Irresistible Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies: Your Ultimate Holiday Treat

Are you a devoted fan of the magical combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint? If so, you’ve stumbled upon your new favorite holiday cookie recipe! These Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies are an absolute dream for anyone who believes that chocolate and mint are a match made in heaven, especially during the festive season.

For those who might not share this particular flavor passion – fear not! While these cookies celebrate the beloved chocolate-peppermint duo, you can explore other delightful options. Take a peek at our sugar cookie blossoms for a non-chocolate, equally charming cookie experience that’s perfect for any occasion.

But for the true enthusiasts, prepare to be captivated. Our Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies feature a decadent brownie-like base, infused with the cool, invigorating taste of peppermint. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of deep cocoa and crisp mint, creating an unforgettable sensory delight.

We understand that holiday baking can be bustling, which is why we’ve designed this recipe with simplicity in mind. We’re all about that “easy button” during the festive rush! By starting with a convenient brownie box mix, we’ve streamlined the process, transforming a simple mix into gourmet-tasting, homemade cookies with minimal fuss. Think of it as a brilliant brownie mix hack, allowing you to whip up impressive treats without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a game-changer for holiday entertaining and gifting!

Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Crafting these delectable Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies requires a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe is its reliance on a box brownie mix, which acts as a fantastic foundation, saving you time and effort without compromising on flavor or texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

**For precise quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card at the bottom of this page.**

To ensure your Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies turn out perfectly, it’s worth paying a little attention to each ingredient:

• Box Brownie Mix: Choose a standard 13×9 inch box mix. This is our convenient shortcut, providing a rich, fudgy base that’s incredibly easy to work with. While any brand will do, opting for a quality mix can enhance the final flavor.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: A touch of extra cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor of the cookies, making them even more intensely fudgy and satisfying. It complements the brownie mix beautifully.
• Crushed Peppermint Candy: This is where the signature peppermint flavor truly shines in the cookie dough. You can use pre-crushed candy canes or crush your own. The small pieces will melt slightly during baking, releasing their refreshing essence throughout the cookie.
• Water: Used to bring the dough together and achieve the right consistency.
• Chocolate Syrup: Adds an additional layer of chocolate richness and moisture to the dough, contributing to its luscious texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold the cookies together and provide structure.
• Canola Oil (or other neutral oil): Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb, ensuring your cookies are soft and chewy.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for rolling the cookie dough balls, creating that classic crinkled appearance and a delicate, sweet finish. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• Candy Cane Flavored Kisses: These are the crowning glory of these cookies! The peppermint-flavored chocolate kisses melt slightly onto the warm cookies, adding a creamy, minty top layer that makes them truly special. Make sure to buy enough, as unwrapping them can be a fun, albeit sometimes tempting, pre-baking task!

Having all your ingredients measured and ready before you start mixing (mise en place) will make the baking process even smoother and more enjoyable. Now, let’s get to baking these holiday gems!

Crafting Your Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful chocolate peppermint kiss cookies is a straightforward process, designed to be enjoyable and stress-free. The key to their perfect shape and texture lies in a couple of crucial chilling steps, so don’t be tempted to skip them! Let’s walk through it together:

Preparation is Key: Chill Your Kisses

The very first step ensures your peppermint kisses maintain their iconic shape when placed on the warm cookies. Unwrap all your candy cane flavored kisses and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl securely and pop it into the freezer for at least a couple of hours. Ideally, do this the day before you plan to bake. This pre-chilling prevents them from melting too quickly when they come into contact with the warm cookies, preserving their lovely form and enhancing the final presentation.

Mixing the Fudgy Brownie-Peppermint Dough

Next, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the cookie dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients from your box brownie mix with the extra cocoa powder and the crushed peppermint candy. Stir these together thoroughly to ensure the peppermint is evenly distributed throughout the chocolate base.

Once the dry ingredients are combined, add the wet components: chocolate syrup, water, canola oil, and the egg. Mix everything together until a cohesive, fudgy batter forms. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until no dry streaks remain. The dough will be quite soft at this stage, which is why the next step is so important. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least an hour. This chilling period is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it much easier to handle and roll into perfect balls later on. You can even prepare the dough in the morning and leave it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake in the afternoon or evening.

Rolling, Baking, and the Signature Crinkle

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet(s) with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Now, retrieve your chilled dough. Scoop out one-inch balls of the firm dough. While a cookie scoop is often recommended for uniform sizing, I sometimes find it challenging to use with very firm, refrigerated dough. In such cases, a small spoon works just as well. Gently roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until it’s fully coated. This coating is what creates the beautiful crinkled effect on the finished cookies as they bake and expand. Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each to allow for spreading. Don’t worry if your cookies aren’t perfectly uniform; slightly larger cookies are never a complaint in my house!

