If you have a sweet tooth and are a fan of mint and chocolate, you are going to fall in love with this Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe. These delightful little bites bring together the rich, deep flavor of cocoa with the refreshing zing of mint, all wrapped around a classic Hershey’s Kiss. Perfectly soft on the inside and slightly crisp outside, these cookies are a charming treat for any occasion, whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just to indulge yourself. This recipe makes a batch of 38 scrumptious cookies, offering plenty to share or savor over several days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in the simplest way but each plays an essential role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor you crave in the Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe. From the richness of the butter to the cool mint chocolate that tops each cookie, every component is selected to create harmony in your bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together without being heavy.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep, intense chocolate flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
- ¼ tsp espresso powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate taste by adding subtle earthy notes.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy texture.
- 1 cup salted butter, softened: Brings creaminess and richness, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus about ¼ cup for rolling): Sweetens the dough and creates a slightly crisp outside when rolled.
- 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk: Binds the dough and adds a tender crumb to the cookies.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- 38 Mint Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: The signature surprise in the center that melts into minty perfection.
How to Make Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which is crucial for a consistent chocolate flavor and proper rising during baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This not only sweetens the dough but also traps air to give your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and additional egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture, richness, and depth of flavor, making each cookie buttery and decadent.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender dough, not a tough one.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and enhancing the flavors as they meld together.
Step 6: Form and Roll the Dough Balls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then, gently roll each dough ball in the extra granulated sugar to create a delicate, sparkly coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Step 7: Bake and Add the Mint Chocolate Kisses
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space to spread. Bake for about 9 minutes. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press a Mint Chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The warmth will gently soften the candy, helping it stick perfectly to the cookie.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This lets the cookie set around the Kiss and prevents breaking.
How to Serve Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the festive look and add an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some crushed peppermint candy or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cookies once they have cooled. Adding a few fresh mint leaves on your serving plate can also complement the minty theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe alongside a cold glass of milk or a peppermint mocha for an indulgent treat. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s both refreshing and rich.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, place the cookies in a decorative tin layered with parchment paper or wrap them individually in colorful cellophane tied with a ribbon. Making a platter with alternating rows of Mint Kiss Cookies and classic chocolate chip cookies can add a fun variety to your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Mint Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for keeping on hand for a quick sweet treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies. If freezing dough balls, roll them in sugar before freezing and bake straight from the freezer adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully without losing their texture.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your Mint Kiss Cookies warm, simply microwave them for about 10 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This will revive the softness and melt the mint chocolate just a bit, amplifying the indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses instead of mint?
Absolutely! While the mint flavor is what makes the Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe special, dark chocolate Kisses provide a rich, deep chocolate twist that complements the cocoa in the dough beautifully.
What if I don’t have espresso powder?
Don’t worry, the espresso powder is optional and mainly used to boost the chocolate flavor. You can omit it without drastically changing the delicious taste of the cookies.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill the dough before baking and avoid using too much butter. Rolling the dough balls in sugar also helps maintain the shape during baking.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add some yourself for the best texture.
Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
You can adjust the size, but remember that baking times will change. Smaller cookies bake faster (about 7 minutes), while larger ones may take a bit longer (up to 12 minutes). Keep an eye on the edges to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that feels like a warm hug and a breath of fresh air all at once, the Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe is a must-try. The balance of rich chocolate and cool mint creates a magical flavor combination you’ll want to bake again and again. Grab your ingredients, bring a friend into the kitchen, and delight in making these unforgettable treats together. Trust me, once these cookies are out of the oven, you’ll be dreaming about your next batch!
Print
Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 38 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mint Kiss Cookies are a delicious chocolatey treat with a refreshing minty twist. These soft, fudgy cookies are rolled in sugar and topped with a classic mint chocolate Hershey Kiss right out of the oven, perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet mint-chocolate flavor combination.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar (plus about 1/4 cup for rolling)
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Extras
- 38 Hershey Kisses (Mint Chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), and baking soda. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This will help create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and egg yolk, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape and Roll: Scoop out rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll the balls in the extra granulated sugar to coat evenly. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes. The cookies will look slightly underbaked but will firm up upon cooling.
- Top with Hershey Kisses: Immediately after removing the baking sheets from the oven, gently press one mint chocolate Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, adhering it to the cookie.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from becoming greasy or losing shape.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add espresso powder, but it is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
- Using room temperature butter helps achieve the right creaming texture for the dough.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar creates a beautiful crunchy exterior contrast to the soft interior.
- Make sure not to overbake the cookies; they should look slightly undercooked when taken out.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
