Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Kiss Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—soft, buttery cookies studded with festive red and green sprinkles and topped with a delightful Hershey’s Kiss. Easy to make and irresistibly charming, they’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as homemade gifts.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing Bowls (2): One for wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: Creaming butter and sugar is much easier with a mixer.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy sheet ensures even baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy bottoms.

Why Each Tool Matters

• Mixer: Achieves a light and fluffy butter-sugar mixture for tender cookies.
• Parchment Paper: Protects your baking sheet and helps cookies lift off cleanly.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft cookie.
• 1 large egg: Adds structure and binds the dough.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, sweet note.

For the Dry Mix

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender texture.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.

For the Festive Touch

• ¼ cup red and green sprinkles: Adds holiday cheer and a pop of color.

For the Topping

• 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped): The iconic centerpiece of these cookies.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. Make the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

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

4. Add the Sprinkles:

• Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

5. Shape the Cookies:

• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.

7. Add the Hershey’s Kisses:

• Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (the heat will soften the chocolate slightly) before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Use Softened Butter: Ensures easy mixing and a tender cookie texture.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should appear slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven—they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Chill Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Dessert Table: Arrange these cookies alongside other festive treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies.
• Gift-Giving: Package in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful, edible gift.
• With a Warm Drink: Pair with hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or eggnog for a cozy holiday vibe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Melted Butter: Stick to softened butter for the correct dough consistency.
2. Skipping Parchment Paper: Without it, cookies can stick to the baking sheet.
3. Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.

Variations

1. Flavor Twists:

• Substitute almond extract for vanilla for a nutty undertone.
• Use peppermint extract and holiday-colored sprinkles for a minty variation.

2. Chocolate Options:

• Try using different Hershey’s Kisses like caramel, dark chocolate, or cookies & crème.

3. Color Themes:

• Customize sprinkles for other occasions, like pink and red for Valentine’s Day or pastel colors for Easter.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container—it helps maintain moisture.

Freezing Dough

• Roll dough into balls and freeze on a tray until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Freezing Baked Cookies

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to a pinch to avoid oversalting.

2. What if I don’t have red and green sprinkles?

You can use other festive colors or skip them altogether—the cookies will still be delicious!

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling into balls.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain their shape.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Conclusion

These Christmas Kiss Cookies bring joy to any holiday occasion. With their festive colors, buttery flavor, and iconic Hershey’s Kiss topping, they’re a holiday must-bake! Whether for gift-giving or enjoying with loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread cheer.