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are done when the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so err on the side of underbaking for that desirable fudgy texture. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 4 to 5 minutes. This allows them to set up slightly before moving. For easier handling, you can then slide the entire piece of parchment paper, with the cookies still on it, onto a wire rack or your countertop to continue cooling for a few more minutes.

The Grand Finale: Adding the Peppermint Kiss

This is the moment of magic! While the cookies are still warm but no longer piping hot (after their initial 4-5 minute cool-down), retrieve your rock-cold peppermint kisses from the freezer. Gently press one cold peppermint kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat from the cookie will slightly soften the base of the kiss, allowing it to adhere beautifully without completely melting. This creates a stunning, creamy peppermint topping.

Allow the cookies to cool completely before attempting to move them or serve. This final cooling period is essential for the kisses to fully set and for the cookies to achieve their ultimate fudgy chewiness. Once cooled, they are ready to be devoured!

Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies is easy with a few insider tricks. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your cookies are a resounding success every time:

• Embrace the Chill: This is arguably the most critical tip. Cold dough and cold kisses are non-negotiable for success. Chilling the dough prevents excessive spreading in the oven, ensuring your cookies retain a good thickness and chewy texture. Likewise, freezing the peppermint kisses keeps them from melting into a puddle when pressed into the warm cookies. Don’t skip these crucial chilling steps!
• Dough Consistency: After chilling, your dough will be quite firm. This is exactly what you want! If you find it too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for just 5-10 minutes to slightly soften, but be careful not to let it get too warm.
• Scooping for Uniformity (and avoiding breakage): While a cookie scoop generally yields uniform cookies (about 48 from this recipe), very firm dough can be a challenge. I’ve personally experienced a cookie scoop breaking when attempting to portion rock-solid dough from a different recipe. To prevent this, use a sturdy spoon to scoop out portions, then roll them into one-inch balls by hand. If you’re more generous with your scoop size like I often am, you might end up with 30-36 larger, more indulgent cookies – which is certainly not a bad thing!
• The Powdered Sugar Roll: Be generous when rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar. A thick, even coating is what gives these cookies their distinctive “crinkle” effect and helps create a lovely, slightly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy interior.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be fudgy. Look for edges that are set and centers that still appear a little soft. They will continue to set as they cool. An extra minute or two can quickly turn fudgy into dry, so keep a close eye on them.
• Perfect Kiss Placement: Wait until the cookies have cooled for 4-5 minutes on the baking sheet before pressing in the cold kisses. If the cookies are too hot, the kisses will melt completely. If they are too cool, the kisses won’t adhere properly. That small window is key!
• Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue, especially with these cookies. Allow them to cool entirely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before handling or storing. This allows the kisses to firm up and the cookie texture to fully develop.
• Storage: Store your cooled Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Discover More Holiday Cookies and Festive Treats

The holiday season is synonymous with baking, and there’s no limit to the delicious treats you can create. If you’ve enjoyed these Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies, you’re sure to love these other festive recipes, perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging:

• Sugar Cookie Blossoms: Classic sugar cookies crowned with a chocolate kiss, a simple yet elegant treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites: Mini brownie bites with a delightful surprise – a creamy peanut butter cup baked right inside.
• Poinsettia Cookies: Beautifully decorated cookies resembling the festive poinsettia flower, perfect for adding a touch of edible artistry to your holiday spread.
• Snickers Fudge: A rich and creamy fudge packed with chunks of Snickers candy, offering a decadent and satisfying bite.
• Nutella Fudge: Indulgent fudge infused with the irresistible hazelnut-chocolate flavor of Nutella, a quick and easy no-bake delight.

Explore these recipes to expand your holiday baking repertoire and bring even more joy to your festive table!

A delicious brownie-based cookie with a kiss of peppermint – the perfect festive treat for your holiday cookie assortment!

Ingredients

• 1 box brownie mix (13×9 size)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup crushed peppermint candy
• 3 Tablespoons water
• 2 Tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tablespoon canola oil (or other neutral vegetable oil)
• Powdered sugar (for rolling)
• 48 candy cane flavored kisses (unwrapped)

Instructions

1. Unwrap all 48 candy cane flavored kisses and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl and freeze for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry brownie mix, ¼ cup cocoa powder, and ¼ cup crushed peppermint candy. Stir until well blended.
3. Add the water, chocolate syrup, canola oil, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Cover the bowl of dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to firm up, which makes it easier to handle.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Scoop out one-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.
7. Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 4 to 5 minutes. You can then slide the parchment paper with the cookies onto a wire rack or counter to cool further.
10. While the cookies are still warm (after the initial cooling period), gently press one frozen peppermint kiss into the center of each cookie.
11. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or wire rack before moving or serving. This ensures the kisses fully set.

Notes

The chilling steps for both the dough and the kisses are crucial. Cold dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, and cold kisses keep them from melting excessively when pressed into the warm cookies. Do not skip these steps for best results.

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