Name: Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups + 1 Tablespoon (260g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 10 Tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1/2 cup (about 90g) nonpareil sprinkles; 32–36 candy cane flavor Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 9 reviews

When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing quite like a batch of festive cookies to brighten the mood. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe with you—it’s a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, bursting with a refreshing peppermint flavor and topped with those iconic candy cane Hershey’s Kisses. These cookies not only look adorable with their sprinkle-coated exteriors but also offer a soft, buttery bite that melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a seasonal favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The peppermint extract pairs beautifully with the vanilla and buttery cookie base for a festive yet subtle taste.
Soft and Tender Texture: Creaming the butter and sugar properly ensures these cookies stay soft, never dry or crumbly.
Fun, Festive Presentation: Rolling the dough balls in nonpareil sprinkles adds a colorful crunch and that charming holiday vibe.
Easy Finish with a Twist: Pressing a candy cane Hershey’s Kiss on top after baking creates a show-stopping look and a little peppermint surprise in every bite.

Peppermint Kiss Cookies, festive holiday cookies, peppermint sugar cookies, candy cane Hershey's Kisses cookies, Christmas cookie recipes - The image shows many round cookies on a cooling rack, each with a light golden base covered in small red, green, and white round sprinkles. At the center of each cookie is a round white piece of candy with red stripes that looks like a peppermint. One cookie is broken, showing its soft inside. To the left, there is a white scalloped bowl filled with the same small red, green, and white sprinkles and some unwrapped candies around it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe come together to create a cookie that’s both festive and foolproof. The combination of baking essentials with peppermint extract and those candy cane kisses delivers that winter holiday magic in every bite. Plus, I’ve added a few tips to help you pick the best versions of these ingredients.

Peppermint Kiss Cookies, festive holiday cookies, peppermint sugar cookies, candy cane Hershey's Kisses cookies, Christmas cookie recipes - Flat lay of a small heap of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of baking powder powder, a small white bowl of salt, a few tablespoons of softened unsalted butter shaped into a smooth mound on a white ceramic dish, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl of clear peppermint extract, a generous pile of colorful nonpareil sprinkles on a white ceramic plate, and a neat cluster of unwrapped red-and-white striped candy cane Hershey’s Kisses arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic dish, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: This is your classic cookie base, giving structure without weighing the cookie down.
Baking powder: Adds just the right lift to keep the cookies soft and slightly pillowy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter is key for that creamy texture when you cream it with sugar.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie’s tender crumb.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors beautifully, adding warmth and depth.
Peppermint extract: The star of the show; just a little brings that cool, festive kick.
Nonpareil sprinkles: Tiny and colorful, they stick well to the dough and add festive flair.
Candy cane Hershey’s Kisses: The perfect candy topping—minty and chocolatey. If you can’t find candy cane flavor, classic chocolate works too.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about the Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your flavor preferences or occasion. Whether you’re feeling more classic or want to switch things up, there’s room to make this recipe your own.

Less peppermint, more vanilla: If you prefer subtle mint, just cut the peppermint extract in half or leave it out entirely and bump up the vanilla instead—either way, they still taste amazing.
Almond extract swap: I sometimes swap peppermint for almond extract when I want a more classic sugar cookie vibe with a nutty twist.
Chocolate lovers, try this: Roll the dough balls in sparkling sugar instead of sprinkles and swap the candy cane kisses for chocolate ones—so delicious.
Dietary modifications: You can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if needed; I’ve done it with great results using my favorite brand.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk and Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step is easy but important—it ensures the rising agent and salt are evenly distributed, so every cookie rises perfectly and tastes balanced. Set this bowl aside while you move on to the wet ingredients. I like to get this done first because flour dusting can get a bit messy!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Using a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat softened butter and sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes. This is where patience pays off—the longer you cream (without melting the butter), the fluffier and lighter your cookies will be. Don’t rush this part. If you’re unsure about creaming technique, check out a quick tutorial online; it really makes a difference!

Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Peppermint Extract

Once the butter and sugar are light and fluffy, add the egg along with both extracts. Beat until everything is well combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl once or twice to make sure nothing’s missed. Here, the peppermint extract starts to give that festive aroma, so your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients Slowly

Turn your mixer to low and add the flour mixture gradually. Since this dough is on the thicker side, mixing gently helps keep your cookies tender instead of tough. Once all the dry ingredients are incorporated, you’ll have a dense, firm dough ready to roll.

