Description:
Christmas Kiss Cookies are a delightful holiday classic featuring soft, buttery cookies topped with a chocolate kiss in the center. These festive treats are as fun to make as they are to eat and perfect for cookie swaps, parties, or a cozy holiday evening at home.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (softened)
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- Brown sugar: ½ cup (packed)
- Egg: 1 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 1¾ cups
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Milk: 1 tablespoon (optional, if dough feels dry)
- Colored sugar sprinkles: ½ cup (red, green, or multi-colored)
For the Topping:
- Chocolate kisses: ~24 (unwrapped)
Optional Ingredients:
- Peppermint extract: ¼ teaspoon (for a minty twist)
- Cocoa powder: 2 tablespoons (if you want chocolate-flavored cookies)
Tips for Success:
- Chill the dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Unwrap kisses ahead of time: Be ready to press them into the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Work quickly with sprinkles: Roll the dough in sprinkles before it gets warm for even coating.
Steps to Make It:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add milk if the dough is too crumbly.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2. Shape and Coat:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in colored sugar sprinkles to coat.
- Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Bake and Add Kisses:
- Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges—this is normal.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recommendations:
- Serving suggestion: Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or festive eggnog for a cozy holiday treat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Gifting idea: Pack them in decorative tins or holiday-themed bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Nutrition (Per Cookie, Approx. 24 cookies):
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
With their colorful sprinkles, soft texture, and indulgent chocolate center, Christmas Kiss Cookies bring joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. ✨
