Christmas Kiss Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Christmas Kiss Cookies: Is there anything more festive than a melt-in-your-mouth cookie topped with a chocolate kiss? I think not! These delightful treats are a holiday staple in countless homes, and for good reason. They’re incredibly easy to make, visually stunning on a cookie platter, and utterly irresistible.

While the exact origins of the Christmas Kiss Cookie are a bit of a sweet mystery, many believe they gained popularity in the mid-20th century, coinciding with the increased availability and affordability of Hershey’s Kisses. The combination of a simple peanut butter blossom cookie base with the iconic chocolate kiss proved to be a winning formula, quickly becoming a beloved tradition passed down through generations.

What makes these cookies so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The soft, slightly chewy peanut butter cookie provides a nutty foundation, while the smooth, rich chocolate kiss adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory base. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist that satisfying “pop” as you gently press the kiss into the warm cookie? Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, let’s get baking and create some holiday magic with these classic Christmas Kiss Cookies!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 bag (approximately 10 ounces) milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
• Optional: Colored sprinkles or sanding sugar for decoration

Preparing the Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is noticeably lighter in color and has a smooth, almost whipped texture. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie.
2. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, adding a warm and inviting note. Mix until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can develop the gluten in the flour later on, leading to tougher cookies.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour, ensuring a consistent flavor in every cookie.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
5. Form the Dough into a Disc: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together into a cohesive mass. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle.

Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Silicone mats provide even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly baked cookies.
2. Shape the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a small cookie cutter (about 1-inch in diameter) to cut out shapes. You can use any shape you like, but circles or stars work well for Christmas Kiss cookies. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Place Cookies on Baking Sheets: Place the cut-out cookies or dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents the cookies from sticking together during baking.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as they can burn easily. The baking time will vary depending on your oven, so start checking them at 8 minutes.
5. Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking while they are still warm and soft.

Adding the Hershey’s Kisses:

1. Attach the Kisses: While the cookies are still slightly warm (but not too hot, or the chocolate will melt completely), gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will help the Kiss adhere to the dough.
2. Optional: Add Sprinkles: If desired, immediately sprinkle the cookies with colored sprinkles or sanding sugar while the chocolate is still soft. This adds a festive touch and makes the cookies even more appealing.
3. Let Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack. This will allow the chocolate to set and harden.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Kiss Cookies:

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will ensure a smooth and creamy mixture, which is essential for tender cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
• Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Silicone mats provide even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly baked cookies.
• Don’t Overbake the Cookies: Overbaking the cookies will make them dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown.
• Attach the Kisses While the Cookies are Still Warm: The warmth of the cookie will help the Kiss adhere to the dough. If the cookies are too hot, the chocolate will melt completely. If they are too cold, the Kiss won’t stick properly.
• Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations:

• Peanut Butter Kisses: Use peanut butter Hershey’s Kisses for a peanut butter twist.
• Mint Chocolate Kisses: Use dark chocolate or mint chocolate Hershey’s Kisses for a richer flavor.
• Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond extract or peppermint extract, to add unique flavors to the dough.
• Colored Dough: Add a few drops of food coloring to the dough to create festive colored cookies.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Be sure to use a blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum.

Troubleshooting:

• Cookies Spreading Too Much: If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to several factors:
  • The butter was too warm. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted.
  • The dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  • You overmixed the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can cause the cookies to spread.
  • Your oven temperature is too low. Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 375°F (190°C).
• Cookies Too Dry: If your cookies are too dry, it could be due to overbaking. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown, and then remove them from the oven.
• Kisses Not Sticking: If the Kisses are not sticking to the cookies, make sure the cookies are still slightly warm when you press them in. If the cookies are too cold, the Kisses won’t adhere properly. You can also try slightly warming the bottom of the Kiss with a lighter or by placing it on a warm surface for a few seconds before pressing it into the cookie. Be careful not to melt the chocolate!

Make Ahead Instructions:

The dough for these Christmas Kiss cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before rolling it out. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Serving Suggestions:

These Christmas Kiss cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat for Santa! They also make a wonderful homemade gift. Package them in a festive tin or box and share them with friends and family.

Enjoy your delicious Christmas Kiss Cookies!

Conclusion:

This Christmas, don’t let another holiday season pass without experiencing the pure joy of these Christmas Kiss Cookies! They’re more than just a treat; they’re a miniature celebration of festive flavors and textures, all wrapped up in a delightful, bite-sized package. The soft, peanut butter-infused cookie base, the satisfying crunch of the sugar coating, and the iconic chocolate Kiss nestled on top – it’s a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

But what truly makes these cookies a must-try is their versatility. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a cozy night in with family to a grand Christmas party. Imagine presenting a beautifully arranged platter of these cookies at your next holiday gathering. Watch as eyes light up and smiles spread across faces. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Beyond the classic recipe, there’s a whole world of possibilities waiting to be explored! For a festive twist, try using different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses. Peppermint Kisses add a refreshing coolness, while caramel-filled Kisses bring a rich, decadent sweetness. You could even experiment with dark chocolate Kisses for a more sophisticated flavor profile.

And don’t stop there! The cookie base itself is a blank canvas for your creativity. Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy note. Or, incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free flour works beautifully in this recipe, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delightful treats.

Consider serving these cookies with a warm glass of milk, a steaming mug of hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also fantastic additions to holiday gift baskets, adding a personal touch that shows you care. Package them in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for a truly special presentation.

I truly believe that these Christmas Kiss Cookies are a holiday baking essential. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly adaptable to your personal preferences. They embody the spirit of Christmas – warmth, joy, and sharing with loved ones.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these cookies for yourself. Once you’ve baked a batch (or two!), I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Share your photos, your variations, and your stories in the comments below. Let’s spread the Christmas cheer and inspire others to create their own delicious memories with these incredible Christmas Kiss Cookies. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!