Festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies with Peppermint Crunch

Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, our kitchens become filled with the joy of baking and the warmth of sharing delicious treats with loved ones. Among the plethora of festive desserts, one stands out for its simplicity, flavor, and creativity: the Festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies with Peppermint Crunch. These cookies are not just a delight to the taste buds, but they’re also incredibly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The combination of soft-baked cookies, the sweetness of Hershey’s Kisses, and the refreshing zing of peppermint, all wrapped up in a festive package, makes these cookies a perfect treat for any holiday gathering.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet and refreshing, making it appealing to a wide range of palates. Moreover, the ingredients are easily accessible in most supermarkets, making it a convenient choice for last-minute baking.
• Ease of preparation: The process of making these cookies is straightforward and simple, requiring minimal effort and time, which is ideal for busy holiday schedules.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is impressive and sure to be a hit at any holiday party or gathering, making it a great choice for those looking to make a stunning dessert without too much fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup crushed candy canes (for peppermint crunch)
• 1 bag of Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped
• Optional: festive holiday sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the peppermint extract.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Stir in the crushed candy canes for the peppermint crunch.
4. Step 4: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crunchy peppermint effect, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will also help the cookies retain their shape better.
• If you find that your cookies are spreading too much, try refrigerating the dough for a bit to firm it up before baking.
• Experiment with different types of extracts (like vanilla or almond) for a unique twist on the classic peppermint flavor.

Heat Control

When baking these cookies, it’s crucial to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook. The ideal baking time will depend on your oven, but generally, they should be lightly golden around the edges and soft in the center. If you prefer a crisper cookie, you can bake them for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be cautious not to overbake.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these cookies comes from the peppermint crunch on top and the slight crispiness around the edges, contrasting beautifully with the softness of the cookie and the gooeyness of the Hershey’s Kiss. To achieve this perfect texture, make sure not to overbake the cookies and press the Kiss into the cookie immediately after baking, while the cookie is still soft.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent cookies from sticking.
• Chill your baking sheets in the freezer for a few minutes before baking to help cookies retain their shape.
• For a professional finish, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkling with crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.

Storage Tips

• These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, but it’s best to freeze them without the Hershey’s Kiss and add it after thawing.
• For reheating, simply place the cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften the Kiss and warm the cookie slightly.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These cookies make perfect gifts for friends, family, and coworkers during the holiday season. Consider packaging them in decorative tins, jars, or bags and tying with a ribbon. You can also add a personal touch by including a handwritten note or a small packet of hot cocoa mix for a complete holiday treat.

Flavor Variations

• Try using different flavors of extracts, like mint, orange, or lemon, for a unique twist on the classic peppermint.
• Experiment with various types of chocolate kisses or chunks for different flavor profiles.
• For an adult version, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a mocha-peppermint flavor combination.

Troubleshooting

• If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough before baking or checking your oven temperature to ensure it’s accurate.
• For cookies that are too hard, try baking them for less time or checking if your butter was too cold, which can affect the texture of the finished cookies.
• If the Hershey’s Kiss doesn’t stick well to the cookie, try pressing it into the cookie immediately after baking while both are still warm.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container for storage. Bake frozen cookies for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours as a substitute, though the texture and taste may vary slightly.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe if you need to make a larger batch of cookies. Just keep in mind that you may need to bake the cookies in batches to prevent overcrowding the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Making Festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies with Peppermint Crunch is a fun and rewarding baking experience that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their delicious combination of peppermint and chocolate, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and decorations to make the recipe your own, and consider sharing some with friends and family as a thoughtful holiday gift. Happy baking, and warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season!