Peppermint Kiss Cookies: A Sweet Tradition for the Holidays
The holiday season is filled with all sorts of delicious treats, and one cookie that often makes an appearance on cookie trays is the peppermint kiss cookie. These delightful little confections are an irresistible combination of soft, buttery cookies with a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint twist. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, or for snacking on when the mood strikes—especially when they’re fresh from the oven with that perfect melt of chocolate.
This recipe is inspired by a simple yet festive idea: a basic sugar cookie with a peppermint kiss pressed right in the center. It’s a delightful treat that brings together the best of both worlds—classic cookies and holiday flavors. The peppermint kiss on top adds a burst of flavor and color, making these cookies an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread.
Ingredients:
- For the Cookies:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- For the Peppermint Kiss Topping:
- 1 package (approximately 36 pieces) of Hershey’s Peppermint Kisses (or your preferred chocolate with a peppermint flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the butter mixture, continuing to beat until smooth and fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here, or your cookies may turn out too dense.
Step 6: Form the Cookies
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This spacing will allow them to spread as they bake.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them—baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 8: Add the Peppermint Kisses
Once the cookies are out of the oven, immediately press one unwrapped peppermint kiss into the center of each cookie. Press gently but firmly to make sure the chocolate settles into the cookie.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This will allow the peppermint kiss to set and the cookie to firm up just right.
Methods:
- Dough Rolling Tip: If you find the dough a little too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will help the dough hold its shape better during baking.
- Peppermint Kiss Alternatives: Feel free to swap out the peppermint kisses for other types of chocolate or holiday-themed candies, such as caramel-filled kisses or milk chocolate ones.
A Sweet Tradition and History:
Peppermint kiss cookies are a relatively modern invention, gaining popularity in recent decades as Hershey’s introduced its Peppermint Kisses. These candies, wrapped in festive red-and-white foil, have become a holiday staple. Combining them with a classic sugar cookie base was a stroke of holiday genius—an easy way to bring together two beloved flavors: chocolate and peppermint. While we can’t trace a specific origin story for this cookie, it’s clear that it’s become a favorite part of the holiday baking tradition.
The idea of combining chocolate with mint goes back centuries. In fact, peppermint has been used in candy-making since the 18th century. By the time the peppermint kiss was introduced in the 1960s, it was a natural progression to pair it with a simple sugar cookie, creating a treat that would quickly become synonymous with holiday cheer.
Formation and Evolution:
Though the peppermint kiss cookie recipe itself is relatively new, the formation of the cookie idea draws from the history of candy-centric baking. Early holiday cookies were often simple, like sugar cookies, gingerbread, or shortbread, with many variations incorporating different types of chocolate or candy for special occasions. Peppermint, a holiday favorite flavor, blends perfectly with sugar cookies because of its cool, refreshing taste that contrasts beautifully with the warm, buttery base.
The use of Hershey’s Kisses began in the early 1900s, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the peppermint version was released. Their introduction into holiday baking was revolutionary, as their size and shape made them perfect for pressing into cookies, leading to the creation of this now-iconic treat.
Lovers of Peppermint Kiss Cookies:
Peppermint kiss cookies are loved by everyone from kids to adults who have a soft spot for the peppermint-chocolate combo. Their festive appearance makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, while the melt-in-your-mouth flavor makes them irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, a holiday party, or just to enjoy with a cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Conclusion:
Peppermint kiss cookies are a fun and festive twist on classic holiday baking. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, the soft sugar cookie base, and the added surprise of a peppermint kiss on top, they quickly become a favorite during the holiday season. Perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones, they embody the spirit of the holidays: sweet, comforting, and filled with joy.
The best part? Once you try one, you’ll understand why they disappear so fast—especially when fresh out of the oven, with that little chocolate kiss melted just enough to make them all the more irresistible. So, get baking, and enjoy these sweet treats with friends, family, or simply by yourself with a warm cup of cocoa in hand!