Introduction to Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss
Let me tell you about my latest culinary adventure—making these delightful Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss cookies. Honestly, there’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint that always puts me in a good mood. Whether you’re juggling family schedules or hosting a last-minute get-together, these cookies are the perfect solution. They not only come together quickly, but they also deliver a delicious surprise in every bite! Seriously, who wouldn’t want to indulge in such a treat that feels like a warm hug on a busy day?
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss
You’re going to adore these cookies not just for their incredible taste but also for how quick and easy they are to whip up. In under 30 minutes, you can create a batch that will have everyone raving! Plus, the delightful chocolate-mint flavor is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy moms, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself after a long day—these cookies are a slice of indulgence you deserve!
Ingredients for Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to the magic of these Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookies, giving them structure and chewiness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: This is where the deep chocolate flavor comes from. It gives your cookies that rich and irresistible color.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents are essential for that perfect rise. They help the cookies become light and fluffy.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness with a little savory kick.
- Granulated sugar: It sweetens these delicious cookies and helps achieve a crisp edge.
- Packed brown sugar: This adds moisture and a slight chewiness, along with a hint of caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar (for rolling): This makes the cookies sparkle and adds a lovely texture.
- Imperial margarine: Provides creaminess and fat for tender cookies. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to the rich texture.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have! It deepens the flavor profile and complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Peppermint extract: This is where the refreshing minty magic happens. Use it wisely for that perfect contrast.
- Hershey’s Mint Truffle Kisses: The grand finale! They melt into sweet perfection right in the center of each cookie.
For those who may need substitutions, you can swap out margarine for unsalted butter if preferred. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra special touch. The exact quantities are at the bottom of this article and available for printing, so you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips!
How to Make Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss
Now comes the fun part—creating your Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss cookies! I promise, this process is as enjoyable as eating the end product. Let’s dive into the easy steps that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F. This is crucial because a hot oven ensures even baking. As it’s warming up, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only keeps your cookies from sticking but also means less scrubbing afterward. Who doesn’t love easy cleanup?
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly is key—it helps distribute the cocoa and leavening evenly. This simple step sets the stage for a perfectly textured cookie!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer on medium speed, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened Imperial margarine for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the mixture to become light and fluffy—this is what gives your cookies that delightful texture! Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the wait.
Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Extracts
Now it’s time to add in your large eggs, along with the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. The eggs bring moisture and richness, while the extracts introduce flavorful notes of mint and vanilla. It’s the essence of your Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss!
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Grab a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop and portion the dough. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar from your small bowl for that lovely outer sparkle and sweet finish. Placing them on your prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space gives them room to spread while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop your baking sheets into the oven and let them bake for 8 to 9 minutes. Keep an eye out—they’ll look set but soft in the center. It’s the perfect moment to take them out; they’ll firm up as they cool. A bit of softness indicates they’ll be chewy and delicious!
Step 8: Add the Chocolate Kisses
As soon as you pull your cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Mint Truffle Kiss into the center of each cookie. This timing is crucial—doing it while they’re still hot ensures the kisses melt beautifully, creating that gooey center we all love. Heavenly, right?
Step 9: Cooling and Storage
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes. This step helps them firm up a bit. After resting, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long! Trust me, you’ll be tempted to reach for another one.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your margarine is softened for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough! This is key for soft, chewy cookies.
- For even baking, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
- Chill the dough briefly if the cookies spread too much during baking.
- Experiment with crushed peppermint candies for added crunch and flavor!
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheets: If you don’t have two, just bake in batches!
- Parchment paper: Wax paper can be used in a pinch, but it’s not as non-stick.
- Mixing bowls: Any size will do, even if they’re mismatched.
- Electric mixer: A whisk works, but it’ll take some elbow grease!
- Cookie scoop: Spoon works too for shaping those cookie mounds.
Variations
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Add a touch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor—just a teaspoon will do!
- Try using dark chocolate Kisses for a richer chocolate experience.
- Combine different extracts—use almond extract alongside peppermint for a unique twist.
- Make them vegan by swapping out the eggs for flax eggs and using dairy-free chocolate kisses.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat.
- Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for cozy evenings.
- For an elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Present them on a festive platter for holiday gatherings.
- Wrap them in colorful cellophane for delightful homemade gifts!
FAQs about Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss
Can I use other types of chocolate kisses?
Absolutely! While the classic Hershey’s Mint Truffle Kisses are fantastic, experimenting with dark chocolate or caramel-filled Kisses can add a fun twist to your cookies. The flavor will change, but isn’t that the beauty of baking?
How should I store the Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. I recommend layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. And keep them hidden—trust me, they’ll disappear quickly!
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can! Just scoop the dough into balls, roll them in sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once they’re hard, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What if my cookies turn out too flat?
Flat cookies can be a result of melted margarine. Ensure your margarine is softened but not melted. Also, check that your leavening agents are fresh and active. A good tip is to chill the dough for a short time before baking. It helps keep them puffy!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yep! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just make sure to check if your other ingredients, especially the chocolate kisses, are gluten-free! That way, everyone can indulge in the minty chocolate goodness!
Final Thoughts
As you dive into making these Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss cookies, remember that it’s more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. The joy of mixing, the intoxicating aroma wafting through your kitchen, and the delighted faces of family or friends as they taste your creation are what truly matter. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat after a hectic day, these cookies evoke warmth and happiness. So gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy every luscious bite. Your kitchen is about to become a sanctuary of chocolatey mint delight!
PrintChocolate Mint Truffle Kiss
Indulge in the rich flavors of Chocolate Mint Truffle Kiss cookies, combining decadent chocolate and refreshing mint in every bite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 60 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 cup Imperial margarine, softened
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 60 unwrapped Hershey’s Mint Truffle Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Using a mixer, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened margarine on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the creamed mixture; beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Place ½ cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion dough, drop it into the sugar, and roll to coat evenly; arrange on baking sheets spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake at 375°F for 8 to 9 minutes until set.
- Remove cookies from oven; immediately press a Hershey’s Mint Truffle Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks until completely cooled.
Notes
- Ensure the margarine is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- For a stronger mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg