Name: Brownie Crinkle Cookies with Candy Cane Hershey Kisses Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated white sugar; ½ cup cocoa powder; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 large eggs; 1½ tsp vanilla extract; 1¼ tsp baking powder; 1 cup all purpose flour; ½ tsp salt; ⅛ cup powdered sugar; 14 candy cane Hershey Kisses

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If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings together rich chocolate and a peppermint twist, you absolutely must try this Brownie Crinkle Cookies with Candy Cane Hershey Kisses Recipe. These cookies are wonderfully fudgy, with that classic crinkle top dusted in powdered sugar, and the candy cane Hershey Kiss nestled right in the center adds the perfect burst of minty sweetness. It’s the kind of holiday cookie that will have your friends and family asking for the recipe again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top left, a copper measuring cup filled with white granulated sugar and to its right, another copper measuring cup filled with dark brown cocoa powder. Below them, a clear glass bowl with amber vanilla extract on the left and a small clear bowl with white salt in the center. To the right, a small white bowl holds two brown eggs. Below the vanilla extract, a silver measuring cup is filled with white powdered sugar, next to it a smaller silver measuring spoon has white baking powder. At the bottom center, a bronze measuring spoon contains golden olive oil. Finally, a silver measuring cup full of light cream all purpose flour is placed to the right near some wrapped peppermint kiss candies. The ingredients have labeled arrows pointing to each of them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet vital to achieving the perfect balance of fudgy texture and peppermint charm. Each component plays a unique role, from the cocoa powder delivering that deep chocolate flavor to the olive oil keeping the cookies tender and moist.

1 cup granulated white sugar: Sweetness that balances cocoa’s richness perfectly.
½ cup cocoa powder: Provides the intense chocolate flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
¼ cup olive oil: Keeps the cookie soft and moist without overpowering flavor.
2 large eggs: Helps bind ingredients while adding richness.
1½ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, sweet note.
1¼ tsp baking powder: Gives a slight lift so the cookies aren’t too dense.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with a tender crumb.
½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and deepens chocolate taste.
⅛ cup powdered sugar: Essential for creating that iconic crinkle cookie exterior.
14 Candy Cane Hershey Kisses: Adds the minty surprise that turns the classic brownie crinkle cookie into a festive masterpiece.

How to Make Brownie Crinkle Cookies with Candy Cane Hershey Kisses Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by combining the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, olive oil, and vanilla extract in a stand mixer or a large bowl. Slowly add the eggs, one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. This builds a rich, chocolate-forward base that’s both smooth and silky, ready to hold all the delicious flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and salt, preventing any clumping so your cookies bake uniformly.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet chocolate mixture. Be careful not to overmix—your dough should be thick and able to hold its shape. Overmixing risks a tougher cookie, but under mixing could leave pockets of flour, so strike a good middle ground.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Transfer the dough to a smaller bowl if needed, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the freezer for about 45 minutes or refrigerate for 2 hours. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies spread just the right amount during baking.

Step 5: Shape and Coat in Powdered Sugar

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop, gently roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to create the crinkle effect as they bake. Place the sugar-coated balls on the pans about an inch apart to allow for even rising.

Step 6: Bake and Add Candy Cane Hershey Kisses

Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes. Once out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes right on the baking sheet. Then, unwrap the Candy Cane Hershey Kisses and gently press one into the center of each cookie while still warm. If the cookie splits slightly, no worries—just press it back together gently and hold it in place for a moment to help it stick.

How to Serve Brownie Crinkle Cookies with Candy Cane Hershey Kisses Recipe

A close-up of a round skillet cookie with a golden brown, slightly cracked top layer showing a rough, crunchy texture with visible dark chocolate chips inside. On the cookie’s top left side, there are two large scoops of creamy, pale yellow vanilla ice cream melting slightly onto the warm cookie. A silver spoon lifts a portion of the gooey cookie from the skillet, showing its soft, chewy inner texture mixed with melted ice cream and dark chocolate chips. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of dark chocolate chips and some newspaper pieces in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of crushed candy canes or edible glitter over the tops after adding the Hershey Kisses. This not only enhances the peppermint aroma but also gives them a beautiful, snowy look that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate. The chocolatey, minty flavors complement creamy drinks wonderfully, making for a cozy treat perfect for chilling by the fire or sharing at a holiday party.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a festive platter layered with evergreen sprigs or cinnamon sticks for a rustic holiday look. You could also gift them in decorated mason jars or wrapped in colorful cellophane tied with a ribbon—perfect for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Brownie Crinkle Cookies with Candy Cane Hershey Kisses Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft with a slight chew, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the first.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature while still in the container to avoid moisture build-up.

Reheating

To refresh chilled or frozen cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300ºF for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps bring back the soft, fudgy texture and slightly melts the candy cane kiss, enhancing that melted chocolate and peppermint experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter for olive oil in this recipe?

Absolutely! Butter will give the cookies a richer flavor and slightly different texture. Olive oil keeps them tender and moist, but butter adds that familiar buttery note if you prefer.

Why do the cookies need to chill before baking?

Chilling the dough helps to firm it up so the cookies spread less during baking, giving a better crinkle effect and ensuring the candy cane kisses form nicely in the center without sinking.

Can I use regular Hershey Kisses instead of candy cane ones?

Yes, you can! Using regular Hershey Kisses will deliver that classic chocolate center. However, the candy cane variety adds a refreshing peppermint twist that’s especially festive and complements the rich brownie flavor perfectly.

What causes the cookie tops to crack and create the crinkle effect?

The powdered sugar coating combined with the baking process causes the tops to crack and form the signature crinkle. It’s a sign of a perfect brownie crinkle cookie texture—soft inside, slightly crisp outside.

Can I make the dough ahead and bake on a different day?

Definitely. You can prepare the dough, chill it thoroughly, and then bake the cookies within 24 hours. This flexibility makes it easier to plan your holiday baking without feeling rushed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Brownie Crinkle Cookies with Candy Cane Hershey Kisses Recipe—a combination of rich chocolate, a cozy texture, and peppermint goodness that brightens up any day. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing at a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to spread joy and create lasting memories. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these festive treats disappear!