.
Tips for Success When Making Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
I’ve made these cookies so many times.
I learned a few tricks along the way.
These tips make your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies perfect.
Follow this advice for the best results ever.
Mastering the Crushed Peppermint
Crushing candy canes seems tricky, but it’s easy.
Put your peppermint candies in a sturdy plastic bag.
Seal the bag tightly shut, trapping the air out.
Use a heavy rolling pin or pan bottom to tap them.
You want crushed pieces, not fine dust, for the best snap.
Achieving the Right Texture
The biggest mistake is overbaking these beauties.
Bake them just until the edges turn light gold.
If they look too brown, the cookie will be hard.
If your chocolate kiss sinks later, gently press it again.
Give them five minutes on the hot pan first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
You might have a few baking questions pop up.
That is totally normal when trying a new recipe.
I gathered some common questions about these festive treats.
Let’s talk specifics for your batch of treats.
Can I substitute the chocolate kisses?
Yes, you absolutely can switch them up.
Try using peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips.
You can even use a small square of good dark chocolate.
Just press it in immediately while the cookie is warm.
How long do Candy Cane Kiss Cookies stay fresh?
These stay fresh nicely at room temperature.
Keep your finished Candy Cane Kiss Cookies sealed tight.
An airtight container works best for storage.
They are usually good for about five days.
Can I make this a dairy-free Holiday Cookie?
Making these dairy-free takes a few swaps.
Use plant-based butter sticks instead of dairy butter.
Find dairy-free chocolate kisses or similar baking chips.
This keeps the spirit of these great Holiday Cookies alive.
Storing and Serving Your Holiday Treats
Once cooled, your Peppermint Chocolate Cookies need a good home.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
They keep well for nearly a week this way.
Do not refrigerate them; they can dry out fast.
These cookies are fantastic with a hot cup of coffee.
They pair wonderfully with plain cold milk, too.
Share Your Baking Experience
I really hope you enjoyed making these.
Tell me how your cookies turned out below.
Did you add any fun twists to the recipe?
Leave a rating or a comment for us!
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Awesome 3-Step Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Magic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 3 dozen cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies bring holiday joy to your kitchen! They are simple to make and taste just like Christmas. You will love the soft, buttery cookie topped with a chocolate kiss.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar, if desired for extra crunch.
- Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake.
- Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For easy candy cane crushing, place them in a sealed plastic bag and tap them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan.
- If the chocolate kisses start to lose their shape, gently press them in again after the cookies have cooled for a few minutes more.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sweet Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approx. 100
- Sugar: Approx. 10g
- Sodium: Approx. 30mg
- Fat: Approx. 5g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 13g
- Fiber: Approx. 0g
- Protein: Approx. 1g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 15mg
