Soft and fluffy homemade candy cane peppermint kiss cookies! A peanut-free twist on a classic cookie and a fun addition to any holiday cookie tray!

Growing up in New England I’ve had my fair share of bad weather, especially winter weather. You’d think I’d be used to it and over it by now, but no. The winter morning laziness struck this week. I need to get groceries but didn’t want to go out with potentially slippery roads and decided we’d manage for meals for another day or two on what we could pull together around the house. I mean, it’s not like we have bare shelves, but when you’re craving something like tacos and you have literally none of the ingredients besides cheese… tacos is clearly out of the question until another day. Normally these ‘I want to stay in and be cozy’ days don’t hit until January or February when the brutal wind and crazy weather hits. Is this a sign of things to come or am I getting it out of my system early? Only time will tell I suppose…

I started wrapping and putting presents under the tree this week. I decided not to wait until last minute because if I had, not only would that have been stressful, it also would’ve killed my back trying to wrap everything in one big batch. Just adding a bit at a time under the tree this year and my kids are so excited everyday when they see a little bit more added. Their excitement is so infectious. I love it. I’m still not ready but nearly there. I mean is anyone really truly ready until the last second anyway? I feel like there’s always something to be done. This way I can at least relax a bit the night before. Less stress and still all of the excitement.

I hope you saved room in your cookie baking plans for another one because these cookies are truly amazing. Perfect soft and pillowy sugar cookies with sweet candy cane peppermint kisses and a crisp sugar coating. These peanut-free kiss cookies are 100% an absolute must make this holiday season.

This recipe makes a generous amount of cookies, perfect to share with friends and family or for Santa and yourself to enjoy! I guarantee you’ll be going back for seconds and thirds. They’re just that good!

Classic holiday treats and flavors paired together to create one irresistible dessert… adding festive holiday colors is a bonus.

If you’re looking for a perfect cookie to whip up with the kids this season, look no further. These are not only fun to make but are a super fun to eat too. Tasty little bites of holiday goodness!

Be sure to add these easy and festive candy cane peppermint kiss cookies to your holiday baking plans!

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Tips tricks and questions answered…

How many will this recipe make?
As written, this will make roughly 3 dozen or slightly more. Too many? Freeze extra or cut the recipe in half. Not enough? Double or increase the recipe as needed.

What size should my dough balls be when shaped?
Using a small cookie scoop, scoop slightly heaping balls of dough. Shape into roughly a 1-inch ball. Slightly larger is okay too, as long as you are consistent with your own scooping and shaping.

I can’t find candy cane kisses!
Substitute peppermint extract for the vanilla and use a standard milk or dark chocolate kiss instead.

Can I use a different sugar to coat?
Yes! If you can’t find colored sanding sure, use white sanding sugar or granulated sugar.

Does this recipe need to be chilled?
Yes! Do not skip the chilling stage. This dough is fairly soft and sticky to start out. Chilling it allowed it to be easier to handle and shape.

How long will these last?
These can easily be stored for a week or longer in an airtight container. Baked cookies may also be frozen.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Follow the steps through the initial chill step. Then wrap it well, label with essential info and freeze. Frozen dough will keep for up to a year.

Can I make substitutions to the ingredients?
Yes and no. Baking is a science. This recipe works with the exact measurements listed. Altering one or several of those can cause the recipe to fail. If you’re familiar with baking substitutions, go for it! Outside of any alterations I’ve already mentioned, for specific substitution questions, ask in the comments below.

Soft and fluffy candy cane peppermint kiss cookie recipe from @bakedbyrachel A peanut-free twist on a classic cookie and a fun addition to any holiday cookie tray!
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Candy Cane Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 40 cookies
Soft and fluffy candy cane peppermint kiss cookie recipe! A peanut-free twist on a classic cookie and a fun addition to any holiday cookie tray!

Ingredients
 

  • 1 C unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 C granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 3 C all purpose flour
  • 1/4 C sanding sugar
  • 40-50 Candy Cane Kisses

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Scrape bowl as needed. Mix in one egg at a time, followed by vanilla. Add salt and baking powder. Mix in one cup of flour at a time, increasing speed between additions. Mix until no streaks remain. Chill dough for 1-2 hours or until dough is firm but manageable.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Add sanding sugar to a clean small bowl. If using red and green colors, use two bowls.
  • Carefully remove wrappers from candy cane kisses and set aside on a plate. This may be done in small batches.
  • Using a small cookie scoop, scoop heaping balls of dough. Shape into smooth 1-inch balls. Roll in sanding sugar. Space 2-inches apart on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. Immediately transfer cookies to a wire rack. Immediately gently press a kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow chocolate to set and for cookies to cool completely before moving and storing.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container.

Notes

An original recipe from Baked by Rachel

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 12mg, Sodium: 51mg, Potassium: 12mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 142IU, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 0.5mg
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most accurate data, use your preferred nutrition calculator with the actual ingredients you used to make this recipe.
Did you make this recipe?I'd love to see it! Snap a picture and tag @bakedbyrachel on Instagram!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cookie

More holiday cookies to try:

Soft and fluffy candy cane peppermint kiss cookie recipe from @bakedbyrachel A peanut-free twist on a classic cookie and a fun addition to any holiday cookie tray!

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