Peppermint Kiss Cookies

The smell of peppermint and chocolate in the oven feels like pure holiday magic. These cookies come out soft, warm, and topped with a little candy kiss that melts just right. I still remember the first time I made them—it instantly felt like Christmas morning.

The buttery cookie base and cool peppermint flavor make the perfect pair. Each bite is sweet, minty, and melts in your mouth. They’re so simple to make, but they look like something from a bakery window.

I love baking these for parties, gifts, or just cozy nights at home. They’re festive, colorful, and always bring smiles. You’ll want to grab one (or maybe three) before they’re gone.

So let’s bake a batch together and make the kitchen smell amazing. These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are the easiest way to add a little holiday cheer to your day. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Favorite: Peppermint Kiss Cookies are always a hit at holiday parties and gatherings. The combination of rich chocolate and minty goodness is irresistible.
• Simple Yet Elegant: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create cookies that taste complex and indulgent.
• Kid-Friendly: The kids love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to unwrapping the delicious peppermint kisses.
• Great for Gift Giving: These cookies make the perfect homemade gift—package them up in a festive tin or jar, and you’ve got a thoughtful, edible gift.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep time.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• Hand or Stand Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar together for a smooth dough.
• Baking Sheets: You’ll need these to bake the cookies.
• Parchment Paper or Silpat Mats: These help prevent cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To get your ingredients just right.
• Cooling Rack: To allow the cookies to cool after baking.
• Cookie Scoop: This helps to portion the dough evenly, so your cookies bake uniformly.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delectable cookies:

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Butter gives the cookies a rich, soft texture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness to balance out the minty flavor.
• ¼ cup light brown sugar: The brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor and moisture to the dough.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: The egg helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that complements the peppermint flavor.
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: This is the star ingredient that brings the minty goodness to the cookies.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies spread and become nice and soft.
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

For the Topping:

• Sparkling sugar: To add a touch of sparkle and crunch to the cookies.
• 30 peppermint kisses: These are the star of the show! The peppermint Hershey’s Kisses bring a burst of minty chocolate to the center of each cookie.

Variations for Peppermint Kiss Cookies

If you want to switch things up or add your personal twist to these cookies, here are some variations to consider:

• Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re a fan of extra chocolate, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the dough.
• Try Different Kisses: While peppermint Kisses are a classic, you can experiment with other varieties, like caramel or milk chocolate Kisses.
• Make Them Vegan: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter substitute and use a flax egg instead of the regular egg to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Add Crushed Peppermint Candy: For a more intense peppermint flavor, add some crushed candy canes to the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

First, let’s get the dough ready. Begin by creaming together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat these ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix everything until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

2. Chill the Dough

Once your dough is ready, it’s a good idea to chill it for a bit. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and ensures that your cookies won’t spread too much while baking.

3. Preheat the Oven

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

4. Form the Cookies

Once the dough has chilled, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough using a cookie scoop or your hands. Roll the dough into a ball and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space the dough balls about 2 inches apart, as the cookies will spread slightly while baking.

To add some extra festive sparkle, sprinkle each cookie dough ball with a bit of sparkling sugar. This gives the cookies a lovely, subtle crunch and makes them look extra pretty.

5. Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but don’t worry—they will set as they cool. Be sure to check on the cookies around the 8-minute mark, as oven times may vary.

6. Add the Peppermint Kisses

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a peppermint kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookies will slightly melt the Kisses, allowing them to sink into the dough and become perfectly nestled inside.

7. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures.

How to Serve Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Peppermint Kiss Cookies are versatile and can be served in several ways:

• On Their Own: These cookies are perfect for snacking on their own, with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
• As a Dessert for Holiday Meals: Serve these cookies alongside other holiday desserts like pies or cake.
• With Ice Cream: Sandwich the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Gift Giving: Package these cookies in a festive tin or box to give as a homemade gift.

Storing Peppermint Kiss Cookies

To keep your Peppermint Kiss Cookies fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The cookies will remain soft and fresh.
• Freezing: You can also freeze these cookies! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	140
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	45mg
Total Carbohydrates	20g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	12g
Protein	1g

Conclusion

These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the comforting flavors of peppermint and chocolate in each bite. The soft, buttery cookie dough paired with the sweet and minty kiss at the center is a match made in dessert heaven. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, gifting a friend, or treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.