If you’re craving that perfect combination of festive sweetness and nostalgic holiday charm, look no further than this Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine soft, buttery sugar cookie bars studded with bits of peppermint-flavored Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES, topped with a luscious, creamy frosting and sprinkled generously with more peppermint candies. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie goodness and refreshing candy cane crunch. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday gathering or just want to treat yourself to something special, these bars are sure to become a beloved seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a truly magical treat. Each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and festive flair that make this recipe stand out from your usual sugar cookie options.
- 1 cup salted butter (softened): Adds rich creaminess and a tender crumb to the cookie base.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve that classic cookie texture.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture, binding the cookie bars together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic note to enhance all the other flavors.
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds these delightful bars together with just the right chew.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise and keeps them soft and tender.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor.
- 1 ½ cups chopped Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES (divided): Infuses peppermint magic throughout the dough and as a festive topping.
- ½ cup salted butter (for frosting): Makes the frosting creamy and rich.
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates that silky, sweet frosting layer you can’t resist.
- ¼ cup milk: Perfect for smoothing out the frosting without making it runny.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds depth and rounds out the frosting’s flavor.
How to Make Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F to ensure it’s up to temperature when your dough is ready. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil—this not only makes cleanup a breeze but also helps lift the bars out easily after baking. Don’t forget to spray the foil lightly with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy and well combined. This step is crucial for that soft texture we’re aiming for in the bars; the light, fluffy butter and sugar mixture will make the difference between a dense or tender cookie bar.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the bars tough, and that’s the last thing we want here.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Candy Cane KISSES
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Lastly, fold in one cup of the chopped Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES, distributing that peppermint-y sweetness throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bake the Cookie Bars
Press the dough evenly into your prepared 9×13 pan. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even baking. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden-brown. Then, allow the bars to cool completely—this is important before frosting so you don’t end up with a melty mess!
Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together half a cup of salted butter, two cups of powdered sugar, and the milk until the mixture is smooth and combined. Gradually beat in the remaining two cups of powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a creamy consistency with no lumps. Finish by stirring in that teaspoon of vanilla extract to give the frosting a lovely, rounded flavor.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled cookie bars. Then sprinkle the remaining chopped Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES all over the top, giving each bar that extra festive crunch and peppermint pop. Cut into squares and get ready to enjoy some serious holiday magic!
How to Serve Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, consider adding a few whole Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES or some crushed candy canes on top of the frosting. These little decorative extras not only look gorgeous but enhance the peppermint flavor, making the bars feel even more festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
These sugar cookie bars pair beautifully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a peppermint-flavored latte. You might also love serving them alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast, balancing out the minty sweetness and rich cookie flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bars on a festive platter or arranging them in a layered gift box with parchment paper, perfect for gifting. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a bright red ribbon makes a charming homemade gift for friends and family. Plus, using holiday-themed plates or adding edible glitter to the frosting will give your presentation an extra splash of seasonal sparkle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This way, you’ll still enjoy that fresh-baked flavor and moist texture without worrying about them drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later or prepare in advance, these bars freeze beautifully. Simply frost and sprinkle the candy cane pieces after thawing for the freshest taste. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.
Reheating
For a touch of warmth and that just-baked feeling, microwave individual bars for about 10 to 15 seconds before serving. This warms the bars without melting the frosting too much, reviving their soft, comforting texture and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular Hershey’s KISSES instead of Candy Cane KISSES?
Absolutely! While Candy Cane KISSES add that unique peppermint flair, regular Hershey’s KISSES will still provide delicious chocolatey pockets throughout the bars. You might lose the peppermint punch, but the texture and sweetness remain excellent.
Do I have to use salted butter or can I use unsalted?
You can use unsalted butter if that’s what you have on hand—just add a pinch more salt to the dry ingredients to compensate. Salted butter adds that perfect natural balance during baking, but adjustments make it just as tasty.
What’s the best way to chop the Candy Cane KISSES?
Placing the KISSES in a sealed plastic bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin or the flat side of a knife works great. This method avoids a sticky mess and gives you nice, uneven pieces that add great texture to the bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that has xanthan gum included for best results. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste wonderfully festive and delicious.
Is this Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe suitable for parties?
Definitely! These bars are crowd-pleasers with their festive look and irresistible flavor, making them perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or gift exchanges. Plus, cutting into bars makes serving and sharing effortless.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade treat that captures the spirit of the season, and this Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe does exactly that. It’s simple enough to whip up anytime but delivers a flavor and presentation that feels like a holiday celebration in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the joy these bars bring to your table—once you do, it might just become your go-to festive dessert for years to come!
Print
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
These Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars combine a soft, buttery sugar cookie base with festive peppermint-flavored Hershey’s Candy Cane KISSES, topped with a creamy vanilla frosting and extra candy pieces for a delightful holiday treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
- Prepare the baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F (177° C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, then lightly spray the foil with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside while you prepare the dough.
- Make the cookie dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Combine dry ingredients and mix: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing only until just combined. Then fold in 1 cup of the chopped Candy Cane KISSES, distributing the peppermint pieces throughout the dough.
- Bake the cookie base: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cookie base to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the ½ cup of butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and milk until combined. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar, continuing to beat the mixture until it is creamy and smooth with no lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Frost and decorate: Spread the creamy vanilla frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chopped Candy Cane KISSES evenly over the top to add extra festive peppermint flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve and enjoy: Cut the frosted cookie into bars, about 16 servings, and serve. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet seasonal treat.
Notes
- Be sure the cookie base is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute unsalted butter but add a pinch more salt to the dough.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, adjust the milk quantity accordingly.