Step 5: Shape and Sprinkle

Roll the dough into 1 scant tablespoon-sized balls—try to keep them about 20 grams each. The dough might feel a bit dry at first, but don’t worry: the warmth from your hands helps them come together nicely. Then roll each ball generously in your nonpareil sprinkles. I like to pour sprinkles onto a plate and press the dough balls gently into them—that way, the colorful coating sticks evenly. If your dough resists sticking, add a teaspoon of water to soften it up.

Step 6: Chill the Dough Balls

Pop the sprinkle-coated dough balls into the fridge for 20 minutes or up to a day. If chilling longer, cover them lightly. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape during baking and makes the sprinkles stay put, so don’t skip this step.

Step 7: Bake and Add the Candy Cane Kisses

Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes. The edges will look set, but the centers might seem slightly underdone—that’s perfect for a soft cookie! As soon as they come out of the oven, gently press a candy cane Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Then transfer the cookies carefully to a plate and freeze for 10 minutes to set the candy fast.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

After the freeze, the Peppermint Kiss Cookies are ready to serve! They stay fresh covered at room temp for up to a week—but honestly, they tend to disappear much faster in my house.

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Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe

Perfect Butter Temperature: Let your butter soften at room temp for at least an hour—it cream better and gives a lighter cookie texture.
Don’t Overbake: The secret to soft cookies is pulling them out just as edges set; they’ll finish baking as they cool.
Sprinkle Adhesion Trick: Rolling dough balls in sprinkles right after shaping helps them stick better; if your kitchen is cold, warm your hands slightly for best results.
Use a Thin Spatula: When transferring cookies before freezing the kisses, a thin spatula prevents them from breaking since the centers are extra soft.

How to Serve Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe

Peppermint Kiss Cookies, festive holiday cookies, peppermint sugar cookies, candy cane Hershey's Kisses cookies, Christmas cookie recipes - A white marbled surface holds a white plate with red decorative leaf patterns, filled with a pile of round cookies. Each cookie has two layers: a base layer that is light beige and rough-textured, covered on the top edge with small round red, white, and green sprinkles, and a top center layer that is a smooth candy with white, red swirled stripes. Around the main plate, there are small white bowls containing the same holiday-colored sprinkles, and near the top right, there is a partly eaten cookie showing its soft inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple since the sprinkles and candy kisses are festive enough on their own. But around the holidays, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a lovely touch without overpowering. Fresh peppermint leaves can be a cute, natural garnish if you want to get fancy for a party.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa, eggnog, or even a simple glass of cold milk. I’ve served them alongside gingerbread or a fruit platter during holiday gatherings, and the contrast in flavors is always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged Peppermint Kiss Cookies on tiered dessert trays with sprigs of evergreen and cranberries for a festive look. Another fun idea: create mini cookie gift bags tied with red and white twine for party favors—people love receiving these cute, edible treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they usually stay soft and delicious for up to a week. If your kitchen is warm, pop them in the fridge, but bring them back to room temp before serving to enjoy the best texture.

Freezing

One of the best things about this recipe is that the unbaked, sprinkle-coated dough balls freeze brilliantly for up to 3 months. I like to freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you want fresh cookies, just bake them straight from frozen—add an extra minute or two to the baking time, and you’re set!

Reheating

Got leftover baked cookies to enjoy later? Warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture and brings out that peppermint aroma like they’re freshly baked. Microwaving is quicker but can make them slightly chewy, so the oven’s my go-to.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate Hershey’s Kisses instead of candy cane flavor?

Absolutely! While the candy cane flavor adds a peppermint punch, regular chocolate Hershey’s Kisses work perfectly and create a classic chocolate-vanilla bite. You could also experiment with other flavors like caramel or mint chocolate if you like.
How do I make sure the sprinkles stick to the dough?

Roll the dough balls immediately after shaping so the moisture on the surface helps the sprinkles adhere. If they’re too dry, warming your hands or adding a teaspoon of water to the dough can help. Also, pressing dough balls firmly into the sprinkles on a plate improves coverage.
Can I make this Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe without peppermint extract?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of peppermint or don’t have any on hand, simply omit it or replace it with almond extract for a delightful twist. The cookies will still be tasty and festive thanks to the sprinkles and Hershey’s Kisses.
What’s the best way to avoid overbaking these cookies?

Keep a close eye on the baking time and look for edges that are just set and lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underdone—that’s exactly how you want them for a soft, tender cookie. Pull them out promptly and let them finish cooling on the baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Kiss Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it always brings family and friends together around the kitchen counter, chatting and smiling as the sweet peppermint scent fills the air. It’s simple enough for beginners but special enough to impress guests, which makes it my go-to holiday cookie every year. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how these little cookies pack such a big festive punch. Let me know how your batch turns out—I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!