The holiday season brings with it cherished traditions, and for me, nothing says Christmas quite like baking cookies that fill the kitchen with warmth and sweetness. These Christmas Kiss Sugar Cookies are a joyful nod to the classic sugar cookie, with a festive twist of holiday sprinkles and a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate kiss at the center. If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and delicious way to spread holiday cheer, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or adding to a holiday cookie platter.
The Story Behind Christmas Kiss Sugar Cookies
One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking treats that can be shared with friends and family. As a child, my mom and I would spend a whole day baking different cookies—gingerbread, shortbread, and sugar cookies were always on the list.
But it was these chocolate-topped sugar cookies that held a special place in our lineup. Mom would let me press the chocolate kiss into each cookie while they were still warm from the oven, creating a delightful crack around the edges.
I remember proudly stacking them in tins decorated with Christmas patterns, eager to hand them out to neighbors. To this day, these cookies bring a nostalgic warmth that makes the holidays feel complete.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Christmas Kiss Sugar Cookies are delightfully simple, requiring only a few pantry staples along with holiday sprinkles and chocolate kisses for decoration. Here’s what goes into making them:
- Unsalted Butter – Softened to create a creamy base, adding rich flavor and tenderness to the cookies.
- Granulated Sugar – For sweetness and that classic sugar cookie texture.
- Egg – Used for structure, helping the cookies hold their shape.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour – The main structure for these cookies, providing a light yet sturdy base.
- Baking Powder and Salt – Essential for the perfect rise and balance of flavors.
- Holiday Sprinkles – Red, green, and white sprinkles add a festive touch, making each cookie pop with holiday spirit.
- Chocolate Kiss Candies – Unwrap them and get them ready for topping, the iconic chocolate kiss is the “finishing touch” that makes these cookies so special.
How to Make Christmas Kiss Sugar Cookies
Making these cookies is as enjoyable as eating them, and the process is simple enough to invite little helpers into the kitchen. Here’s an overview of the steps to bring this festive treat to life:
Prepare for Baking
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking. Unwrap about 30-35 chocolate kisses so they’re ready to press into the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven.
Mix the Dough
To create a soft, buttery base, begin by creaming the softened butter and sugar together. This step is essential to achieving a light and fluffy texture in the final cookie. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated before moving on to the dry ingredients.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter-sugar mix, being careful not to overmix, as that can make the cookies tough. The goal is a soft dough that’s easy to roll into balls.
Shape and Decorate
Once your dough is ready, it’s time for the fun part: shaping and decorating. Take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Roll each ball in a bowl of holiday sprinkles, pressing gently so the sprinkles stick well. This step adds festive colors and texture to each cookie, making them holiday-ready.
Bake and Add the Kiss
Place the sprinkle-coated dough balls on the baking sheets, allowing space between them for spreading. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, watching for the edges to set while the centers stay soft. As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each one. The warmth of the cookie will slightly soften the kiss, creating a perfect blend of chocolate and sugar in every bite.
Add the Sprinkles for Festive Flair
To give these cookies their signature holiday charm, grab a shallow bowl and pour in the red, green, and white sprinkles. Once you’ve rolled each tablespoon of dough into a smooth ball, gently roll it in the sprinkles.
Press the dough balls lightly as you roll them to ensure the sprinkles adhere evenly across the surface. This step will coat the cookies in a festive color that makes each one look like a little ornament! Once each dough ball is covered, place it on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Kiss Sugar Cookies
Achieving the ideal Christmas Kiss Sugar Cookie is easy with a few extra tips:
- Use Softened Butter: Allowing the butter to soften at room temperature ensures the dough mixes evenly, creating a lighter, more delicate cookie texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a denser cookie. Mix just until combined for a tender cookie.
- Get Creative with Sprinkles: If you can’t find holiday-themed sprinkles, feel free to use any combination of colors you like, or even add some edible glitter for an extra-special touch.
- Press the Chocolate Kiss Gently: The cookies will be warm when you press in the chocolate kiss, so a light touch is all you need to create the classic cracked effect around the edges.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are wonderful on their own but can also be paired with other treats for a festive dessert spread. Here are some ideas:
- Cookie Platter: Serve alongside gingerbread men, peppermint bark, and mini brownies for a festive variety.
- Holiday Gift Boxes: Pack these cookies into decorative holiday boxes or tins for a beautiful, homemade gift that friends and family will love.
- With Hot Cocoa: Serve warm Christmas Kiss Sugar Cookies with a mug of hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy winter treat.
Bring These Flavors Home
Baking these Christmas Kiss Sugar Cookies is a holiday tradition that brings warmth and cheer to any gathering. Whether you’re making them as a gift, adding them to a holiday cookie exchange, or simply indulging in a batch with your family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your holiday baking lineup!
Love this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it to your holiday dessert board and share the joy with others!
Christmas Kiss Sugar Cookies
Course: Cake Ideas30-35
servings20
minutes10
minutes120
kcalIngredients
- For the Cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
- For Decorating
¾ cup red, green, and white holiday sprinkles
30-35 milk chocolate kiss candies (unwrapped)
Steps
- Step 1: Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unwrap the chocolate kisses and set them aside.
- Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
- Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll each one into a smooth ball.
- Pour the holiday sprinkles into a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sprinkles, pressing gently to ensure the sprinkles adhere well.
- Place the sprinkle-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 4: Bake the Cookies and Decorate
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies should remain pale with just a hint of golden color at the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookies will crack slightly around the edges, which is perfect for holding the kiss in place.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Pour the holiday sprinkles into a shallow bowl. After shaping each dough ball, roll it in the sprinkles, pressing gently to coat evenly. Place the sprinkle-covered dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
