There is something truly magical about a warm cookie with a melty peppermint center that instantly brightens up any day. The Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe is a festive favorite that combines buttery, tender cookie dough with the cool, refreshing burst of peppermint chocolates nestled right in the center. These cookies are not only delightful to bake but create a gorgeous presentation with their shiny peppermint tops and optional crushed candy cane sprinkles. Whether you’re gearing up for holiday celebrations or just want to enjoy a sweet peppermint treat, this recipe always delivers cheer and smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe is a breeze because it calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each plays a special role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive looks you’ll love.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base and tender crumb you want in every cookie.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies brown just right.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and gives structure.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the buttery flavor.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Creates the sturdy yet soft cookie texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly for the ideal chewiness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavors.
- 24 peppermint kisses, unwrapped: The star of the show, these candies add a delightful peppermint surprise in every cookie.
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes (optional): Sprinkling these on top adds festive crunch and extra peppermint punch.
How to Make Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet cleanly, ready to shine with those peppermint kisses.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is key for creating a cookie with a soft, delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined. The vanilla extract adds aromatic depth that complements the minty candies perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together. This step ensures that the raising agent and seasoning are evenly distributed, giving your cookies consistent flavor and perfect rise.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until you get a soft dough that’s just right for shaping – not too sticky, not too dry.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling firms it up, which helps the cookies hold their shape and keep that soft center when baked.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet with a couple of inches between each. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just set but the centers are soft.
Step 8: Add the Peppermint Kisses
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press an unwrapped peppermint kiss right into the center of each cookie. The warmth will slightly melt the chocolate, creating a gorgeous glossy peppermint center.
Step 9: Cool and Add Final Touch
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. If you want to amp up the festive factor, sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes while the peppermint kisses are still slightly soft.
How to Serve Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra sparkle and crunch, sprinkle crushed candy canes or finely chopped peppermint on top of the cookies just after pressing in the kisses. You can also dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant snow-dusted effect that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a creamy latte. A simple glass of cold milk is a classic choice too – the coolness balances the minty sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or candy cane decorations for a holiday party centerpiece that doubles as a conversation starter. Wrapping a few cookies in cellophane with a colorful ribbon also makes for delightful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain maximum freshness and softness. Be sure to layer them with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking and preserve their beautiful peppermint tops.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, and then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Baked cookies also freeze well; store in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F or 150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back the soft texture and slightly melts the peppermint kisses for that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I substitute peppermint kisses with regular chocolate candies?
While regular chocolate candies will still taste great, the peppermint kisses provide that signature minty burst that defines this recipe. If you want to skip the mint, you might try different flavored kisses, but peppermint is what makes these cookies truly special.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes for topping?
Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently crush them into small pieces. Avoid pulverizing them too fine so you keep some visual texture and crunch on top of the cookies.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax or chia egg in place of the chicken egg. Be sure to check that the peppermint kisses you choose are also dairy-free, as some contain milk ingredients.
Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?
Chilling the dough solidifies the fats and slows gluten development, which helps the cookies spread less, bake evenly, and develop a tender crumb. It also deepens the flavor, making every bite more satisfying.
Can I use this recipe to make other festive cookies?
Absolutely! The dough is versatile enough for plain drop cookies or to be rolled out and cut into shapes. Add different extracts or toppings to customize your holiday treats, but for classic charm, this Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe always shines.
Final Thoughts
Nothing warms the heart quite like the joy of fresh-baked treats, and this Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to spread that happiness. The blend of buttery softness and peppermint sparkle creates a cookie experience you’ll want to share again and again. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll have yourself a new holiday or anytime favorite that brings smiles with every bite!
Print
Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are delightful holiday treats featuring a soft, buttery cookie topped with a melting peppermint kiss and an optional sprinkle of crushed candy canes for extra festive crunch. Perfect for Christmas celebrations or cozy winter gatherings, these cookies combine classic flavors with a refreshing minty twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 24 peppermint kisses, unwrapped
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring an even distribution of flavor and moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and saltiness.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm it up, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Add Peppermint Kisses: Immediately after removing cookies from the oven, press one unwrapped peppermint kiss into the center of each cookie to gently melt it and adhere it to the warm cookie.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle with crushed candy canes for added color and crunch before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to easily cream with sugar.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- You can substitute peppermint kisses with chocolate candies if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Crushed candy canes are optional but add a nice festive touch and extra mint flavor.
