Are you ready to embark on a delightful journey of creating scrumptious treats that blend the joy of baking with the festive spirit? In this guide, we will dive into the world of Candy Cane Kiss Cookies—a delightful fusion of buttery goodness, peppermint magic, and the iconic Hershey’s Kiss. Follow along as we explore the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.
Unwrapping the Magic Ingredients
To commence our sweet adventure, gather the following ingredients: 2 cups + 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract, nonpareil sprinkles, and 32–36 candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kisses. This symphony of flavors and textures will lay the foundation for your delectable Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.
A Dance of Flavors in the Mixing Bowl
Now, let’s weave the magic in the mixing bowl. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until they form a harmonious blend. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until a smooth concoction emerges. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, resulting in a thick, tantalizing dough—the heart and soul of your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies.
Rolling and Sparkling with Sprinkles
With your dough ready, the next step is to shape it into tantalizing balls. Each ball, weighing around 20g, should be generously rolled in nonpareil sprinkles. If the sprinkles prove elusive, fear not! A few tricks—like moistening the dough or pressing the balls into a sprinkle-covered plate—can work wonders. Pop these sprinkle-covered treasures into the refrigerator for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the dough to firm up.
Baking Brilliance and Kisses from the Oven
As the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the chilled dough balls on lined baking sheets, ensuring they are 2 inches apart. Bake for precisely 12 minutes, maintaining a watchful eye on the edges. The cookies may seem underdone in the center, but trust the process—this is the secret to their soft, chewy perfection. Post-baking, press a Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie, then swiftly transfer them to the freezer for 10 minutes. This quick freeze ensures the candy sets snugly atop each cookie, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
Serving Joy, Preserving Freshness
Behold, your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are ready to steal the spotlight! Allow them to cool briefly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a plate. These delectable treats will stay fresh, covered at room temperature, for up to a week—making them ideal for sharing the joy of the season with loved ones.
Crafting Candy Cane Kiss Cookies is more than a baking venture; it’s an opportunity to create cherished moments and share the sweetness of the holiday season. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the aroma of joy fill your kitchen. From our kitchen to yours, happy baking!
