If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat, this Festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies recipe is a perfect choice. These cookies combine the rich flavors of butter and sugar with a festive touch of peppermint, making them a wonderful addition to your Christmas dessert table. For another sweet option, you may want to try some delicious cotton candy cake as well.

Why Make This Recipe
These cookies are not only easy to make but also visually appealing, thanks to the vibrant Candy Cane Kisses on top. They are great for sharing with friends and family or for delightful holiday parties. Plus, they add a cheerful pop of color that complements other desserts, such as British desserts or festive cakes.
How to Make Festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Candy Cane Kisses (or similar candy)
- Crushed candy canes (for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and peppermint extract.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Immediately upon removing from the oven, gently press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow to cool and then sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
You may also find 100 Calorie Blueberry Ricotta Cake Recipe useful.
How to Serve Festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
These cookies can be served warm or at room temperature. Arrange them on a festive platter, and consider pairing them with a warm glass of cocoa or a cup of coffee. For a fun twist, you might want to serve them alongside a slice of Oreo cheesecake to create a delicious dessert spread.
How to Store Festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies without the kisses and toppings. Just remember to add the kisses and crushed candy canes after thawing to maintain their crunch. You may also find Almond Croissant Recipe useful.

Tips to Make Festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth dough.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center.
- For an extra festive touch, try using colored sugar or sprinkles along with the crushed candy canes.
- You can experiment with different flavored Kisses to create new variations.
Variation
If you want to mix things up, consider using different extracts, like hazelnut or orange extract, to complement the flavors. Alternatively, you could replace the Candy Cane Kisses with other seasonal candies, such as chocolate caramel Kisses for a delightful treat.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Q: What if I don’t have Candy Cane Kisses?
A: You can use regular Hershey’s Kisses or any other chocolate candies that you prefer.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Conclusion
Festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. If you’re looking for more cookie inspiration, you might explore variations like Candy Cane Kiss Cookies from Sally’s Baking Addiction or try some Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies for a different texture. If you adore classic recipes, Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are always a hit during the holidays. For a wider range of options, check out 30 Unique Hershey Kiss Cookies Recipes for some fun ideas. Enjoy your baking!
Print
Festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful holiday cookies infused with peppermint and topped with Candy Cane Kisses, perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Candy Cane Kisses (or similar candy)
- Crushed candy canes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter, sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and peppermint extract.
- Mix in flour and salt gradually until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after removing from the oven.
- Cool and then sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth dough. Don’t overbake; cookies should be slightly soft in the center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, holiday treats, peppermint cookies, Candy Cane Kisses, Christmas desserts