Candy Cane Kiss Cookies Recipe

Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies. Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with the cookie's texture. Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cookies. Peppermint extract: Gives the cookies a refreshing minty taste. Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture. All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies. Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy. Crushed candy canes: Adds a festive crunch and peppermint flavor. Hershey's candy cane kisses: The star of the cookie, providing a sweet and minty center.

When creaming together the butter and sugar, ensure the butter is at room temperature. This will help achieve a light and fluffy texture, which is crucial for the cookies to have the right consistency. If the butter is too cold, it won't incorporate well with the sugar, and if it's too warm, the dough may become too soft and spread too much during baking.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a one-to-one substitute for butter and will provide a similar texture and moisture.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.

• peppermint extract - Substitute with mint extract: Mint extract provides a similar minty flavor, though it may be slightly less intense.

• egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) can be used for a vegan alternative.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the cookies denser.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.

• baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder as a substitute for baking soda.

• crushed candy canes - Substitute with crushed peppermint candies: Crushed peppermint candies provide a similar flavor and texture.

• hershey's candy cane kisses - Substitute with white chocolate chips: White chocolate chips can be used for a similar creamy texture, though they lack the peppermint flavor.

• Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This ensures they maintain their delightful texture and don't become soggy.

• Place the cookies in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.

• Store the container at room temperature. These desserts will stay fresh for up to one week, maintaining their festive flavor and delightful crunch.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. First, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature. This will take about 30 minutes, and they'll taste just as delicious as when freshly baked.

• If you prefer a warm dessert, reheat the thawed cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive their just-baked aroma and texture.

• Avoid storing the cookies in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to dry out and lose their delightful chewiness.

• For an extra festive touch, consider storing the cookies with a small piece of candy cane in the container. This will infuse them with an additional burst of peppermint flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the leftover cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them for about 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure they don't overbake. This method helps to restore the crispiness on the outside while keeping the center soft and gooey.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the cookies and heat them on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. This will make the cookies warm and slightly soft, but be cautious as microwaving too long can make them chewy.

• If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies in a single layer in the basket and heat for 2-3 minutes. This method is great for maintaining the texture of the cookies.

• For a stovetop method, use a double boiler. Place the cookies on a heatproof plate and set it over a pot of simmering water. Cover with a lid and let the steam gently warm the cookies for about 5 minutes. This method helps to keep the cookies moist.

• If you prefer a more traditional approach, use a toaster oven. Set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on the rack. Heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking. This method helps to maintain the crunch and flavor of the cookies.

• For a unique twist, try reheating the cookies on a grill. Wrap them in aluminum foil and place them on the grill over low heat for about 5 minutes. This method can add a subtle smoky flavor to the cookies, enhancing their taste.

• Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour.

• Electric mixer: Helps to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients such as flour, sugar, and crushed candy canes.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like vanilla extract, peppermint extract, salt, and baking soda.

• Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and folding in the crushed candy canes.

• Baking sheet: The surface on which the cookie dough balls are placed for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

• Wire rack: Used to cool the cookies completely after they have been baked.

• Spoon: Handy for scooping out the dough and forming it into 1-inch balls.

• Cooling rack: Another term for the wire rack, ensuring the cookies cool evenly.

• Rolling pin: Optional, but can be used to crush the candy canes if not already pre-crushed.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to save time during the baking process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly cream butter and sugar, and mix the dough more efficiently than by hand.

Crush candy canes in bulk: Crush extra candy canes and store them for future batches to avoid repeating the step.

Pre-scoop dough: Roll all the dough balls at once and place them on a tray, ready to go into the oven.

Unwrap kisses in advance: Unwrap all Hershey's candy cane kisses before you start baking to streamline the final step.