If you love rich chocolate and cool mint together, these chocolate mint truffle kiss cookies will quickly become your go-to holiday cookie recipe. They are soft in the center, slightly chewy on the edges, and topped with creamy mint truffle Hershey Kisses that melt just enough to create that classic blossom cookie look.
These chocolate peppermint cookies are perfect for a Christmas cookie tray, cookie exchange, or cozy winter baking day. The deep cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with the smooth mint truffle center, making each bite taste like a festive treat.
Simple ingredients, easy steps, and bakery-style results these chocolate mint Christmas cookies are made to impress without extra effort. Let’s bake something special.
Why These Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss Cookies Work
These chocolate mint truffle kiss cookies are not just delicious they are built on simple baking science. Understanding a few key details will help you get soft, thick, and perfectly shaped chocolate peppermint cookies every time.
Why Cocoa Powder Type Matters: The type of cocoa you use changes both flavor and texture.
- Natural cocoa powder gives a lighter chocolate taste and reacts strongly with baking soda.
- Dutch-processed cocoa creates a darker color and smoother flavor.
For rich, deep chocolate mint truffle cookies, Dutch cocoa works beautifully. It gives that bold chocolate base that balances the sweetness of the mint truffle Hershey Kisses.
Using the right cocoa helps create that soft, slightly fudgy center people expect from a holiday cookie.
Why Chilling Prevents Spreading: If your cookies spread too much, the dough was likely too warm.
Chilling the dough:
- Firms up the butter
- Slows spreading in the oven
- Creates thicker, bakery-style cookies
This step is especially important for mint kiss cookies because you want a sturdy base to hold the kiss on top. Even 20–30 minutes in the fridge can make a big difference.
Why Adding the Kiss AFTER Baking Matters: Many bakers ask: When do you press the Hershey kiss into cookies?
The answer is: Right after baking — not before.
If you bake the cookies with the kiss on top:
- The chocolate can over-melt
- The truffle center may collapse
- The shape can lose definition
Pressing the mint truffle kiss into the warm cookie allows it to soften gently without fully melting. This keeps that beautiful blossom shape on your chocolate mint Christmas cookies.
Why Mint Truffle Kisses Melt Differently: Unlike regular Hershey Kisses, mint truffle Hershey Kisses have a softer center.
That creamy truffle filling melts faster than solid chocolate. This is why some bakers wonder, “Why did my kiss melt?”
Because of the softer filling:
- They soften quickly from residual heat
- They need gentle handling
- Cooling time matters
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them. This helps the kiss settle while keeping the cookie soft and chewy.
Ingredients Breakdown
The magic of these chocolate mint truffle kiss cookies comes from simple ingredients working together. When you understand what each one does, your chocolate peppermint cookies turn out soft, chewy, and full of flavor every time.
Best Cocoa to Use: For deep flavor and a rich color, Dutch-processed cocoa powder is an excellent choice. It gives these chocolate mint truffle cookies a darker look and smoother taste.
Science note: Dutch cocoa is less acidic, which creates a balanced chocolate flavor and helps produce a softer crumb.
If you only have natural cocoa powder, you can still use it. Just make sure the recipe includes baking soda, since natural cocoa reacts with it to create lift.
Can You Use Peppermint Extract Instead: Yes, you can add peppermint extract to boost mint flavor. Start with ¼ teaspoon a little goes a long way.
Science note: Peppermint extract is highly concentrated. Too much can overpower the chocolate and create a sharp taste instead of a smooth mint balance.
Since mint truffle Hershey Kisses already contain mint flavor, you may not need extra extract unless you want a stronger peppermint kick in your mint kiss cookies.
Can You Substitute Andes Mints: Yes, Andes mints can be used instead of mint truffle kisses if needed. You can press one mint into the center just like a blossom cookie.
Science note: Andes mints are thinner and melt faster than mint truffle Hershey Kisses, so they may soften more quickly after baking.
For best results, press them gently into warm cookies and allow them to set fully before moving.
