Candy Cane Kiss Cookies – Classic Christmas Cookie Recipe

These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! 🎁🎄 With a soft, buttery sugar cookie base and a festive peppermint Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss on top, they’re an irresistible Christmas cookie that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, cookie exchange, or just to enjoy a cozy holiday moment, these cookies are a must-try! 🎅🍪

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Festive & Fun – A classic Christmas cookie everyone will love!
✅ Soft & Buttery – Perfectly chewy cookies with a hint of vanilla.
✅ Peppermint & Chocolate Combo – The Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss adds a deliciously minty twist.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, quick prep, and a foolproof process.
✅ Perfect for Gifting – Wrap them up in a cute box for the sweetest holiday treat.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

🧈 For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness & helps with texture
• 1 large egg – Binds the dough together
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of your cookies
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps them rise
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness

🍬 For the Topping:

• Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses – Unwrapped (you’ll need about 30)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling) – Gives a slight crunch on the outside

💡 Substitutions & Variations:
✔️ Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
✔️ Swap out Candy Cane Kisses for classic Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate truffles.
✔️ Roll the dough in colored sugar for an extra festive touch.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2️⃣ Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

💡 Pro Tip: If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before rolling!

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🍪 Step 2: Shape & Roll the Cookies

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
3️⃣ Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat the outside.
4️⃣ Place the cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

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⏲️ Step 3: Bake to Perfection

1️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
2️⃣ Remove from the oven and let them cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet.

💡 Important: Don’t overbake! These cookies should remain soft in the center.

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🍬 Step 4: Add the Candy Cane Kisses

1️⃣ Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each one.
2️⃣ Allow the cookies to cool completely so the kisses can set (they will melt slightly at first but firm up as they cool).

💡 Pro Tip: Place the cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes to help the kisses set faster.

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🎄 Serving & Storage Tips

🍽️ Best Ways to Enjoy

• Serve with a hot cup of cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat. ☕🍪
• Pair with a glass of milk for a classic Christmas cookie experience. 🥛🎅
• Add them to your holiday cookie tray with gingerbread and sugar cookies!

🧊 How to Store Leftovers

📦 At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
❄️ In the Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

💡 Reheating Tip: Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes! Chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then bake as usual.

2️⃣ How Do I Keep the Kisses from Melting Too Much?

• Let the cookies cool for 2 minutes before pressing in the kisses.
• Chill the cookies in the fridge after adding the kisses to prevent them from melting.

3️⃣ Can I Use Other Types of Hershey’s Kisses?

Absolutely! Try these variations:
🍫 Classic Milk Chocolate Kisses – For a traditional flavor.
🤎 Dark Chocolate Kisses – Rich and slightly bitter.
🥜 Peanut Butter Kisses – If you love peanut butter & chocolate together!

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🎁 Perfect for Holiday Gifting

These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies make adorable homemade gifts! 🎁✨
🎀 Package them in a festive tin or gift box.
📜 Attach a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch.
❄️ Pair with a hot cocoa mix for the ultimate Christmas treat.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a holiday classic! 🎄🍪 Soft, buttery, and topped with a pepperminty Hershey’s Kiss, they’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any Christmas celebration.

Make a batch today and spread some holiday cheer! 🎅✨