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If you love festive treats that bring both sweetness and a touch of peppermint cheer, the Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bars perfectly combine a soft, buttery sugar cookie base with bursts of crunchy, minty Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES scattered throughout. Topped with a luscious, creamy frosting and even more peppermint candies, they’re like the holiday spirit baked into a bar that’s easy to share and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe comes from simple, classic ingredients that work together beautifully. Each plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of buttery sweetness, minty crunch, and creamy frosting.
- Salted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds rich, creamy flavor and tenderness to the cookie base.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the dough while helping to create that perfect texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients, contributing to the dough’s structure and softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 ¼ cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): A gentle leavening agent that helps the bars rise subtly for a tender bite.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies all the lovely flavors.
- Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES, chopped (1 ½ cups, divided): Deliver that irresistible peppermint crunch distributed throughout and on top.
- Salted butter for frosting (½ cup): Provides a creamy base for the luscious frosting.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups, divided): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth finish.
- Milk (¼ cup): Gives the frosting the perfect creamy consistency.
How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. Then, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and lightly spray it with non-stick spray. This step ensures your bars will come out effortlessly when it’s time to slice and serve.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined. This is the foundation for a tender, buttery cookie base that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat just until combined to keep the dough light and soft without over-mixing, which could make the bars dense.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Candy Cane Bits
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this into your wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Then, fold in one cup of the chopped Candy Cane KISSES—these bursts of peppermint are what make this cookie bar truly festive and exciting.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the edges turn a light golden-brown. Once baked, allow the cookie base to cool completely—this step is crucial to ensure the frosting goes on smoothly.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While your bars cool, start on the frosting. Beat half a cup of salted butter, two cups of powdered sugar, and the milk together until blended. Slowly add the remaining powdered sugar until fully mixed in. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract until you achieve a creamy, lump-free frosting that’s perfect for spreading.
Step 7: Frost and Add Final Peppermint Touch
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. To finish, sprinkle the remaining chopped Candy Cane KISSES on top, adding extra peppermint crunch and a festive look. Cut into 16 servings and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few whole Candy Cane KISSES pressed gently into the frosting can elevate the presentation beautifully. These little details add sparkle and extra flavor that make the bars feel extra special for any holiday gathering.
Side Dishes
These bars naturally shine on their own, but pairing them with a warm cup of hot chocolate, peppermint tea, or even a glass of cold milk makes for a cozy, perfect combo. The creamy drinks complement the minty sweetness and soften any lingering crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, arrange bars in a festive tin with tissue paper or place them on a holiday platter with decorative sprigs of pine or holly. Wrapping individual bars in wax paper and tying them with red ribbon also makes charming party favors or thoughtful gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making them ideal to prepare in advance for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Freezing
To freeze, cut the bars first and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for a couple of hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment between layers. Frozen bars keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, reheating is usually not necessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temp or warm very briefly (10-15 seconds) in the microwave, but be careful not to melt the frosting too much.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Absolutely! If using unsalted butter, just add a tiny pinch of extra salt to the dough and frosting to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
What if I don’t have Candy Cane KISSES—can I substitute?
You can substitute with any peppermint candy chopped finely, but the iconic flavor and texture of Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES really make this recipe special, so try to find them if you can.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to check that your mix contains xanthan gum or similar for structure.
Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs and butter for texture and flavor, so vegan adaptations would require specialized vegan substitutes for both to achieve a similar result but might change the texture.
How long do these bars last when stored properly?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars will remain fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for weekend enjoyment or holiday parties.
Final Thoughts
Friend, if you want a festive, crowd-pleasing treat that combines the warmth of classic sugar cookies with the irresistible crunch and peppermint pop of Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES, this Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is your ticket. Whether for holiday celebrations, gifts, or just a delightful snack, these bars are as joyful to make as they are to eat. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start baking these sweet peppermint dreams today!
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Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the festive flavors of Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars, featuring a buttery, soft sugar cookie base studded with chopped Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES and topped with a creamy vanilla frosting adorned with more peppermint chocolate pieces. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, minty treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES, divided
Frosting
- ½ cup salted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and lightly spray the foil with non-stick spray. Set aside to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients for Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Wet: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry flour mixture into the wet butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in 1 cup of the chopped Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES for a festive touch.
- Shape and Bake Cookie Dough: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan, pressing it down gently for an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the ½ cup softened butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and milk until combined. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy without lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting achieves a smooth texture.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup chopped Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES evenly over the top to add peppermint chocolate crunch. Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy the festive treat!
Notes
- Make sure the cookie bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use softened butter for both the dough and frosting to achieve smooth, easy-to-mix consistency.
- For easier cutting, chill the frosted bars briefly before slicing.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
