Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

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The first time I baked Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, my kitchen smelled like butter, vanilla, and peppermint in the most festive way possible. They have that soft, tender sugar-cookie texture I always want on a holiday dessert tray, but the striped peppermint kiss pressed into the center makes them feel instantly special.

What I love most is how cheerful they look without requiring complicated decorating. A little sparkle from crushed candy canes, a pop of red and white in the middle, and a buttery cookie base are all it takes. These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, or those afternoons when I just want to bake something that looks like the season.

Why Are Candy Cane Kiss Cookies So Popular During the Holidays?

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies have everything I look for in a Christmas cookie: they are easy to make, pretty enough for gifting, and full of nostalgic holiday flavor. The soft sugar cookie base balances the cool peppermint kiss beautifully, so every bite tastes sweet, creamy, and just a little minty.

I also love that they fit on just about any dessert platter. They bring color to the table, hold up well after baking, and instantly make a cookie box feel more festive. When I want a cookie that feels homemade and eye-catching without being fussy, this is one of the first ones I make.

Ingredients for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Butter

Butter gives these cookies their rich flavor and soft, tender crumb. I like using softened butter so it creams smoothly with the sugar and creates a light dough.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar sweetens the dough and helps create that classic sugar-cookie texture. It also adds a little structure so the cookies hold their thumbprint shape.

Egg

The egg binds the dough together and adds moisture. It helps the cookies bake up soft rather than dry.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla rounds out the peppermint and butter flavors. Even in a holiday cookie with bold candy cane notes, vanilla keeps the flavor warm and balanced.

Almond Extract

A small splash of almond extract gives the dough a bakery-style flavor that makes these cookies taste extra special. It is subtle, but I think it adds a wonderful depth.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour forms the base of the dough and provides structure. It is what turns the butter mixture into a workable cookie dough that stays soft after baking.

Baking Powder

Baking powder gives the cookies a gentle lift. That little bit of rise keeps them from feeling dense.

Salt

Salt sharpens all the sweet flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting flat. I never skip it, even in dessert.

Holiday Sprinkles

Holiday sprinkles add color and a fun seasonal touch right in the dough. They make each cookie look festive before the peppermint kiss even goes on top.

Candy Cane Kisses

These are the star of the recipe. The peppermint-striped kisses bring creamy chocolate flavor with a cool minty finish, and they turn a simple cookie into a Christmas standout.

Crushed Candy Canes

Crushed candy canes add crunch, sparkle, and extra peppermint flavor around the center. I like sprinkling them on while the cookies are still warm so they stick nicely.

How To Make the Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. I also unwrap the candy cane kisses before I start mixing so I can press them into the cookies quickly once they come out of the oven.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step helps create that soft, tender cookie texture I always want.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined. The dough should already smell sweet and festive at this stage.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Fold in the Sprinkles

Gently fold the holiday sprinkles into the dough. I like doing this at the end so the colors stay bright and do not smear into the dough too much.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the dough into even portions and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one.

Step 7: Bake Until Lightly Set

Bake for about 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed. I try not to overbake them because these cookies are best when they stay soft.

Step 8: Add the Candy Cane Kisses

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press one candy cane kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, and that is part of the charm.

Step 9: Finish with Crushed Candy Canes

Sprinkle a little crushed candy cane around the kiss while the cookies are still warm. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack.

Serving and Storing Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

I love serving these cookies on a holiday dessert board with chocolate treats, fudge, and other colorful Christmas cookies. They look especially pretty stacked on a white platter or tucked into gift tins with parchment paper.

To store them, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend layering them carefully so the kisses stay neat. You can also freeze the baked cookies once cooled, though I like their texture best within the first couple of days.

What to Serve With Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?

Hot Chocolate

A mug of rich hot chocolate makes these peppermint cookies feel even more cozy and festive.

Coffee

The buttery sweetness of the cookies pairs beautifully with a dark roast or a smooth vanilla latte.

Peppermint Mocha

If I really want to lean into the holiday mood, I serve these with peppermint mocha for a full mint-chocolate moment.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream beside a few cookies turns them into an easy holiday dessert plate.

Holiday Fudge

Soft fudge and Candy Cane Kiss Cookies make a great combination on cookie trays and edible gift boxes.

Fresh Strawberries

Strawberries add a bright, juicy contrast to the sweet richness of the cookies.

Whipped Cream Dip

A simple whipped cream dip can make these cookies feel playful on a dessert board, especially for parties.

Want More Cookie Ideas?

If you love these Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, you might want to keep baking with a few more sweet favorites from my kitchen:

• Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies when you want something rich, creamy, and bakery-style.
• Double Chocolate Chip Cookies for a deeper chocolate option that still feels classic and crowd-pleasing.
• Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies if you want another colorful holiday cookie that is fun for parties and cookie swaps.
• The Irresistible Charm of Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies for another playful candy-topped treat with a festive look.

These are the kinds of cookies I rotate through when I am building a holiday tray with different flavors, colors, and textures.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Candy Cane Kiss Cookies recipe to your Pinterest holiday desserts board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra crushed candy canes? Did you keep the almond extract or leave it out? I always enjoy seeing how other bakers make a holiday cookie feel like their own.

For even more festive dessert inspiration, browse my daily recipe ideas on ChefAlchemy Pinterest.

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