Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookies — Soft, Buttery & Perfectly Peppermint
If you’re searching for a cookie that embodies the spirit of the holidays, you’ve just found it. These Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookies are the perfect balance of **soft, buttery centers** and **lightly crisp edges**, crowned with a smooth peppermint-swirled chocolate kiss that melts just slightly into the warm cookie. The combination of classic sugar cookie flavor and refreshing peppermint crunch makes every bite festive, nostalgic, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, gifting friends, or simply craving something sweet and seasonal, this recipe delivers flawless results every single time.
Ingredients & What Each One Does
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour — Provides structure and stability, ensuring cookies hold their shape while staying tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder — Adds light puffiness and prevents the cookies from becoming dense.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt — Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened — The foundation of a rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar — Sweetens the dough while helping the edges get slightly crisp.
- 1 large egg — Adds structure and binds the dough.
- 1 large egg yolk — Adds richness and creates a delicate, tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract — Gives warm, classic sugar-cookie flavor that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
- 36 Peppermint Candy Cane Kisses — The festive star of the cookie, adding peppermint chocolate creaminess.
- ½ cup crushed candy cane pieces — Adds crunch and sparkle while boosting peppermint flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale — about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for soft, tender cookies.
- Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Add the dry mixture gradually, mixing only until the dough comes together. Do not overmix, or the cookies may become tough.
- Shape the dough. Roll portions of dough into 1-inch balls. For perfectly even cookies, use a small cookie scoop.
- Bake. Place cookie dough balls 2 inches apart and bake for 8–10 minutes. Edges should be set but not browned — this is how they stay soft.
- Add the candy cane kiss. Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a Peppermint Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow them to sit for 2 minutes until the chocolate softens slightly.
- Add crushed peppermint. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the melted kiss so they cling beautifully to the top.
- Cool. Move cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The kiss will firm back up as they cool.
Why These Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookies Are So Loved
- Soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
- Peppermint chocolate kisses create a perfect festive flavor combination.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Beautiful presentation — they look like holiday bakery cookies.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for cookie swaps or gifting.
Pro Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for proper creaming — cold butter will make dense cookies.
- Remove cookies when the centers still look soft. They set as they cool.
- Freeze the kisses before using — this prevents them from melting too much.
- Chill dough 20 minutes if it feels too soft — this ensures thicker cookies.
- Add crushed candy cane quickly while the kiss is still warm to help it adhere.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these festive cookies on a holiday platter with hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or a cozy mug of vanilla chai tea. They also make a beautiful addition to Christmas dessert boards, cookie tins, or edible gift baskets. For an indulgent treat, crumble one over vanilla ice cream — absolutely heavenly.
Final Summary
These Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookies combine nostalgic sugar-cookie softness with a burst of cool peppermint and creamy holiday chocolate. They’re incredibly easy, reliable, and festive — perfect for beginners, holiday bakers, and anyone craving a cheerful, crowd-pleasing treat. With their beautiful colors, rich flavors, and soft-centered texture, these cookies outshine typical holiday recipes and deliver bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or a holiday party, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.