Some cookies instantly signal the holidays—and Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are one of them. The moment you see those red-and-white stripes peeking out of a soft cookie base, you know Christmas baking has officially begun. I first made these cookies during a snowy afternoon, with music playing softly and a tray of warm cookies cooling on the counter. James, our AI-powered virtual chef, calls Candy Cane Kiss Cookies “the perfect blend of nostalgia and festive flair.” They’re simple to make, eye-catching on a cookie platter, and always a favorite at holiday parties. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting neighbors, or planning a cookie exchange, these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies bring color, crunch, and holiday magic. If you love festive treats like Magic of Candy Cane Cookies or playful classics such as Easy Stained Glass Cookies, this recipe belongs in your holiday rotation.
Why Everyone Loves Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
The charm of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies is all about contrast. You get a soft, tender cookie paired with the crisp crunch of a peppermint candy kiss. Sweet, minty, and buttery all at once, they feel festive without being overpowering.
Compared to richer desserts like the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake, these cookies feel light and playful—perfect for snacking and sharing. They’re also incredibly photogenic, which makes them ideal for Pinterest boards and holiday cookie trays. One glance is usually enough to make people reach for one.
Ingredients & How to Make the Dough
Ingredients (Detailed)
Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
Topping
- Candy cane kisses (unwrapped)
- Optional: granulated or sparkling sugar for rolling
👉 For food safety when using eggs and dairy, refer to FSIS guidelines.
Technique Step (Inspired by Serious Eats)
For the best shape and texture, chill the dough before baking. Cold dough prevents spreading and keeps cookies thick and soft. James recommends pressing the candy cane kiss gently into the cookie right after baking—similar to the timing used in recipes like Salted Brownie Cookies, where texture depends on precise cooling.
Baking and Finishing
Baking Instructions (Steps 1–10)
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into small balls.
- Roll in sugar if desired.
- Place dough balls on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set.
- Remove from oven.
- Immediately press a candy cane kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Style
Arrange Candy Cane Kiss Cookies on a festive platter alongside holiday desserts like the Red Velvet Wreath Cake for a visually stunning dessert table.
Variations and Creative Twists
- Classic Cookie Board: Pair with Gingerbread Cookies for a traditional holiday spread.
- Chocolate Lover’s Table: Balance with rich options like the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake.
- Colorful Mix: Combine with Easy Stained Glass Cookies for contrast.
- Sweet & Soft Pairing: Add a slice of Strawberry Custard Cake for variety.
- Cozy Night In: Serve with a mug of Tiramisu Hot Chocolate for ultimate holiday comfort.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 48 hours, making holiday baking more relaxed. Like many festive cookies, the flavor improves slightly after resting overnight.
FAQs
Can I make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for make-ahead baking.
Do candy cane kisses melt?
They soften slightly but firm up again once cooled.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze dough balls without the kisses and add after baking.
Are these cookies very minty?
They’re gently minty, not overpowering.
Are these good for gifting?
Absolutely—just separate layers with parchment.
Conclusion
These Candy Cane Kiss Cookies capture everything we love about holiday baking—simple ingredients, festive color, and a touch of nostalgia. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and always a hit with both kids and adults. James, our AI-powered virtual chef, loves how these cookies bring instant holiday cheer without complicated steps. Whether you serve them alongside classics like Gingerbread Cookies or pair them with a warm mug of Tiramisu Hot Chocolate, they never fail to impress. One batch disappears quickly—so you may want to make two.
Print
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Soft, festive, and irresistibly minty, these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. With a tender cookie base and a crunchy peppermint kiss, they bring festive charm to any cookie platter.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Candy cane kisses, unwrapped
Optional: extra granulated or sparkling sugar for rolling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add egg and vanilla, beating until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a dough forms.
7. Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
8. Roll chilled dough into small balls, then roll in sugar if desired.
9. Place on prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until cookies are just set.
11. Remove from oven and immediately press a candy cane kiss into the center of each cookie.
12. Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential for the best texture.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze dough balls for later baking—add kisses after baking, not before.
Perfect for holiday gifting—layer between parchment to keep them pretty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
