Celebrate the holidays with these Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies! These festive, colorful cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with holiday cheer. The combination of peppermint and chocolate in every bite makes them an irresistible treat for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a fun baking project with the family.
Why Our Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies Are the Best
These Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies are a delightful combination of flavor and festive charm! The buttery cookie base is infused with vanilla and peppermint, topped with creamy Peppermint Kisses or Hugs, and rolled in colorful holiday sprinkles for a pop of color. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look stunning on any dessert table!
Ingredients Notes Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies
Each ingredient in this Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies recipe brings the magic of the holidays to life. Here’s why they’re essential:
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve their soft, light texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, buttery flavor.
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar & ¼ cup (55 g) packed light brown sugar: The perfect blend for sweetness and moisture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and ensures a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: Provides a festive minty twist without being overpowering.
For Decoration:
- 24 Peppermint Kisses or Hugs (unwrapped): The highlight of the cookie, adding a creamy chocolate and peppermint finish.
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles: Bring festive color and fun to each cookie!
Pro Tip: If you can’t find Peppermint Kisses or Hugs, substitute them with regular Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate truffles for a similar effect.
Kitchen Tools Needed Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Whisk
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Baking sheets
- Wire cooling rack
How to Make Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies
These cookies are simple to prepare and perfect for holiday baking. Let’s get started!
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain.
6. Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball with your hands.
7. Add Sprinkles
Roll each dough ball in holiday sprinkles, coating them completely.
8. Bake the Cookies
Place the sprinkle-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden.
9. Add Peppermint Kisses or Hugs
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet. Gently press an unwrapped Peppermint Kiss or Hug into the center of each cookie. The chocolate will melt slightly—don’t worry, it will set as the cookies cool.
10. Cool Completely
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Be careful not to touch the chocolates until they are fully set.
How To Store Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent the chocolates from sticking. For longer storage, freeze the cookies (without the Peppermint Kisses) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Add the Kisses after thawing and reheating.
Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies Variations
- Chocolate Base: Replace 2 tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate-flavored cookie dough.
- Different Kisses: Try caramel, dark chocolate, or almond Hershey’s Kisses for unique flavors.
- Snowy Version: Skip the sprinkles and roll the cookie dough in powdered sugar before baking for a snowball look.
- Mint Explosion: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey, minty kick.
What To Serve With Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies
Serve these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha for the ultimate holiday treat. For a festive dessert platter, pair them with gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or white chocolate bark. A tall glass of milk is a classic pairing for these chewy, minty delights.
Top Tips for Perfect Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is easier to cream, which creates a lighter, fluffier dough.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Over-measuring flour can result in dense cookies. Use the scoop-and-level method for accuracy.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are just set. They’ll continue to bake on the hot baking sheet.
- Let the Chocolates Set: Allow the Peppermint Kisses or Hugs to fully cool and harden before storing the cookies.
- Chill Dough if Needed: If the dough is too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before shaping.
Helpful Notes
- These cookies are a great make-ahead option for holiday parties and gift-giving.
- If using salted butter, reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): Always chill dough for better cookie shape and texture.
- Martha Stewart: Use high-quality extracts for the best flavor in simple recipes.
- Duff Goldman: Experiment with different sprinkles for added texture and visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake fresh when ready.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze the cookies without the Peppermint Kisses. Thaw at room temperature and add the chocolates afterward.
3. What if I can’t find Peppermint Kisses?
Substitute with regular Kisses, chocolate truffles, or even Andes mints for a similar effect.
4. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent over-salting.
5. Do I need to chill the dough?
It’s not required, but chilling can make the dough easier to handle and result in thicker cookies.
These Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Get into the holiday spirit and bake a batch (or two) for your loved ones!
Peppermint Kisses Hugs Sprinkle Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- – 1 ½ cups 190 g all-purpose flour
- – ½ tsp baking soda
- – ¼ tsp salt
- – ½ cup 115 g unsalted butter, softened
- – ½ cup 100 g granulated sugar
- – ¼ cup 55 g packed light brown sugar
- – 1 large egg
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – ½ tsp peppermint extract
For Decoration:
- – 24 Peppermint Kisses or Hugs unwrapped
- – ½ cup holiday sprinkles red, green, white, or preferred colors
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in holiday sprinkles to coat completely.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden.
- Add Kisses or Hugs: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Gently press a Peppermint Kiss or Hug into the center of each warm cookie.
- Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Let the chocolate set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Customizable: Swap out Peppermint Kisses for plain chocolate or other holiday-themed candies.
- Chill Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft, chill for 15 minutes before rolling into balls.