Introduction

If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s both festive and delicious, then look no further than peppermint chocolate kiss cookies. These delightful cookies combine the rich flavors of chocolate with the refreshing essence of peppermint, making them a perfect treat for any holiday gathering or simply to enjoy at home. The unique combination of sweet and minty flavors not only tantalizes the taste buds but also fills your kitchen with aromatic cheer. Easy to make and guaranteed to bring smiles, this recipe is a must-try. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive right into the details.

Ingredients List

To get started on these peppermint chocolate kiss cookies, gather the following ingredients:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 bag of chocolate peppermint kisses
– Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

These ingredients blend perfectly to create the ultimate cookie experience, so make sure to use high-quality items for the best results.

Timing

When it comes to baking peppermint chocolate kiss cookies, timing is crucial to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a quick breakdown of the time needed:

– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Chilling time: 30 minutes
– Baking time: 10-12 minutes
– Cooling time: 5 minutes

In total, you should set aside approximately one hour for preparation and baking. Preparing these cookies is not only quick, but it also allows plenty of time for enjoying the aroma wafting through your home.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s delve into the step-by-step instructions to create these irresistible peppermint chocolate kiss cookies.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step takes about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Once your butter and sugars are combined, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for that added layer of flavor.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. This dough will be thick, which is exactly what you want for these peppermint chocolate kiss cookies.

5. Chill the Dough: Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

6. Shape and Bake Cookies: Once the dough is chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

7. Add Chocolate Kisses: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a chocolate peppermint kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

With this clear step-by-step guide, you’re well on your way to making the best peppermint chocolate kiss cookies! Each step is designed to ensure that the flavors are balanced and the texture is just right.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per cookie, assuming this recipe yields about 36 cookies:

– Calories: 130
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4.5g
– Trans Fat: 0g
– Cholesterol: 25mg
– Sodium: 60mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 16g
– Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that indulging in sweet treats should be moderate, but knowing the nutritional values can help you enjoy them more mindfully.

Tips

To enhance your experience while making peppermint chocolate kiss cookies, consider the following tips:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This will help create a smoother dough.

2. Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet ones, mix only until just combined to avoid tough cookies.

3. Use High-Quality Chocolate: The type of chocolate peppermint kiss you use can make a significant difference in taste. Opt for high-quality brands for a more decadent bite.

4. Experiment with Flavorings: You can add a drop of peppermint extract for a more pronounced mint flavor or mix in chocolate chips for added texture.

5. Presentation Matters: If you want to impress guests, dust the finished cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or additional crushed peppermint candies.

Alternative Methods

For those looking to mix things up, consider these alternative methods when making peppermint chocolate kiss cookies:

1. Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that the cocoa powder is also gluten-free to maintain a safe recipe for those avoiding gluten.

2. Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Use dairy-free chocolate kisses to keep the recipe dairy-free.

3. Peanut Butter Version: For peanut butter lovers, swap half of the butter with creamy peanut butter for an entirely different flavor profile.

4. Slow Cooker Cookies: You can even experiment with baking these in a slow cooker. Form the dough into small balls and place them on parchment paper in the slow cooker on low for a similar (yet softer) cookie experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking is an art, and avoiding mistakes will help ensure your cookies are a success. Here are a few common errors to steer clear of:

1. Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is about precision. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements.

2. Chilling for Too Long or Not Enough: Chilling dough is vital for the texture, but chilling it for too long can result in the dough becoming too hard to scoop. Aim for 30 minutes to a maximum of 1 hour.

3. Skipping the Baking Sheet Lining: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.

4. Overbaking: Every oven is different. Keep a close watch during the last couple of minutes to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dry cookies.

With a little attention to detail, you can ensure that your peppermint chocolate kiss cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, peppermint chocolate kiss cookies are not just treats; they are a celebration of flavors that can elevate any gathering. The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a delightful taste explosion that leaves everyone wanting more. Follow the steps and tips outlined in this post, and you’ll have a tray full of cookies that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). So roll up your sleeves and get baking! Remember to check back for more recipes on our website. Happy baking!

FAQs

1. Can I make this dough ahead of time? Yes! The cookie dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.

2. How should I store leftover cookies? Store peppermint chocolate kiss cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

3. Can I freeze the cookies? Absolutely! Baked cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

4. What can I use instead of chocolate kisses? You can substitute chocolate peppermint kisses with regular chocolate kisses or even use white chocolate for a different flavor.

5. How do I ensure my cookies stay soft? Baking them just until the edges are set while keeping the centers soft and allowing them to cool on the sheet helps.

Now that you have everything you need to create delightful peppermint chocolate kiss cookies, it’s time to get into the kitchen and start baking!