Salted vs. Unsalted Butter Impact: Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final flavor. This is ideal for holiday cookie recipes like these.
Science note: Salt strengthens flavor and balances sweetness. If using salted butter, reduce added salt slightly to avoid overpowering the mint chocolate taste.
Butter also affects texture. Properly creamed butter helps create that soft, slightly chewy center that makes these chocolate mint Christmas cookies perfect for a cookie exchange.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make chocolate mint truffle kiss cookies that are soft, thick, and perfect for any Christmas cookie tray. Each step includes visual cues, texture clues, and quick fixes.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven + Pans: What to look for: Oven fully preheated, baking sheets lined with parchment.
Texture cue: None yet, this is about even baking.
Common mistake: Baking in a not-hot oven can cause extra spreading and dry edges.
Step 2: Cream Butter + Sugars: What to look for visually: Mixture turns lighter in color and looks fluffy, not greasy.
Texture cue: Soft and airy, like whipped frosting.
Common mistake: Under-creaming leads to flat cookies; over-creaming can make them spread too much.
Step 3: Add Egg + Vanilla: What to look for visually: Smooth and glossy batter, no streaks of egg.
Texture cue: Silky and slightly thick.
Common mistake: Adding egg when butter is too cold can make it look curdled keep mixing; it will come together.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: What to look for visually: Cocoa and flour evenly blended, no dark cocoa pockets.
Texture cue: Light, uniform powder.
Common mistake: Skipping this step can leave bitter cocoa clumps in your chocolate mint truffle cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet + Dry (Don’t Overmix): What to look for visually: Dough becomes dark and uniform, no dry flour at the bottom.
Texture cue: Thick, scoopable dough that holds shape.
Common mistake: Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft and fudgy.
Step 6: Chill the Dough: What to look for visually: Dough feels firmer and less sticky.
Texture cue: Easy to roll without melting in your hands.
Common mistake: Skipping chill time causes spreading especially important for mint kiss cookies that need a stable base.
Step 7: Scoop and Roll Dough Balls: What to look for visually: Even balls, similar size for even bake.
Texture cue: Smooth outside, dough still firm.
Common mistake: Uneven sizing means some cookies overbake while others stay underdone.
Step 8: Bake Until Set, Not Overdone: What to look for visually: Edges set, centers look slightly soft and puffed.
Texture cue: The top should look dry, but the center should still feel tender.
Common mistake: Overbaking makes them dry. Remember: they finish baking on the hot pan.
Step 9: Press the Mint Truffle Kiss AFTER Baking: What to look for visually: Cookies are warm and slightly puffy. Pressing creates gentle cracks around the edge.
Texture cue: Soft cookie base that holds the kiss without falling apart.
Common mistake: Adding the kiss before baking can cause it to melt too much.
This is the key step in “when to press Hershey kiss into cookies.”
Use mint truffle Hershey Kisses and press gently right after the cookies come out.
Step 10: Cool + Set: What to look for visually: Kisses look shiny at first, then firm up as they cool.
Texture cue: Cookies become soft-chewy with a fudgy middle.
Common mistake: Moving cookies too soon can smear the kiss or break the cookie.
Let them sit on the tray 5 minutes, then move to a rack.
When Do You Press the Mint Truffle Kiss
This is the most common question bakers ask:
When do you press the Hershey kiss into the cookie?
The correct answer is simple press the mint truffle Hershey kiss into the cookie immediately after baking, not before.
Press the Kiss After Baking: As soon as your chocolate mint truffle kiss cookies come out of the oven, gently press one mint truffle kiss into the center of each cookie.
The cookie should be:
- Warm
- Soft
- Slightly puffed
The heat from the cookie will slightly soften the kiss without fully melting it. This creates that perfect blossom cookie look.
Why Not Before Baking: If you bake the cookies with the kiss already on top:
- The chocolate can melt too much
- The truffle center may collapse
- The shape can flatten
- The top may lose definition
Because mint truffle Hershey Kisses have a creamy filling, they melt faster than regular kisses. This is often why people ask, “Why did my kiss melt?”
