If you are craving a delightful treat that blends the rich essence of chocolate with a refreshing hint of mint, look no further than the Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe. These cookies offer a perfect balance of fudgy softness and a burst of minty goodness with every bite, making them an irresistible choice for both casual snacking and festive occasions. They are not only charmingly bite-sized but also incredibly easy to make, turning your kitchen into a cozy haven filled with the warm aroma of cocoa and fresh mint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe plays an important role, delivering that perfect texture, flavor depth, and visual appeal. From the rich cocoa powder to the creamy butter, each element is simple yet essential for creating these delightful cookies.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies structure and perfect crumbly texture.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and beautiful color.
- ¼ tsp espresso powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate notes without making the cookies taste like coffee.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- 1 cup salted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to keep the cookies soft.
- 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar (+ about ¼ cup for rolling): Sweetens the dough and creates a slight crunch when rolled.
- 1 egg (+ 1 egg yolk): Binds ingredients together and adds a tender texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the chocolate flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- 38 Hershey Kisses (Mint Chocolate): The star of the show—melts into a luscious minty center.
How to Make Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder if you’re using it, and baking soda in a large bowl. This ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which creates a consistent chocolate flavor throughout your cookies. Setting this aside will make the next steps go smoothly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 1/3 cups of granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step might take about 3-4 minutes but trust me, this aeration is what gives your cookies that wonderful soft and tender quality. It’s like creating a luscious base that will hold all the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and richness. Plus, the yolk gives the cookies a velvety smooth texture that’s downright addictive. Make sure everything is fully combined before moving forward.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid flour clouds. At this point, you’ll see the cookie dough coming together into a slightly sticky, soft mass—that’s exactly what you want.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle when rolling.
Step 6: Shape and Roll
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and then gently roll each in the additional ¼ cup of sugar for a crackly, sparkling finish. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
Step 7: Bake and Add Hershey Kisses
Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes until they are set but still soft in the center. Once out of the oven, immediately press a Mint Chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will gently melt the kiss, creating a warm, minty center that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate cookie.
How to Serve Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your Mint Kiss Cookies recipe visually, try sprinkling a few crushed peppermint candies or finely chopped fresh mint on top while the kisses are still warm. This adds a festive touch and an extra layer of minty freshness that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, a glass of cold milk, or even a peppermint-infused tea. The warm, minty chocolate flavor makes it a perfect winter treat or a delightful snack anytime you want a little comfort in cookie form.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday party or a special occasion, arrange the Mint Kiss Cookies on a decorative platter with sprigs of fresh mint and small bowls of extra Hershey Kisses for guests to enjoy. You can also package them in small clear boxes tied with ribbon for adorable homemade gifts that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Mint Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them separated with parchment paper between layers to maintain their perfect texture and prevent sticking.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully, both baked and unbaked. To freeze baked cookies, lay them out on a baking sheet first to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. For dough, shape the balls and freeze on a sheet; when ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or bake briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This will help the mint chocolate center soften again and bring back that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate kisses instead of mint?
Absolutely! While the mint-flavored Hershey Kisses give these cookies their signature twist, plain milk or dark chocolate kisses can also be used to create a classic chocolate cookie with a gooey center.
Why is there espresso powder in the recipe?
The espresso powder is optional but highly recommended as it intensifies the chocolate flavor without imparting a coffee taste, making every bite richer and more complex.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking is key to controlling spread. Also, avoid flattening the dough balls before baking since the cookies will spread just enough on their own.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Just make sure the blend you choose includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture.
How many cookies does this Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe make?
This recipe yields about 38 cookies, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or for holiday cookie swaps!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a cookie that’s rich, tender, and crowned with a melty mint chocolate surprise. The Mint Kiss Cookies Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it combines simplicity with irresistible flavor, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try, and trust me, you’ll have everyone asking for your secret!
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 rich chocolate cookies infused with a hint of espresso and topped with a refreshing mint chocolate Hershey Kiss. These soft, cocoa-packed cookies are rolled in sugar for a crystallized finish, perfect for festive occasions or any time you crave a chocolaty mint treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp espresso powder (optional)
- ½ tsp baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus about ¼ cup for rolling
- 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 38 Hershey Kisses, Mint Chocolate flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and baking soda until combined. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to form a stiff, chocolate dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape and Roll Cookies: Scoop dough in about 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar to coat evenly.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Add Hershey Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a mint chocolate Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The heat will slightly melt the bottom of the kisses, helping them stick as the cookies cool.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time lets the kiss set perfectly atop the cookie.
Notes
- If you don’t have espresso powder, substitute with instant coffee or omit entirely; the cookies will still have a rich chocolate flavor.
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Rolling the dough in sugar before baking gives the cookie exterior a sweet crunch.
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as overbaking can make cookies dry.
- Use good quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
