30-Minute Peppermint Surprise Crinkle Cookies
Fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies stuffed with peppermint candy kisses. Soft, chewy centers hidden beneath a crackled sugar-coated exterior. Quick-baking treats perfect for holiday gifting or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅝ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups all-purpose flourgluten-free all-purpose flour blend1:1dietary
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- 32 candy cane Hershey's Kissesregular Hershey's Kisses1:1flavor
removes peppermint flavor note
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line cookie pans with parchment paper or silicone liners.
- 2
Cream butter and sugars using an electric mixer until combined.
- 3
Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
- 4
Add cocoa powder and baking soda and mix well.
- 5
Add flour and mix on medium low just until combined (batter will be thick).
- 6
Divide dough into 36 one-inch balls of roughly equal size.
- 7
Flatten a dough ball into a thick disc, place a candy kiss in the center, and wrap the dough around it, sealing it into a ball.
- 8
Roll the filled ball in sugar and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 9
Repeat with remaining dough, spacing cookies out on sheets (approximately 16 per half sheet pan).
- 10
Bake until cookies are set and start to crack slightly on top.
- 11
Cool on baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Tips
A small cookie scoop ensures uniform dough ball sizes for even baking.
Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to avoid tough cookies.
Good to Know
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Scoop and fill balls up to 4 hours before baking.
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Pairs well with milk, coffee, or hot cocoa.
Common Mistakes
Do not overbake; bake until cookies just start to crack to maintain chewy centers.
Do not skip cooling on the baking sheet; cookies need time to set before moving.
Substitutions
removes peppermint flavor note
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