Name: Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups (270 grams) all purpose flour; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ⅔ cup (150 grams) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (150 grams) white sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract; ¼ cup candy canes, crushed (about 3 candy canes); 32 Hershey’s Peppermint Kisses, unwrapped

If you’re craving something festive, minty, and utterly irresistible, you’re in the right place. I’m so excited to share my favorite Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe that my whole family goes crazy for during the holiday season. These cookies have this perfect balance of buttery dough, a refreshing peppermint kick, and that signature Hershey’s Kiss nestled right on top – trust me, you’ll want to bake these again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Peppermint Punch: The combo of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes makes these cookies burst with fresh, minty flavor.
Soft & Chewy Texture: With a tender crumb and just a hint of crunch from the candy cane bits, these cookies are so satisfying.
Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a pro baker to nail these—they come together in under an hour of active prep.
That Classic Kiss Finish: Adding the Hershey’s Peppermint Kiss after baking creates an irresistible holiday look and taste.

The image shows several round cookies placed closely together on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a soft, creamy beige color with small green and red specks scattered throughout the dough, suggesting bits of candy or sprinkles inside. In the center of each cookie, there is one striped red and white candy shaped like a small drop or peak, standing upright. The cookies have a slightly bumpy texture, and some crumbs are visible on the surface around them. The lighting highlights the smoothness of the candy tops and the softness of the cookie base, capturing a fresh and festive look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Peppermint Kiss Cookies, holiday cookies, minty cookie recipe, chocolate peppermint cookies, festive cookie treats

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe plays a key role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive flavor. I love using fresh, room temperature ingredients—it really helps everything mix together seamlessly.

Flat lay of a small mound of all purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl with baking powder, a soft block of unsalted butter on a white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white sugar, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of clear peppermint extract, a small white ceramic bowl containing crushed red and white candy canes, and several unwrapped silver foil-wrapped peppermint Hershey's Kisses arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic dish, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Peppermint Kiss Cookies, holiday cookies, minty cookie recipe, chocolate peppermint cookies, festive cookie treats

All purpose flour: It provides the perfect structure without making the cookies too dense.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch really enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift so they’re light and soft.
Unsalted butter: Using softened butter helps create that tender texture and rich flavor without being greasy.
White sugar: Sweetens the dough, and creaming it with butter traps air for fluffier cookies.
Large egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture; room temperature blends better with other ingredients.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, balancing the peppermint’s brightness.
Peppermint extract: The star for that unmistakable holiday zing—be careful not to add too much!
Crushed candy canes: Offers a delightful crunch and extra peppermint bursts.
Hershey’s Peppermint Kisses: The iconic finishing touch that melts slightly into the cookie tops, making everyone smile.

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.

Variations

I love that this recipe is pretty flexible! Here are a few ways I’ve customized the Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe over the years to suit different tastes or occasions—feel free to get creative too.

Chocolate Peppermint: I sometimes swap half the flour for cocoa powder for a chocolate twist—my family’s favorite variation!
Gluten-Free Version: Using a gluten-free flour blend works well if you or guests have sensitivities; just watch the dough texture.
Extra Crunch: Adding chopped nuts like pecans adds a nice texture and pairs beautifully with peppermint.
Less Sweet: Cut the sugar by a quarter for a more subtle sweetness if you prefer your cookies less sugary.

How to Make Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed so the texture stays consistent throughout your cookies. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with white sugar using an electric mixer for about 3 minutes until it’s fluffy and pale. This step traps air that helps give your cookies a tender, light texture. Add the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract, then beat again until everything is nicely combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Then Fold in Candy Canes

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture, beating on low speed just until everything is combined—don’t overmix or your cookies could turn tough. Fold in the crushed candy canes to spread out that peppermint crunch deliciously throughout the dough.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough

Scoop out small balls of dough—just under a tablespoon each—and roll them between your hands until smooth. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then pop the tray into the fridge for about an hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and improves flavor.

Step 5: Bake and Add the Kisses

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets with space between them—about 12 per tray works best for even baking. Bake each batch for 11 minutes until the edges are just set but centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Peppermint Kiss into the center of each cookie. If you want the kiss to stay perfectly shaped, placing the cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes right after pressing works like a charm.

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Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the egg and butter sit out for a bit before mixing; this makes the dough smoother and easier to work with.
Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step—it prevents cookies from spreading too much and ensures a thick, chewy texture.
Even Cookie Sizes: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough for uniform baking and pretty cookie shapes.
Press Kisses Gently: Wait until the cookies are slightly cooled before adding the peppermint kisses to avoid melting them completely.

How to Serve Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of soft cookies arranged tightly together on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one layer, a light beige dough with small red and green specks mixed inside, giving a festive look. At the center of each cookie is a round, glossy red and white striped candy held slightly sunk into the dough, creating a smooth contrast with the soft cookie texture. The candy caps the cookie and adds a bold pop of color to the otherwise pale dough. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Peppermint Kiss Cookies, holiday cookies, minty cookie recipe, chocolate peppermint cookies, festive cookie treats

Garnishes

For a little extra sparkle, I like to lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar or sprinkle extra crushed candy canes around the serving plate. It adds a festive touch that’s especially fun when you’re sharing with guests during the holidays.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa or your favorite peppermint mocha. They’re also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning these treats into a holiday dessert everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

I like arranging these cookies in a circular pattern on a festive platter, alternating with sprigs of fresh pine or holly for a classic holiday vibe. Another favorite is placing a single cookie on top of a gift box as part of the wrapping—it’s like giving a little edible present!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, store your leftover Peppermint Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and chewy for about a week. I’ve found that layering them with wax paper between each layer prevents sticking and keeps those kisses intact.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freezing is a lifesaver. After the cookies cool, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to three months. When it’s time to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temp. You can also freeze the dough balls—just thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking and add kisses fresh after baking.

Reheating

To revive your cookies, gently warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This softens the dough back up and slightly melts the Peppermint Kiss, evoking that fresh-baked feeling again. Avoid microwaving since it can make them tough.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate kisses instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! While peppermint kisses add that festive twist, regular Hershey’s Kisses work fine too if you want a more classic chocolate cookie. You can also try flavored kisses like caramel or mint chocolate for fun variations.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

I like putting candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently pounding them with a rolling pin or meat mallet—just enough to get small chunks without turning them into powder. It keeps the peppermint bits noticeable and crunchy in the cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?

Yes! I often make the dough a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge and bake within 24 hours. The flavors actually deepen a bit when the dough rests, making your cookies even tastier.
How do I ensure my peppermint kisses don’t melt completely during baking?

Press the kisses onto the cookies after baking, once the cookies have cooled for a few minutes. If you prefer a firmer look, pop the cookies into the freezer for 10 minutes after pressing the kisses. This keeps them from melting too much and losing their shape.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s been a holiday tradition in my family for years and always brings smiles around the kitchen table. I love how quick it is to make yet feels so festive and elegant. I hope you give it a try and discover what a magical little bite these cookies can be. Happy baking and happy holidays, my friend!