Candy Cane Kiss Cookies – A Festive Holiday Favorite
Nothing says Christmas baking quite like Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. With their soft, buttery sugar cookie base and a peppermint chocolate kiss pressed into the center, these cookies are festive, flavorful, and completely irresistible.
The combination of sweet vanilla cookie dough and cool peppermint chocolate creates the perfect balance of holiday flavor. Plus, they look beautiful on a cookie tray with their signature red-and-white striped candy cane kisses shining on top.
If you’re planning your holiday baking lineup, these cookies absolutely deserve a spot.
Why I Love This Recipe
Holiday baking is all about tradition—and these cookies bring instant nostalgia.
Here’s why they’re always in my December rotation:
- Easy, beginner-friendly recipe
- Soft, tender cookie texture
- Perfect for cookie exchanges
- Gorgeous presentation with minimal effort
They pair beautifully on a dessert platter alongside showstoppers like These Snow Globe Cookies Are My Favorite Holiday Baking Project Ever.
And if you love simple cookie shortcuts, you’ll also appreciate These Cake Mix Cookies Are My Go-To Shortcut for Easy Foolproof Treats.
Ingredients
Simple pantry staples come together for a festive treat:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 24–30 candy cane-flavored chocolate kisses (unwrapped)
Swaps and Notes
- Extra peppermint flavor: Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough.
- Chocolate base: Substitute ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate cookie version.
- Sparkle finish: Roll dough balls in red sanding sugar for extra holiday shine.
- Chill the dough: Helps prevent spreading and keeps cookies thick and soft.
For even more festive flair, serve these next to winter treats like These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Are My Favorite Winter Treat to Share and Savor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in egg and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Dough
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until combined.
6. Shape and Roll
Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and roll in granulated sugar.
7. Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Add the Kiss
Immediately press an unwrapped candy cane kiss into the center of each cookie.
9. Cool
Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. The chocolate will soften at first but firm up as it cools.
Tips for Perfect Kiss Cookies
- Unwrap kisses before baking to save time.
- Don’t overbake—soft centers are key.
- Press the kisses gently to prevent cracking.
- Allow cookies to cool fully so the chocolate sets properly.
For a diverse cookie tray, pair these with rich treats like These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert or even no-bake options like These Chocolate Oreo Hearts Are My Favorite No-Bake Valentine’s Treat.
Serving Suggestions
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are perfect for:
- Holiday cookie exchanges
- Christmas dessert platters
- Gifting in festive tins
- Classroom parties
- Family baking nights
They add that classic red-and-white pop of color that makes any holiday spread look complete.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 2g
(Values may vary depending on ingredient brands.)
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Up to 2 months.
- Freeze Dough: Roll into balls and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cook time.
These are ideal for prepping ahead during busy holiday weeks.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re building the ultimate holiday dessert tray, don’t miss:
- These Snow Globe Cookies Are My Favorite Holiday Baking Project Ever
- These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Are My Favorite Winter Treat to Share and Savor
- These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert
- These Cake Mix Cookies Are My Go-To Shortcut for Easy Foolproof Treats
- These Chocolate Oreo Hearts Are My Favorite No-Bake Valentine’s Treat
Final Thoughts
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a holiday classic for a reason. They’re simple, festive, and always disappear quickly from the dessert table. That soft sugar cookie paired with peppermint chocolate is pure seasonal magic.
If you bake a batch this year, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Did you add extra peppermint? Try a chocolate base?
Leave a comment, share the recipe with friends, and follow along on Chef Maniac for more festive favorites and easy crowd-pleasers.
– Jason Griffith
