Name: Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups + 1 Tablespoon (260g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 10 Tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1/2 cup (about 90g) nonpareil sprinkles; 32–36 candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 63 reviews

Oh, you’re going to love these! The Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe is one of those festive treats that feels extra special but is surprisingly simple to make. Imagine buttery sugar cookies rolled in colorful sprinkles, topped with a popsicle of peppermint-flavored Hershey’s Kiss candy that melts just enough to stay perfectly nestled in. This recipe is my go-to when I want a cookie that’s as joyful to bake as it is to eat. Stick around—I’m going to walk you through every tip and trick so your batch turns out just right!

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Peppermint Flavor: The combo of vanilla and peppermint extracts creates a subtle yet unmistakable holiday vibe without overpowering the cookie’s flavor.
Texture Balance: These cookies stay soft with tender edges, making them comforting rather than crunchy.
Sprinkle Coating: Rolling dough balls in nonpareil sprinkles adds festive color and a little crunch to each bite.
The Hershey’s Kiss Finish: Placing the candy on the warm cookie right out of the oven ensures it melts just enough to stick but doesn’t lose its iconic shape.

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, Candy Cane Kiss Cookies recipe, festive holiday cookies, peppermint Hershey's Kiss cookies, easy Christmas cookie recipes - The image shows many round cookies on a cooling rack, each with a light golden base covered in small red, green, and white round sprinkles. At the center of each cookie is a round white piece of candy with red stripes that looks like a peppermint. One cookie is broken, showing its soft inside. To the left, there is a white scalloped bowl filled with the same small red, green, and white sprinkles and some unwrapped candies around it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe is chosen to create a simple base cookie that lets the peppermint shine, while sprinkles and Hershey’s Kisses bring that festive flair. Shopping tip: look for good-quality butter and fresh peppermint extract for vibrant flavor.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure but keeps cookies tender. Be sure to spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies.
Baking powder: Adds gentle lift for soft texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temp helps with creaming and enriches flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a tender crumb.
Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: A timeless flavor base that complements peppermint wonderfully.
Peppermint extract: Brings that unmistakable candy cane kiss zing—adjustable if you prefer less or none.
Nonpareil sprinkles: Tiny, colorful balls that stick well and add a festive pop!
Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses: The star of the show—the perfect peppermint candy to crown each cookie.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I really enjoy about the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it. I often swap the peppermint extract out or add a little almond extract for something more subtle. Give different sprinkles a whirl to match your holiday decor too!

Skip or Replace Peppermint Extract: If peppermint’s not your thing, use almond extract for a classic sugar cookie vibe. I’ve done this when baking for friends who prefer less minty flavor.
Use Different Candy Toppings: Regular Hershey’s Kisses or even mini chocolate chips work in a pinch—though the candy cane kisses are my favorite!
Add Zest or Spices: For a twist, try a hint of orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon mixed into the dough.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend; I suggest chilling the dough a little longer to maintain texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

Start by whisking the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This helps blend everything evenly and keeps your cookies light. Pro tip: make sure your baking powder is fresh to get the best rise.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with the sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes until creamy and fluffy. This step is key for the soft texture we all love. Don’t rush it—cream it well to trap air and get lovely puffiness.

Step 3: Mix in Egg and Extracts

Add the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat until just combined, then scrape down the sides and mix again. You want everything evenly mixed but not overworked.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until fully combined. The dough will be thick, kind of like play dough. If it feels super firm, a tiny splash of water can help bring it together.

Step 5: Roll, Sprinkle, and Chill

Roll the dough into roughly 1 tablespoon-sized balls. Here’s a trick: if the dough seems dry and sprinkles won’t stick, spread sprinkles on a plate and press the balls into them instead of rolling. Then pop those sprinkle-coated balls in the fridge for 20 minutes or up to a day. Chilling helps cookies hold their shape when baking.

Step 6: Bake and Add the Kisses

Arrange chilled dough balls 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12 minutes until the edges look set but centers are still soft. Don’t overbake! Remove from oven and quickly press a candy cane Hershey’s Kiss into each warm cookie. Then transfer cookies with a thin spatula to a plate and freeze for 10 minutes to set the candy.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Once the kisses have set, your cookies are ready to serve. They’re fresh, soft, and perfectly festive—all set to bring smiles around your kitchen table.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and an egg at room temp help everything blend evenly without overmixing.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough balls prevents spreading, so your cookies stay thick and soft.
Quick Freeze for Candy Setting: Pop cookies in the freezer right after pressing the kisses so the candy stays intact rather than melting too much.
Be Gentle Moving Cookies: Use a thin spatula to transfer warm cookies after baking—you’ll avoid breaks or misshapen treats.

How to Serve Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here—the sprinkle coating is festive enough! Sometimes I dust a few with a tiny pinch of sparkly sanding sugar before baking for extra shimmer, which guests always ask about. If you want to amp it up, a drizzle of white chocolate over the hardened kiss looks delightful.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a warm mug of hot cocoa or peppermint-spiked coffee. For holiday gatherings, I like setting them next to a cheese board or alongside some spiced nuts for a little savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe is stacked in a clear glass jar tied with a bright red ribbon—it’s as much about the gift presentation as the cookies! For cookie exchanges or parties, I arrange them on a tiered tray with sprigs of fresh evergreen and candy canes scattered around to make a festive scene.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Candy Cane Kiss Cookies in an airtight container on the counter. They stay fresh and soft for about a week. If you want to keep that just-baked feel, adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

For long-term storage, I freeze unbaked, sprinkle-coated cookie dough balls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags after solid. When baking from frozen, add one extra minute to the baking time—still delicious and just as festive.

Reheating

If you want to warm leftovers, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds does the trick without melting the kisses too much. Alternatively, pop them briefly in a 300°F oven to freshen up that just-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use regular Hershey’s Kisses instead of candy cane flavor?

Absolutely! While the peppermint flavor adds a special holiday touch, regular Hershey’s Kisses or other flavored Kisses will work perfectly and still taste delicious.
How do I keep sprinkles from falling off the cookie dough balls?

If sprinkles won’t stick, try pressing dough balls onto a plate of sprinkles instead of rolling. Also, warming the dough slightly with your hands helps. If it’s still too dry, adding a teaspoon of water softens the dough just enough for sprinkles to adhere.
Why do I need to chill the dough balls?

Chilling prevents spreading during baking, keeping your cookies thick and soft with a perfect top to hold the candy kisses nicely.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free butter alternatives and use a suitable egg replacer. Be aware the texture may differ slightly, so chilling the dough longer might be necessary to get the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking lineup. They’re as joyful and colorful as the season itself, and every year I find baking them brings a little extra cheer to my kitchen—and hopefully to yours too! These cookies are easy enough for baking with kids, impressive enough for gifting, and totally irresistible when it’s time to indulge. I can’t recommend giving them a try enough. Trust me, once you bake them, they’ll be on repeat every holiday.