Peppermint Kiss Cookies

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Soft, buttery, and full of holiday cheer, Peppermint Kiss Cookies are the kind of treat that brings smiles the moment they hit the table. With their delicate peppermint crunch and vibrant red and white swirls on top, they capture the essence of winter celebrations in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange or looking for something festive to bake with the kids, these cookies check all the boxes.

They start with a sugar cookie base, slightly crisp at the edges and pillowy inside. Once baked, each one is topped with a candy cane kiss that gently melts into the warm cookie, infusing it with a creamy peppermint flavor. The result is a perfectly balanced cookie that’s not too sweet, not too minty, and always the first to disappear from the holiday dessert spread.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe

These cookies are festive without being fussy. They come together with basic pantry ingredients and one key festive touch: peppermint kisses. The dough is simple and doesn’t need chilling, which means you can go from craving to cookie in under 30 minutes. They also look incredibly cute and cheerful, making them perfect for gift boxes or cookie platters.

If you’re looking for a treat that delivers big seasonal flavor with minimal effort, Peppermint Kiss Cookies are a holiday winner.

Can I Use Different Types of Kisses for Peppermint Kiss Cookies?

Absolutely! While the classic peppermint candy cane kisses give that signature holiday flair, these cookies are versatile enough to welcome other kiss varieties too. Try milk chocolate, sugar cookie, or hot cocoa flavored kisses for a unique twist. Just remember to add them after baking, while the cookies are still warm, so they gently soften into place.

Ingredients for the Peppermint Kiss Cookies

These cookies require just a few staples plus the festive peppermint candies. The dough is easy to work with, and the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.

• Unsalted Butter – Provides that rich, tender base and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps the cookies get that signature light texture.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together and gives the cookies structure.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor with warm, cozy notes.
• All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the cookie dough, giving it structure.
• Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the peppermint flavor.
• Peppermint Candy Cane Kisses – The star of the show! These go on top right after baking.
• Optional: Red or Pink Sanding Sugar – For an extra sparkle and festive look.

How To Make the Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to a soft cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Shape and Roll

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. If desired, roll them in sanding sugar for a sparkly finish.

Step 5: Bake

Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges set but the centers still soft.

Step 6: Add the Kisses

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a peppermint kiss into the center of each. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Peppermint Kiss Cookies

These cookies are best served once the kiss has set, which takes about 1 hour at room temperature. You can also speed things up by popping them in the fridge for 15 minutes. Serve them on a festive platter or add them to cookie boxes for gifting.

Peppermint Kiss Cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To freeze, store the baked cookies without kisses in a zip-top bag, then add the kisses after thawing for the best texture.

This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it great for small gatherings or sharing with friends and neighbors.

What to Serve With Peppermint Kiss Cookies?

Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream

Nothing complements peppermint like a steaming mug of cocoa with a generous swirl of whipped cream.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Try serving these cookies slightly warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Coffee or Espresso

The peppermint notes pair beautifully with strong, bold coffee flavors.

Spiced Apple Cider

This cozy drink offers a sweet and spiced contrast that balances the cookie’s minty finish.

White Chocolate Bark

For a full-on festive dessert board, pair the cookies with chunks of peppermint white chocolate bark.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

A sweet-salty combo that matches the peppermint perfectly.

Eggnog

For a classic holiday sip, pour yourself a small glass of chilled eggnog with your cookie.

Fruit Tray with Berries

Bright, fresh berries provide a refreshing, tart contrast to the cookies.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Peppermint Kiss Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other festive creations:

• Brownie Mix Cookies if you crave that chewy, chocolatey center.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a deeper caramel crunch.
• Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls for something sweet and nutty.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls to satisfy fruity dessert cravings.
• Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts if you love quick sweet treats with a twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use classic peppermint kisses or try something new? Did you go sparkly with sanding sugar?

I love hearing how others make these cookies their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake better.

Explore beautifully curated holiday cookies and seasonal recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next festive favorite!

Conclusion

Peppermint Kiss Cookies are the kind of joyful dessert that brings holiday magic to your kitchen. They’re easy to make, eye-catching, and full of seasonal flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party or wrapping up a sweet gift box, these cookies are a must-bake. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a yearly tradition.

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