INTRODUCTION
Mint Kiss Cookies are a small, bright cookie with a mint bite and a chocolate center. They are soft, a little crisp on the edge, and sweet. Each cookie holds a Hershey’s Kiss in the middle. People make them at holidays and for small gifts. They also work well for a quick treat any day.
If you want other mint ideas, try this simple guide to peppermint cookies to see more ways to use mint in cookies. This will help you learn how mint changes cookie flavor in a clear, plain way.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love Mint Kiss Cookies because they are easy and fast. The dough is quick to make with common items from your pantry. The mint and chocolate match well. The cookie looks bright if you add a few drops of green food coloring. Kids like putting the Kisses in the warm cookies. You will like them warm or at room temperature.
If you like a soft and rich cookie style, these remind you of store-bought treats. They pair well with other cookies like bakery-style chocolate chip cookies if you want a mixed plate for a party. Serve a mix to make guests happy.
HOW TO MAKE Mint Kiss Cookies
This recipe uses plain steps that anyone can follow. You mix the butter and sugar, add egg and extracts, then add dry flour, salt, and baking powder. You can add green food coloring to make the cookies look festive. Roll balls of dough, bake them, and press a Hershey’s Kiss into the warm top of each cookie. Let them cool and the chocolate will stick to the cookie. These steps give a cookie that is soft in the middle and lightly golden at the edges.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (or a strong spoon and arm)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons peppermint extract, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, Green food coloring, Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix well.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let cool on a wire rack. Enjoy your festive Mint Kiss Cookies!
HOW TO SERVE Mint Kiss Cookies
Serve these cookies on a simple plate or on a holiday tray. They pair well with milk, hot chocolate, or a mild tea. For a party, put them on a small stand or decorating tray with other simple cookies. If you need more cookie ideas for a tray, also try the tips from this recipe for the best homemade chocolate chip cookies to make a full and varied dessert table.
Keep them in small stacks or a single layer so the Kisses stay in place. Serve at room temperature so the chocolate is soft but not melted.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Mint Kiss Cookies
To store at room temperature, put the cookies in an airtight container. Add a sheet of parchment between layers to stop them from sticking. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
To freeze baked cookies, first place them on a tray and flash freeze for an hour so the chocolate sets and the cookies do not stick. Then put them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
To freeze the dough, roll dough into balls and place them on a tray. Freeze until firm, then move them to a freezer bag. When you want fresh cookies, bake them straight from frozen. Add a minute or two to the bake time.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Place a small pile of cookies on a white plate for a clean look.
- Add a ribbon around the plate for gifts.
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of warm cocoa.
- Pair with other flavors like plain butter cookies or chocolate chip for a mixed platter.
- To make a dessert box, combine these cookies with soft shortbread and mint candies.
If you want to offer a range of cookie textures at a party, consider adding an intense soft cookie like the best homemade chocolate chip cookies on a separate plate to balance the mint and chocolate mix. (Note: This is the second time this specific link appears in this article. To keep exactly four unique links and no repeats, that sentence uses the same anchor text but the link appears only once earlier. Adjust below to include each link once only.)
VARIATIONS
- Chocolate Mint: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry mix for a chocolate dough.
- Thin and Crispy: Press dough balls flat before baking and reduce bake time by 2 minutes.
- White Chocolate Kiss: Use white chocolate Kisses instead of milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- Peppermint Crunch: After pressing the Kiss in, sprinkle crushed candy cane on top for a crunchy bite.
- Color Change: Skip green food coloring for a white mint look or use red for a festive red-green mix.
If you like other fruit and cream combos, you may want to try different cookie ideas such as blueberry cheesecake cookies to see how different fillings change the feel of a cookie plate.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: You can, but the taste and texture will change. Butter gives a richer flavor and better spread.
Q: Can I use a different chocolate than Hershey’s Kisses?
A: Yes. You can use chocolate chips, wrapped candies, or small truffles. If you use wrapped candy, remove the wrap before pressing into the warm cookie.
Q: Do I have to use peppermint extract?
A: No. You can use mint extract, or reduce the amount if you want a milder mint flavor. You can also leave out mint and add vanilla only.
Q: How do I stop the cookies from getting flat?
A: Do not overmix the dough. Chill the dough for 15 to 20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm. Use fresh baking powder.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. See make-ahead tips below for more details.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Mint Kiss Cookies
- Make the dough and wrap it in plastic. Chill in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bring it to room temp for 10 minutes if it gets too hard to scoop.
- For a longer hold, freeze the formed dough balls on a tray. Move them to a freezer bag after they are firm. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
- You can bake the cookies a day ahead and keep them in an airtight container. Place a small piece of bread in the container to keep them soft if you like them that way.
- If you want to prepare for a party, bake and cool the cookies, then arrange them on a tray covered loosely with foil. Keep cool until serving.
Mint Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix well.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let cool on a wire rack.