Christmas Kismet Cookie Recipe and the Legend Behind It

The origins of kismet cookies are a bit of a mystery; however, this Christmas treat is attached to an urban legend. This myth is a key element in a recent movie adaptation of a Lori Wilde romantic novel.

The English language borrowed the word "kismet" from Turkish in the 1800s, and it was used synonymously with "fate" or "destiny." Over the centuries, kismet became associated with love affairs that had happy endings.

Eventually, a treat was created and named after this prophetic word: the kismet cookie. It's unclear where the kismet cookie legend came from, but in a 2011 romantic novel, "The Christmas Cookie Chronicles," Lori Wilde writes:

It is this notion that drives the story of the main characters, Sarah and Travis, in the 2022 Hallmark film adaptation, "A Kismet Christmas." However, it's not the first time the kismet cookie legend appears in Wilde's work.

"There's a legend in Twilight, Texas. If you sleep with a kismet cookie under your pillow on Christmas Eve, you will dream of your one true love," a blurb for her novel, "The Christmas Key," reads.

Two kismet cookies stacked above each other | Source: Pexel

It is said that in some instances, kismet cookies can be made with surprise fillings, so you never know what's inside until that first bite. Although the origins of this Christmas treat still remain a mystery, there is a noticeable pattern if you look at how it appears in fictional stories, the thrill it can bring, and the word it is attached to.

Just as kismet is synonymous with fate and destiny, kismet cookies embrace the thrill of the unknown. So, without further ado, here is the Kismet Cookie recipe:

Kismet Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cup of unbleached all-purpose flour
• ½ tbsp of baking soda
• 14 tbsp of unsalted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp table salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 ¼ cups semisweet white/brown chocolate chips

A crystal bowl full of chocolate chip cookie dough beside a baking tray with wax paper and cookie dough ready to be baked | Source: Getty Images

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and adjust the rack to the middle position.

2. You can start with your dry ingredients or the wet ones. With the dry ingredients, whisk or sift the flour and baking soda in one bowl and set aside.

A baker whisking his flour in a bowl. | Source: Getty Images

3. Heat 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat until it melts (approx. two minutes), then allow it to cook until it produces a nutty aroma and turns golden brown (about 1-3 minutes).

4. Once the butter reaches this state, transfer it into a heat-resistant bowl, and add the last four tablespoons of butter until it's all melted.

A woman stirs foaming Kates Butter in a sauce pan to make brown butter. | Source: Getty Images

5. Add the sugars, vanilla, and salt, and whisk until everything is blended.

6. Add eggs, one at a time, and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Leave it for about three minutes, then whisk again for 30 seconds. Repeat this process twice more to achieve a thick, smooth texture.

A woman whisking batter in her kitchen. | Source: Getty Images

7. Gradually combine the wet and dry mixtures with a rubber spatula, wooden spoon, or a blender.

8. Fold in whichever fillings you have chosen thoroughly. It's worth noting that these vary widely—although chocolate appears to be the standard choice—but here are a few examples, including more chocolate chips (white or brown), nuts, fruit and spices, and broken candy pieces.

Mixing batter for chocolate chip kismet cookies. | Source: Getty Images

9. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with cooking spray.

11. Bake for 11-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

12. Once they are ready, transfer the baking sheet elsewhere, and allow your kismet cookies to cool.

Homemade kismet cookie dough ready to bake. | Source: Getty Images

Kismet cookies are the perfect sweets to enjoy during the holidays. Gather your family and friends and treat them to this delightful snack full of pleasant surprises.

If you want to try more delicious recipes, here are Easy Recipes for Maple Nut Goodies.