How Long Should the Cookies Cool: After pressing the kiss:
- Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes
- Then transfer them to a cooling rack
- Allow them to cool completely (about 20–30 minutes)
During this time, the kiss will look shiny but will firm up as it cools.
How to Prevent the Kiss from Melting Too Much: If your kisses are melting too much, try these tips:
- Make sure cookies are not overbaked
- Press the kiss gently — don’t push too deep
- Let cookies cool slightly (1–2 minutes) before pressing
- Avoid placing hot trays in warm areas
You can even chill the cookies for 10 minutes after pressing to help the mint chocolate set faster.
Troubleshooting Guide
If your chocolate mint truffle kiss cookies did not turn out exactly as planned, small changes can make a big difference. These simple fixes will help you get soft, chewy, and perfectly shaped chocolate peppermint cookies every time.
If your cookies spread too much, the dough was likely too warm or the butter was too soft. Skipping the chill time is the most common reason mint kiss cookies turn flat. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking. Also, measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. A slightly firmer dough creates thicker chocolate mint truffle cookies that hold the kiss beautifully.
If your kiss melted completely and you’re wondering, “why did my kiss melt?”, it usually means it was added before baking or pressed into cookies that were too hot. Always press the mint truffle Hershey Kisses into the cookies right after baking, not before. Let the cookies cool for 1–2 minutes before pressing so the chocolate softens gently instead of collapsing.
If your cookies turned out too dry, they were likely overbaked or had too much flour. For soft, fudgy chocolate mint Christmas cookies, remove them when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
If there isn’t enough mint flavor, you can add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough. Since mint truffle Hershey Kisses already contain mint, only add a small amount so the flavor stays balanced and smooth.
If the cookies cracked too much, the dough may have been too dry or the oven too hot. Light cracks are normal in blossom-style cookies, but deep splits can be prevented by chilling the dough and checking your oven temperature. Proper mixing and even heat will give you bakery-style cookies that are perfect for a holiday cookie exchange or Christmas cookie tray.
Make Ahead & Freezer Guide
One of the best things about these chocolate mint truffle kiss cookies is that they are perfect for make-ahead holiday baking. Whether you are preparing for a Christmas cookie tray or a cookie exchange, freezing can save you time and stress.
To freeze dough balls, scoop and roll the dough just like you would before baking. Place the dough balls on a lined tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. Label and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time. This method helps keep your chocolate peppermint cookies thick and soft.
You can also freeze fully baked mint kiss cookies. Let the cookies cool completely, but do not stack them until the mint truffle Hershey Kisses are fully set. Place them in a single layer inside an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
For the best thawing method, remove cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the kiss to melt unevenly. If you froze dough, there is no need to thaw bake straight from frozen for fresh, warm chocolate mint truffle cookies anytime.
At room temperature, these chocolate mint Christmas cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for about 4–5 days. Proper storage keeps them soft, chewy, and ready for any holiday gathering.
Flavor Variations
Once you master these chocolate mint truffle kiss cookies, you can easily turn them into new and exciting holiday treats. These simple variations keep the base soft and fudgy while adding fun twists for your Christmas cookie tray.
For a double chocolate mint version, stir in ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough before baking. This adds extra richness and creates pockets of melted chocolate inside your chocolate peppermint cookies. The combination of cocoa and chocolate chips makes the flavor deeper and more intense.
If you love cookies with a surprise center, try a mint Oreo stuffed version. Flatten a small scoop of dough, place half a Mint Oreo in the center, and wrap the dough around it. Bake as usual and press a mint truffle Hershey Kiss on top after baking. This creates a thick, bakery-style cookie that’s perfect for a holiday cookie exchange.
For a festive look, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate. The white drizzle adds sweetness and contrast, making your chocolate mint Christmas cookies look extra special.
You can also try a snowball-style variation. Skip the kiss and roll warm cookies in powdered sugar for a soft, coated finish. This version feels elegant and pairs beautifully with other mint desserts on a holiday tray.
