Name: Peppermint Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 24 peppermint kisses, unwrapped; ¼ cup crushed candy canes (optional)

Soft, buttery, and bursting with holiday cheer, Peppermint Kiss Cookies are the ultimate seasonal treat. These melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies are topped with a swirl of peppermint-flavored kisses and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for an irresistible crunch. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or cozying up with a warm drink, these cookies bring a festive touch to any occasion.

What makes them so special? It’s the perfect balance of creamy vanilla cookie and cool peppermint, all wrapped into a bite-sized dessert. The red and white striped peppermint kiss nestled in the center not only looks stunning but also adds that refreshing minty finish you crave during the holidays. Make a batch for your cookie swap or leave some out for Santa—either way, they’re sure to disappear fast.

What Kind of Peppermint Kiss Should I Use?

Classic Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses are the go-to choice for these cookies. They’re made with white chocolate and bits of peppermint, and they melt just enough when pressed into warm cookies to create a soft, creamy center. Their iconic red stripes also give these cookies their festive charm. If you want to try a twist, you can experiment with other seasonal kiss flavors like hot cocoa or sugar cookie, but peppermint is the star for this recipe.

Ingredients for the Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Unsalted Butter – This is the base of our cookie dough, providing a rich, creamy texture and flavor.

Granulated Sugar – Essential for sweetness and helps create that soft, chewy bite.

Egg – Binds the dough together and adds structure.

Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.

All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the dough, giving the cookies their shape.

Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them from becoming too dense.

Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Peppermint Kisses – The signature topping. Press them in while the cookies are warm for that picture-perfect look.

Crushed Candy Canes (optional) – Adds extra crunch and a burst of peppermint on top.

How To Make the Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key for creating that soft texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar are well blended, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated to ensure your cookie dough has that classic sweet base.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and intensifies the flavor.

Step 5: Scoop and Roll

Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into balls. Roll each one between your palms, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed. Do not overbake—you want them soft!

Step 7: Add the Peppermint Kisses

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a peppermint kiss into the center of each one. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the base of the kiss, helping it stick.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate (Optional)

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or transfer to a wire rack. If you like, sprinkle with crushed candy canes for extra peppermint sparkle.

How to Serve and Store Peppermint Kiss Cookies

These cookies are best served at room temperature so the peppermint kisses stay firm but creamy. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or a chilled glass of milk for the ultimate holiday treat. They also look beautiful on festive platters for cookie exchanges, school parties, or dessert tables.

To store, keep your Peppermint Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking them, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers to protect the kisses from smudging. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months—just wait until the kisses have completely hardened before packing them into freezer-safe containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the peppermint kisses from melting too much?

Press the kisses into the cookies right after baking, then let them cool completely. To speed up the hardening process, pop the baking sheet into the fridge for 10-15 minutes.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. Let chilled dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling into balls.

What if I don’t have candy cane kisses?

You can substitute with regular Hershey’s Kisses, white chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I use a different extract instead of vanilla?

Yes, peppermint extract makes a fun alternative for a double-mint flavor punch. Just use it sparingly—start with 1/4 teaspoon, as it’s much stronger than vanilla.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

This could happen if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or if the butter was too warm. Make sure to follow the chilling step and use cool baking sheets.

How many cookies does this recipe make?

You should get about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your dough balls.

If these Peppermint Kiss Cookies make your holiday season sweeter, you’ll want to try a few more creative takes on classic cookies:

Cotton Candy Cookies for a fun and nostalgic flavor.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a pop of juicy cherry in every bite.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes if you love fruity, creamy desserts in mini form.
Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars with a soft texture and unique nutty twist.
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes for an indulgent, bite-sized surprise.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday dessert board so you can bake it every season!

And when you do, tag me or leave a comment—did you go classic or add a new twist like peppermint extract? Did you crush extra candy canes for topping?

I’d love to hear how you personalize your cookies. Ask questions, share photos, or just spread the cookie joy.

Looking for more festive dessert ideas? Browse my Pinterest board here: Life with Nina on Pinterest

Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, buttery sugar cookies topped with peppermint kisses and optional crushed candy canes. These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are festive, easy to bake, and make the perfect holiday treat for parties, gift boxes, or Santa’s cookie plate.