Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Candy Cane Swirl Chocolate Cookies

Aren't these cookies just adorable? I was thinking about those Peanut Butter Blossom cookies and about all the different flavors of Hershey's Kisses that are available during the holiday season. And I thought that a Candy Cane Kiss on top of a chocolate cookie would be delectable. I was quite happy with the results of my experiment. One thing I didn't anticipate is that these Kisses melt and don't quite hold their shape like the chocolate ones do. So out came the toothpick to finish them off with a flourish. I actually think they look fancier with the swirl. Enjoy!
Candy Cane Swirl Chocolate Cookies
(adapted from Betty Crocker's Chocolate Crinkles)
2 cups granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
4 large eggs
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 bag Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped
Mix 2 cups granulated sugar, oil, vanilla, cocoa and butter in a large bowl. Mix in eggs, one at a time. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours.
Heat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in granulated sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.
Bake 8-10 minutes, the tops should just be beginning to crack. Remove from oven and immediately press one Candy Cane kiss into the center. Remove to wire rack to cool. Once the Kiss has melted, gently swirl the very top with a toothpick. Let the Kiss set before serving.
I unwrapped my Kisses as the cookies baked, that way I only unwrapped as many as were needed. The rest my kids unwrapped and ate while my back was turned. My batch made 55 cookies.

5 comments:

tammy dixon said...

Those are so pretty and look so yummy! I may have to make them for our family party this weekend.

Bob said...

They look awesome! I like the swirl, gives them a nice original touch.

Sarah said...

I made these, but mine did not turn out quite like yours. how did you get the kisses to swirl so well? mine just turned into a gloopy blob.

Gwen said...

Sarah- I pushed my Kisses pretty deep into the cookies and then I swirled only the very tops. It doesn't take much, just a quick once-around from the center to the outside. Hope that helps!

Anonymous said...

try freezing the kisses before you put them in the cookie