Sparkle & Sweet: The Ultimate Peppermint Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookies

A plate of festive Peppermint Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookies with red and white peppermint swirls.

The holidays are a time for warmth, joy, and, most importantly, delicious baking! While classic sugar cookies are always a hit, sometimes you want to add a little extra sparkle and festive flair. Enter the Peppermint Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookie – a delightful twist on a beloved classic that combines the soft, chewy perfection of a sugar cookie with the cool, refreshing burst of peppermint chocolate.

These cookies aren't just a treat for the taste buds; they're a feast for the eyes too, with their vibrant colors and iconic Hershey Kiss topping. They're perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home with a cup of hot cocoa.

Why You'll Love These Peppermint Kiss Cookies

If you're looking for a holiday cookie that truly stands out, this recipe is for you. Here's why these Peppermint Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookies will become a new favorite:

  • Festive Flavor Combo: The classic sweetness of a sugar cookie meets the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint and rich chocolate. It's a match made in holiday heaven!
  • Soft & Chewy Texture: Our recipe ensures a wonderfully soft and tender cookie that practically melts in your mouth.
  • Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results.
  • Visually Appealing: The red and white flecks of the peppermint kiss make these cookies incredibly festive and inviting.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at holiday gatherings and a delightful gift for friends and family.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is easier than you think! Follow these simple tips to ensure your Peppermint Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

Room Temperature Ingredients Are Key

Make sure your butter and egg are truly at room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly with the sugar, creating a smooth, airy base for your cookie dough. Cold ingredients don't emulsify as well, which can lead to a denser cookie.

Don't Skip the Chill Time

Chilling the dough is crucial! It helps the butter solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more flavorful cookie. Even 30 minutes makes a big difference.

Unwrap Kisses Ahead of Time

This might seem small, but unwrapping all your Hershey Kisses before you start baking will save you time and prevent a sticky mess when the cookies are hot out of the oven. Have them ready to go!

Watch for Doneness

Sugar cookies are best when slightly underbaked. Look for edges that are just barely set and very lightly golden. The centers should still look soft. They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat on the baking sheet. For more general baking advice and tips, you can check out resources like King Arthur Baking's tips and techniques section.

Press Kisses Immediately

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a peppermint Hershey Kiss into the center of each one. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

These festive cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of holiday beverages. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a cozy chai latte, or a glass of cold milk. They're also an excellent addition to any holiday dessert platter or cookie box.

Storage Tips

Once completely cooled, store your Peppermint Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you're planning to make them further in advance, they freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Get ready to infuse your kitchen with the joyous scents of peppermint and freshly baked cookies. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make Peppermint Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days before baking. You can also bake the cookies entirely and freeze them for up to 2-3 months in an airtight container.

What if I can't find peppermint Hershey Kisses?

No problem! While peppermint kisses add a special touch, you can use regular Hershey Kisses, other flavored Kisses (like caramel or milk chocolate), or even press a small chocolate mint square into the warm cookies. The recipe is versatile!

How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much?

Several factors can help: ensure your butter is at room temperature but not melted, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and don't overcrowd the baking sheets. The cornstarch in this recipe also helps create a tender, slightly thicker cookie.

What's the best way to store these peppermint cookies?

Store your cooled Peppermint Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure they're completely cool before freezing.

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A plate of festive Peppermint Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookies with red and white peppermint swirls.

Peppermint Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookies


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  • Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful, festive sugar cookie recipe featuring a soft, chewy texture and a delicious peppermint Hershey Kiss pressed into the center, perfect for holiday gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ tablespoon cornstarch
24 unwrapped peppermint Hershey kisses


Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 2: Beat in the vanilla extract and the egg until well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 5: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling process helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Unwrap all 24 peppermint Hershey Kisses and set them aside.
Step 7: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
Step 9: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped peppermint Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your festive Peppermint Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookies!

Notes

For best results, make sure your butter is truly at room temperature (soft but not melted). Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading. Unwrap the Hershey Kisses before baking so they are ready to press into the hot cookies immediately.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Holiday Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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