Chocolate Candy Cane Kiss Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate candy cane kiss crinkle cookies are the ultimate holiday treat! Chewy, chocolaty and topped with a peppermint kiss for festive flair.
It’s that magical time of year when my oven gets a workout and cookie platters become the centerpiece of every festive gathering. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect holiday cookie, look no further than these Candy Cane Crinkle Cookies!
They’re like a warm hug of chocolate with a minty holiday twist, topped off with the delightful peppermint flavour from a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss. Honestly, what’s not to love?
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
These chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies have a fudgy center, powdered sugar coating and a festive peppermint kiss on top – all the makings of the ultimate Christmas cookie. Plus, they’re as much fun to bake as they are to eat.
These cookies are usually gone in minutes around here so I like to bake a double batch and throw them in the freezer to save for later. Otherwise, they tend to disappear lol.
So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These chocolate crinkle candy cane blossoms are perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or just cozy nights by the fire with a warm drink. And let’s face it, they look gorgeous on any cookie platter. The peppermint candy crunch from the kisses? Chef’s kiss!
I love chocolate cookies all year long. The rich, indulgent flavor of melted chocolate never fails to hit the spot.
But during Christmas, there’s something extra special about pairing chocolate with mint. This original recipe uses melted unsweetened chocolate for a fudgier, more decadent texture, instead of cocoa powder.
The result? A cookie that feels a little fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. And they look amazing on a Christmas cookie platter! These peppermint dipped chocolate cookies are similar and great too.
Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- Unsweetened baker’s chocolate, melted
- Granulated white sugar
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Large eggs
- Pure vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Powdered sugar
- Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses
Instructions
1. Mix the sugar, butter, and melted chocolate in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the chocolate mixture.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4-6 hours (overnight is best).
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll the chilled dough into small balls using a small cookie scoop, then roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
7. Place on baking sheets, 2 inches apart, and bake for 8-9 minutes.
8. As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. Chill the cookies immediately to prevent the kiss from melting.
Tips & Tricks
- The dough needs to be cold before baking to get those beautiful crinkle tops. Don’t skimp on chilling!
- Roll the cookies generously in powdered sugar. This ensures they bake up with a bright, snowy coating that makes them extra festive.
- Be quick about adding the kisses after baking. And don’t forget to chill the cookies immediately to keep the kisses perfectly intact.
- These cookies freeze beautifully. Bake them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container, and you’ll always have a batch ready for holiday parties or a last-minute cookie swap.
- Not a fan of peppermint? Try other seasonal Hershey’s Kisses, like the hot cocoa or sugar cookie flavors, for a little different twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the cookie dough instead of baking all at once?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then roll, coat, and bake as usual.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
If your dough isn’t chilled enough, your cookies may spread and lose their shape. Be sure to chill for at least 4-6 hours or overnight for the best results.
Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?
You can, but it will change the texture of the cookies. Melted chocolate gives these cookies their signature fudgy center, so it’s worth sticking to the original recipe for that rich flavor.
More Holiday Baking Ideas
If you love these chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies, you’ll adore these other festive treats:
- Peanut Butter Blossoms: Classic chocolate and peanut butter goodness.
- Chewy Ginger Cookies: Spicy, sweet, and perfect for the holidays.
- Shortbread Cookies: Add red and green sprinkles for a festive flair.
Whether you’re filling your cookie jar, creating a show-stopping cookie platter, or just looking for a sweet treat to share with loved ones, these Candy Cane Brownie Blossoms are a must-add to your holiday baking list. The time of year calls for cozy, chocolatey goodness, and these cookies deliver in every bite.
If you love this chocolate candy cane kiss crinkle cookie recipe, click the stars below to give it a five star review and leave a comment! Please help me share it on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.
Chocolate Candy Cane Kiss Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
- 4 oz unsweetened bakers chocolate melted
- 2 cups white sugar
- ½ cup butter softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 5 dozen Hersheys Candy Cane Kisses
Instructions
- Mix together the sugar, butter and melted chocolate.
- One at a time, add eggs and mix well.
- Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture and mix until smooth and well combined.
- Chill overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unwrap Hershey’s Kiss candies.
- Roll tablespoon sized balls of dough in your hand.
- Roll them in the powdered sugar and coat well.
- Place on cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes.
- Upon removing from the oven, immediately press a kiss into the centre of each cookie.
- Place the cookie sheet into the fridge or freezer to cool before the chocolate melts.
- Once cooled remove from the cookie sheet and store.
Notes
- The dough needs to be cold before baking to get those beautiful crinkle tops. Don’t skimp on chilling!
- Roll the cookies generously in powdered sugar. This ensures they bake up with a bright, snowy coating that makes them extra festive.
- Be quick about adding the kisses after baking. And don’t forget to chill the cookies immediately to keep the kisses perfectly intact.
- These cookies freeze beautifully. Bake them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container, and you’ll always have a batch ready for holiday parties or a last-minute cookie swap.
- Not a fan of peppermint? Try other seasonal Hershey’s Kisses, like the hot cocoa or sugar cookie flavors, for a little different twist.
Nutrition
Save this recipe?
More cookie exchange ideas:
- Andes Mint Cookies
- Double Chocolate Mint MnM Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cake Box Cookie
- Raspberry Almond Meltaways
- Olaf Nutter Butter Cookies
- Snowflake Meltaway Cookies
- Chocolate Turtle Cookie
- Candy Cane Brownie Blossoms
- Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Cranberry Almond Shortbread Bites
- No Bake Eggnog Cookies
- Double Chocolate Rum Balls
- Magic Cookie Bars
- Christmas Molasses Ginger Cookies
- Rosettes|
- Mint Chocolate Truffle Cookie cups
- Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies
- Christmas M&M Cookies
- Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
- Easy Sugar Cookie
- Gingersnaps with Dark Chocolate Chips
- Maple Bacon Snickerdoodles
- Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
- Christmas Chocolate Thumbprints Cookies
- Christmas Tree Brownie Pops
- My Favorite Things Cookies
- Old-Fashioned Gingersnap Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Holiday Confetti Sandwich Cookies
- Lemon Oatmeal Lacies Christmas Cookie
- Snowball Cookies
- Healthy Biscochos (Vegan, Raw, & Grain-Free)
- Almond and Milk Chocolate Ganache Thumbprint Cookies
- Porcelain Sugar Cookies
- OREO Dipped Christmas Cookies
- Rolo Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies
- Crispy Coconut Pecan Butter Cookies
- Candy Cane Sugar Blossoms
Hello friends!
Just a note – be sure to use olive oil in this recipe – it makes the cookies puff up. Alternately my friend Amy shared another version that seems to be less troublesome:
4 oz unsweetened bakers chocolate, melted
2 cups white sugar
½ cup butter or margarine
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp peppermint extract
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup icing sugar
5 dozen Hersheys Candy Cane Kisses