Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

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These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are everything you want in a festive holiday treat—soft, buttery peppermint cookies with crushed candy canes folded into the dough and a delightful Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss pressed right on top. They’re as beautiful as they are tasty, making them perfect for cookie exchanges, Christmas platters, or a cozy night in with cocoa.

What makes them stand out? It’s that magical mix of peppermint and vanilla in a soft, sugar-cookie-style base. Every bite delivers crunch from the candy cane pieces and a creamy finish from the kiss. They look like they came from a bakery, but you can whip them up right at home with minimal fuss.

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What Kind of Candy Cane Kisses Should I Use?

You’ll want Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses—those iconic red-and-white striped chocolates with a peppermint crunch. They’re seasonal, so grab them early before they disappear from shelves. If you can’t find them, white chocolate kisses or even peppermint bark pieces can be used as alternatives.

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Ingredients for the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (about 5 regular-sized)
• 36 Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped
• Additional sugar for rolling

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How To Make the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This is key for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Candy Canes

Gently stir in the crushed candy canes. Try not to overmix—just enough to evenly distribute the peppermint bits.

Step 5: Scoop and Roll

Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake!

Step 7: Add the Kisses

Remove cookies from the oven and immediately press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Serving and Storing Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

These cookies are best served after the kisses have re-hardened, giving them a crisp, polished look. They’re lovely on holiday platters or packed into tins for gifting.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 2 months—just let them thaw at room temp before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the kisses from melting?

Make sure to add the kisses immediately after baking but let the cookies cool completely before stacking. Avoid placing them near warm surfaces.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to bake time.

Do I need to chill the dough?

It’s not required, but chilling for 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better and prevent spreading.

Can I use different flavored kisses?

Absolutely. Milk chocolate, caramel, or even cookies and cream Hershey’s Kisses can work if you want a different twist.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place them in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin. Avoid powdering them too finely—you want small bits, not dust.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies made your holiday bright, you might want to explore these next:

• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars for flaky layers with a cinnamon sugar finish.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake if you crave rich, fruity decadence.
• Lemon Churro Cookies for tangy and warmly spiced bites.
• Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies for a no-bake, crunchy classic.
• Pecan Pie Bites for nutty goodness in a two-bite size.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can revisit it each December!

And when you make them, leave a comment to let me know: Did you stick with peppermint or try something new? Did they make it to the party or disappear before you left the kitchen?

Want more daily sweet ideas? Follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

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