Description
Peppermint kiss cookies bring festive cheer with chocolate and mint perfection. Chocolate lovers will delight in this simple holiday treat that melts hearts and creates sweet memories.
Ingredients
Scale
- 22 peppermint kisses candies
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (properly spooned and leveled)
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper for optimal baking preparation.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar in a separate large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, blending until smooth and uniform.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough and roll into uniform balls, placing them 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
- Create a gentle indentation in the center of each dough ball using the back of a measuring teaspoon, allowing for slight natural cracking.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until cookies have slightly risen and edges appear set, rotating the sheet midway for even cooking.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, maintaining a warm temperature.
- Delicately press a peppermint kiss into the center of each warm cookie, ensuring a secure placement.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow to cool completely, enabling the chocolate kiss to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cookie texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
- Use a light-colored baking sheet to prevent cookie bottoms from over-browning.
- Gluten-free alternative can be achieved by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Replace peppermint kisses with dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate experience.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a vegan version, swap butter with coconut oil and use egg replacement like aquafaba or flax egg.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top for extra festive crunch and peppermint flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg