Get ready to spread holiday cheer with my Candy Cane Kiss Cookies! These festive treats mix soft cookies with creamy Candy Cane Kisses, creating a perfect blend of flavor and fun. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, from gathering your ingredients to baking and decorating. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these cookies can make any gathering more special. Let’s dive in and get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of rich butter, sweet powdered sugar, and crunchy candy canes gives these cookies a delightful holiday taste that everyone loves.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels, making holiday baking stress-free.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make a beautiful and delicious gift during the holiday season, especially when arranged on a decorative platter.
- Fun for the Family: Baking these cookies together is a wonderful way to create lasting memories with family and friends during the festive season.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This helps create a rich and creamy texture.
– 1 cup powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and helps the cookies stay soft.
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookie dough gives structure.
– ¾ teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
– ¼ teaspoon salt: A small amount enhances the overall taste.
– 1 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish): These add a refreshing minty flavor and a festive touch.
– 24 Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped: These melted kisses top the cookies for a sweet surprise.
Special Notes on Ingredients
– I recommend using unsalted butter to control the saltiness in your cookies.
– Choose fresh candy canes for the best crunch and flavor.
– Feel free to crush the candy canes in a zip-top bag for less mess.
– Always use room temperature butter for easy mixing. This ensures a smooth dough.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to create your festive treats! Enjoy the process and the delicious results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping for Baking
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking. Next, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be light and fluffy. This texture makes your cookies soft and nice.
Combining Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients until they are evenly combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter-sugar blend. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Now, gently fold in 1 cup of crushed candy canes. This will add a fun, festive flavor to your cookies. Make sure the candy canes are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Baking and Finishing Touches
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Roll it into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space the balls about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows for even baking.
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to turn a light golden color. This is a sign they are ready. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes.
During this time, gently press a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will make the kiss melt slightly into the soft cookie.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are still warm, sprinkle some additional crushed candy canes on top. This adds a nice festive touch. Enjoy these cookies with milk or your favorite holiday drink!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To make sure your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies turn out great, follow these tips:
– Prevent Spreading: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps keep the cookies thick and fluffy.
– Ensure Fluffiness: Beat the butter and sugar well. This adds air to the mix, making your cookies soft and light.
– Even Baking: Space the cookie balls about 2 inches apart. This allows hot air to circulate and bake them evenly.
Decorating Options
Decorating your cookies can be just as fun as baking them!
– Garnishing with Crushed Candy Canes: While the cookies are warm, sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top. This adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.
– Using Different Types of Kisses: Try using other flavors of Kisses, like milk chocolate or caramel. This gives a fun twist to your festive treats.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for better incorporation into the dough, which results in a lighter and fluffier cookie.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can help the cookies maintain their shape, especially when adding the Candy Cane Kisses.
- Perfectly Press the Kisses: For a beautiful finish, press the Candy Cane Kisses into the cookies while they are still warm but not too hot, ensuring they melt just enough to adhere without becoming overly soft.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to replace crushed candy canes with other festive ingredients like crushed peppermint or different flavored kisses for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavor of your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. One fun way is to swap the vanilla extract with other flavor extracts. Try peppermint for a stronger minty flavor or almond for a nutty twist. Each option gives your cookies a unique taste that can surprise your friends and family.
Another tasty variation is using white chocolate instead of Candy Cane Kisses. Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cookies. This adds a creamy sweetness that pairs well with the crunch of candy canes. You can also use other flavors of Kisses, like dark chocolate or caramel. Each type adds a distinct flavor and makes your cookies special.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need gluten-free options, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture. This way, everyone can enjoy your festive treats without worry.
For vegan adaptations, substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg by mixing one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. This simple swap helps make your cookies vegan without losing their deliciousness.
With these variations, you can create a Candy Cane Kiss Cookie that fits everyone’s tastes and needs!
Storage Info
Storing Baked Cookies
To keep your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. If you leave them at room temperature, they stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them for longer, place them in the fridge. They can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying.
For long-term storage, you can freeze these cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, simply take out what you need and let them thaw at room temperature.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to serve these cookies, you may want them warm. To reheat, you can place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up nicely without making them tough.
If you’ve frozen the cookies, let them thaw first. After thawing, reheat them using the microwave or an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This keeps them soft and tasty, just like when they were fresh. Enjoy these festive treats with a glass of milk for the best experience!
FAQs
Common Questions about Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Can I use different types of kisses?
Yes, you can use different types of kisses. Try using milk chocolate or dark chocolate kisses. Each type will change the taste. You can also explore seasonal flavors, like pumpkin spice. This adds a fun twist to your cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
You can tell the cookies are done when the edges turn light golden. Bake them for 10-12 minutes. If they look soft in the middle, that’s okay. They will firm up as they cool.
Customization Questions
Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Just mix them in gently. This adds texture and flavor to your cookies.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To make the cookies less sweet, cut back on the powdered sugar. You can use half a cup instead of a full cup. Also, choose dark chocolate kisses for less sweetness.
This guide shows you how to bake amazing Candy Cane Kiss cookies. You learned about every ingredient and crucial steps. I shared tips for perfecting your cookies and exciting variations. Remember, you can customize these cookies to fit your taste or diet. Store them properly for freshness and enjoy them warm. Baking is about joy, so have fun experimenting. Enjoy your sweet treat
