Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies are the ultimate festive treat that brings joy and warmth to any holiday gathering. These delightful cookies feature a chewy chocolate base topped with a minty Candy Cane Hershey Kiss, making them the perfect addition to your dessert table. With their rich cocoa flavor and sweet peppermint twist, they are sure to be a hit among family and friends. Let’s dive into the delicious world of these chocolate peppermint kiss cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies

These Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies are not just visually appealing; they are a delight to the taste buds. Here are six reasons why you will adore these cookies:

They combine rich chocolate flavor with a refreshing minty touch.
Perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving, they are irresistible.
Simple to prepare, making them an easy indulgence for any baker.
Each cookie is topped with a delightful peppermint kiss for added sweetness.
They can be made ahead of time for holiday parties or cookie swaps.

These cookies fit into a vegetarian diet, making them accessible for many.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Gather these items:

1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/2 cup (40 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
34 Candy Cane Hershey Kisses, frozen
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar for rolling dough balls

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Unwrap 34 Candy Cane Hershey Kisses and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to harden for pressing into the baked cookies.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a large bowl for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale in color and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined to form the cookie dough.

Step 7: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, divide the dough into 34 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
Step 8: Roll each dough ball in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar, then place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets (12 on the first two sheets and 10 on the last).
Step 9: Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes at 350°F; 7 minutes if you prefer chewier cookies.
Step 10: Immediately after removing from the oven, press a frozen Candy Cane Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Step 11: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets so the chocolate kiss sets and maintains its shape.

Step 12: Serve the cookies once cooled. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the Candy Cane Hershey Kisses are frozen before baking for best results.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
For an extra minty flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough.

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies

These cookies are perfect for:

Serving at holiday parties alongside a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Gifting in decorative boxes to friends and family during the festive season.
Enjoying as an afternoon treat with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to two months. Just scoop and freeze the dough balls, then bake them fresh when you’re ready!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies?

The secret lies in using frozen Hershey Kisses, which helps them maintain their shape while still being soft and melty. This creates a delightful contrast with the chewy cookie base.

Can I make Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later use. Just make sure to thaw before baking and add the kisses right after baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies?

To avoid spreading, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, measure your flour correctly to prevent dense cookies.

Variations of Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies You Can Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these variations:

Add crushed peppermint candies to the dough for extra crunch.
Substitute white chocolate for Hershey Kisses for a different flavor.
Try using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies: 34 Festive Delights - Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies - main visual representation

Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies: 34 Festive Delights - Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies - additional detail

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For additional tips on baking cookies, you can refer to this cookie recipe guide from Food Network.