When the holidays roll around, you may find yourself searching for the perfect treat to share with friends and family. Peppermint Kiss Cookies are a delightful choice that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint. These sweet, festive cookies not only look beautiful with their vibrant sugar coatings but also bring joy to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking gifts for neighbors, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Why We Love This Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe
There are countless reasons to love Peppermint Kiss Cookies. First and foremost, these cookies bring the holiday spirit alive with their vibrant colors and flavors. The combination of peppermint and chocolate plays a pivotal role in making them irresistibly delectable. They are not just visually appealing; the taste is nothing short of extraordinary.
Moreover, this recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of any skill level. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies. The ingredients are easily accessible and working with them can be a family-friendly affair.
Finally, Peppermint Kiss Cookies are versatile: they can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or after they’ve cooled. They’re perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights in with hot cocoa. Baking and sharing these cookies creates lasting memories, making them a staple in your holiday traditions.
Ingredients for Peppermint Kiss Cookies
To make delightful Peppermint Kiss Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon coarse green sugar
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon coarse red sugar
- 36 Peppermint Kisses, unwrapped
These ingredients are simple yet essential for creating the perfect batch of cookies. The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the Peppermint Kisses, which give the cookies their signature flavor.
How to Make Peppermint Kiss Cookies
Making Peppermint Kiss Cookies is an enjoyable process that you can follow step-by-step. Here’s what you need to do:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (about 175 degrees Celsius). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly, giving them that perfect texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Take a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of sugar. Beat this mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add the eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring all the flavors are thoroughly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
- Divide the Dough: Once you have your cookie dough, divide it into two equal parts. Take one half and mix in the coarse green sugar, then do the same with the coarse red sugar for the other half.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Once rolled, coat each dough ball in the corresponding colored sugar—green for one half and red for the other. This will give your cookies a festive appearance.
- Prepare for Baking: Slightly flatten each dough ball on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This helps them spread evenly during baking.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Add Peppermint Kisses: Immediately remove the cookies from the oven and press a Peppermint Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will melt the kiss slightly, creating a delightful topping.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container for storage or serving.
Following these steps will lead you to a batch of irresistible Peppermint Kiss Cookies that are sure to delight everyone this holiday season.
How to Serve Peppermint Kiss Cookies
Serving Peppermint Kiss Cookies can be as festive as the cookies themselves. You might want to arrange them on a decorative platter, garnished with some additional green and red sugar for that extra holiday touch. They make for a lovely centerpiece at gatherings, bringing color and joy to your dessert table.
Consider pairing these cookies with a warm beverage such as hot cocoa, cappuccino, or even a simple cup of tea. The rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors of the cookies will beautifully complement the warmth of your drink, creating an ideal snacking experience.
If you’re feeling particularly generous, you can package them in festive boxes or holiday-themed bags as gifts for friends, family, or neighbors. Your loved ones will appreciate the thoughtful gesture and the delicious treats they’ll receive.
Expert Tips: Peppermint Kiss Cookies
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients, especially the baking powder and peppermint kisses, are fresh. This will help ensure your cookies rise properly and taste fantastic.
- Check Oven Temperature: Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is baking at the correct temperature. Oven variances can lead to overbaked or underbaked cookies.
- Experiment with Sugars: While coarse green and red sugar are traditional, feel free to get creative. You could use sprinkles or colored sanding sugar to create unique variations.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They may look slightly underbaked when you take them out, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Chill Your Dough: If you find that your dough is too soft to work with, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before shaping your cookies. This will make it easier to handle.
- Make a Double Batch: These cookies tend to disappear quickly, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch. They freeze well, too, so you can bake ahead and have treats ready whenever you want.
- Store Properly: For the best results, store your cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for several days, making it easy to enjoy them over time.
How to Store Peppermint Kiss Cookies
Proper storage of your Peppermint Kiss Cookies is crucial for maintaining their delightful flavor and texture. Once your cookies have completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking them to prevent sticking.
If you have leftovers (though unlikely), you can keep them at room temperature for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations of Peppermint Kiss Cookies
While the classic Peppermint Kiss Cookies are delicious, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Chocolate Base: For an extra chocolatey experience, substitute 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour for cocoa powder. This will give your cookies a rich chocolate cookie base.
- Different Toppings: Instead of Peppermint Kisses, experiment with other types of chocolate or candy. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even caramel-filled candies can provide unique twists.
- Add Nuts: If you enjoy some crunch in your cookies, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Version: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the peppermint nicely.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s a 1:1 mix that doesn’t require additional binders.
With these variations, you can keep your holiday cookie tray exciting and cater to all tastes.
FAQ: Peppermint Kiss Cookies
What are Peppermint Kiss Cookies?
Peppermint Kiss Cookies are delightful holiday treats made with a soft cookie base, topped with a melted Peppermint Kiss. They offer a delicious combination of chocolate and peppermint flavors, ideal for festive gatherings.
How can I make Peppermint Kiss Cookies gluten-free?
To make Peppermint Kiss Cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix. Make sure that it’s a 1:1 ratio for the best results.
How long will Peppermint Kiss Cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Peppermint Kiss Cookies will remain fresh for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to three months.
Can I add other flavors to Peppermint Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! You can enhance your cookies with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even add nuts for added texture. Feel free to get creative with toppings as well.
What beverages pair well with Peppermint Kiss Cookies?
Pairing Peppermint Kiss Cookies with warm beverages like hot chocolate or tea can enhance the flavors and create a snug, inviting atmosphere perfect for the holiday season.
Peppermint Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon coarse green sugar for one half of the dough
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon coarse red sugar for the other half of the dough
- 36 pieces Peppermint Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Dough Preparation
- Divide the dough in two equal parts.
- Mix coarse green sugar into one half of the dough and red sugar into the other half.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball in the corresponding colored sugar.
- Flatten each ball slightly and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Immediately press a Peppermint Kiss into the center of each cookie after removing from the oven.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
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