Nutritional & Dietary Modifications
If you need to adjust these chocolate mint truffle kiss cookies for different dietary needs, small swaps can work well without losing that soft, fudgy texture. This makes your chocolate peppermint cookies more flexible for family gatherings and holiday baking.
You can make them gluten-free by replacing regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. This helps keep the cookies structured and prevents crumbling. The texture may be slightly softer, but they will still hold the mint truffle Hershey Kisses beautifully.
For a dairy-free swap, use plant-based butter sticks instead of regular butter. Choose one made for baking so it creams properly with sugar. Also check that your chocolate and mint kisses are dairy-free, as some varieties contain milk.
If you want a lower sugar option, reduce the sugar by about ¼ cup total. Keep in mind that sugar affects softness and spread. Slightly less sugar may make the cookies a bit firmer, but they will still taste rich and chocolatey.
Perfect for Cookie Exchange & Holiday Trays
These chocolate mint truffle kiss cookies are made for sharing. Their rich chocolate base and creamy mint center make them stand out on any Christmas cookie tray. The pop of green from the mint truffle Hershey Kisses instantly makes them one of the most eye-catching green Christmas desserts on the table.
For beautiful festive cookie tray ideas, pair these cookies with classic sugar cookies, gingerbread, and white chocolate bark. The deep chocolate flavor balances lighter cookies and adds variety to your holiday spread. Their soft texture also makes them perfect for stacking and transporting to a cookie exchange.
Looking for simple mint dessert pairing ideas? Serve these chocolate mint Christmas cookies with hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or vanilla ice cream. The cool mint flavor pairs perfectly with warm drinks, making them a cozy favorite for holiday gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular Hershey Kisses instead of mint truffle Kisses?
Yes, you can use regular Hershey Kisses if you prefer plain chocolate. However, mint truffle Hershey Kisses give these cookies their signature mint flavor and creamy center. If you use regular kisses, you may want to add a small amount (¼ teaspoon) of peppermint extract to keep that classic mint chocolate taste.
Can I freeze blossom cookies?
Yes, you can freeze fully baked mint kiss cookies for up to 2 months. Let the cookies cool completely before placing them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months and bake them fresh when needed.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat chocolate mint truffle cookies usually happen when the dough is too warm or the butter was too soft. Chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes helps prevent spreading. Also, make sure you measure flour correctly and avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar.
Can I make these without peppermint extract?
Yes, absolutely. If you are using mint truffle Hershey Kisses, you do not need peppermint extract. The kisses already contain mint flavor. Peppermint extract is optional and should only be used in small amounts if you want a stronger mint taste.
When should I press the Hershey Kiss into the cookie?
Press the kiss into the cookie right after baking, while the cookies are still warm. Do not bake the cookies with the kiss on top, as this can cause it to melt too much. Pressing it after baking keeps the classic blossom shape and prevents the center from collapsing.
Conclusion
These chocolate mint truffle kiss cookies are everything you want in a holiday dessert soft, fudgy, rich in chocolate, and topped with creamy mint truffle Hershey Kisses. They are simple enough for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough for a beautiful Christmas cookie tray or cookie exchange.
By understanding the small baking details from chilling the dough to pressing the kiss at the right time you can create thick, chewy chocolate peppermint cookies that look bakery-perfect every time. The make-ahead tips, storage tricks, and flavor variations make this recipe flexible and stress-free during the busy holiday season.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply craving a cozy winter treat, these chocolate mint Christmas cookies deliver bold flavor and festive charm in every bite. Happy baking!
Recipe Card Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 20–30 minutes
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Texture: Soft center, chewy edges, slight crackle top
Best For: Christmas cookie tray, holiday cookie exchange, festive dessert platter
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 24 mint truffle Hershey Kisses, unwrapped
(Optional: ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract for stronger mint flavor)
Instructions Overview
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients separately, then mix into wet ingredients.
- Chill dough 20–30 minutes.
- Roll into balls and place on lined baking sheet.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set.
- Press a mint truffle Hershey Kiss into each cookie immediately after baking.
- Cool completely before storing.
