CANDY CANE KISS COOKIES

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and white sugar together until it’s light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, blending until well combined.
Stir in the milk and crushed candy canes, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes. As soon as they come out of the oven, press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Let your cookies cool before serving, allowing the chocolate to set just a bit.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a standalone treat, but they can be even better with some clever pairings. Serve them alongside a warm glass of milk or a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. For a festive touch, plate them with other holiday cookies for a delightful cookie platter; consider adding gingerbread men or snowball cookies for variety. If you’re feeling adventurous, try crumbling them over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a peppermint sundae twist!

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should be good for up to a week, though good luck keeping them around that long! If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Just shape the balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they’re firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time without thawing!

Helpful Cooking Tips

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies.
Crushed Candy Canes: Be sure to crush the candy canes into small pieces—too large, and they might not mix well into the dough.
Proper Cooling: Allow your cookies to cool properly before serving to ensure that the chocolate has a chance to set without melting too quickly in your hands.

Creative Twists

While traditional Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a holiday favorite, you can switch things up for a different flavor profile. Try using different types of kisses, like caramel or milk chocolate, for a decadent surprise. You can also play with flavors; some people enjoy adding a bit of orange zest for a citrusy twist or using Nutella as a filling instead of candy kisses. Experimenting can lead to delightful new cookie traditions!

FAQ

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made in advance and refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to bake. Just adjust the baking time if baking from frozen.

What if I can’t find Candy Cane Kisses?

If you can’t find them, regular Hershey’s Kisses can work just fine. You can even melt some white chocolate and add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a similar effect.