Name: Peppermint Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-481024H33M57S
Total time: PT-481024H33M57S
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp peppermint extract; Red or green food coloring (optional, for a holiday look); 24 Peppermint Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped; Additional granulated sugar, for rolling

Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Peppermint Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies! Each soft, festive cookie is crowned with a Peppermint Hershey’s Kiss, making them not only a treat to eat but a joy to look at. Perfect for Christmas parties, these cookies are sure to be a hit with their burst of peppermint flavor.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp peppermint extract
Red or green food coloring (optional, for a holiday look)
24 Peppermint Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Additional granulated sugar, for rolling

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts until well blended.
Add Food Coloring: For a festive touch, mix in red or green food coloring until the color is uniform.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Form Dough Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
Coat in Sugar: Roll each ball in granulated sugar.
Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the balls on the prepared sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake

Bake Cookies: Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges firm up but the centers remain soft.
Cool Slightly: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Hershey Kisses

Press in Kisses: Press a Peppermint Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
Cool Completely: Move the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. The Kisses will harden back up as they cool.

Variations

Chocolate Dough: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate-peppermint version.
Different Kisses: Experiment with different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses for variety.

Cooking Note

Inserting the Hershey’s Kiss while the cookies are still slightly warm helps it stick but be gentle to avoid cracking the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Peppermint Hershey Kiss Cookies at your next holiday gathering, or box them up beautifully for a festive homemade gift.

Tips

Chilling Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size for even baking.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 140 per cookie
Sugar: 10 g per cookie

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookies in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Q: How do I store these cookies? A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Conclusion

These Peppermint Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies are a perfect way to spread festive cheer. With their soft texture and peppermint flair, they offer a delightful treat for everyone at your holiday festivities. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!