Can we just talk about these kisses for a minute? They are Hershey’s holiday Candy Cane kisses and they are marvelous. I was skeptical at first, thinking they might be overly sweet. They are sweet, don’t get me wrong, but I was totally won over by the little crispy bits in these. Have you ever had those melt away mints that come in all the pastel colors with the little white “candies” on the bottoms of them? I’m sure they have a name, they are served at parties and weddings frequently. They’re totally addicting and these kisses taste just like them. I’m hooked. Pair them with a rich chocolate cookie and I’m a happy camper.
I used the same cookie base as I did in the Chocolate Cherry Thumbprints, because really…it is just that good. Paired with the creamy deliciousness of these kisses–you’ll want to send these away on cookie platters to friends and family, just to get them out of the house. If you look really closely at my pictures, you’ll see that the tips of the kisses got slightly brown. It will remind you of a toasted marshmallow, there is a tiny bit of crunch and it still tastes great! Just keep an eye on them or you’ll be in trouble.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cups (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- one 10-ounce package of Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder and salt. Using an electric mixer and a large bowl (or a stand mixer), beat butter and 1 cup of sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add egg and vanilla and beat until combined. Turn mixer to low and gradually add flour mixture until combined.
- Put the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in a small bowl. Roll dough into approximately 1-inch balls and then toss in sugar to coat. Place one inch apart on parchment-paper or silicone baking sheet lined baking sheets. Bake for five minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from the oven and lightly press in candy cane kisses into the center of each cookie. Return to oven and bake for another 3 minutes. Cookies should be set but still look moist. Cool completely on the cookie sheets on wire racks.
Verdict: Loved these! Sent them off to work with Ben to get them out of the house.
Husband’s take: He didn’t try these! He set them out at work and didn’t get a chance to eat one. His loss!
Changes I would make: Nada
Difficulty: Easy
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Love the look of these cookies! And if I had one, no doubt I’d love the taste too.
I made a recipe last night that is very similar! It’s just a mocha chocolate cookie though instead, with the addition of some coffee flavors.
This is a fabulous holiday cookie, that’s for sure!
Yum! I’ve made similar cookies with a different base and I agree, those kisses are so good! Love the pictures, too – very creative
I am addicted to those things!!!
Chocolate and peppermint is my jam!! Love!
Mmm, the chocolate/mint combo is one of my all-time favorites + these cookies look SOOO good. I’d totally eat one for breakfast right now if i had some here. =)
Mmm so festive and tasty looking! Great recipe!
Wow, Hershey’s is really setting the bar this season with loads of awesome chocolate choices! These cookies look amazing, especially that one with the bite taken from it!!
Yum! I love those candy cane kisses during this season, this looks like a recipe I will have to try.
Cute and delicious. Happy Holidays!!
Ohh myy! I love using those kisses in different things!
WHERE IS THAT BABY?
He’s waiting for you to bring us some homemade chocolates.
I love these. Now go have your baby already.
oh yum! These sound awesome compared to the traditional peanut butter style!
yum!!
LOVE the candy cane kisses. I am sure these cookies are heavenly with them!
I love kisses – I posted a recipe today and have another one tomorrow
they make cookies so fun…I love your version 
okay…would i be the outcast if i said, i never saw holiday candy cane kisses before? i know! i breathe chocolate and i am a little in the dark. well, the good thing is you learn something new everyday! i am all over these cookies!
I love those mint kisses!!! Haven’t had any yet this season – yum!!
These are just adorable… you have inspired me to bake!
First time on your site. I made these tonight they are PHENOMENAL! Definitely going to be a permanent member of my Christmas cookie list. I am glad that I made them for my hubby’s work party tomorrow or I would be sorry:)
Great! Thank you! Glad you liked them
I love those little kisses! Cute cookies! HOpe the baby comes soon!
Yum! These little bites are so addictive. Love it!
Those babies are so addicting! Speaking of babies…
Cute and festive!!