Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies combine rich cocoa and refreshing peppermint for a festive treat. Soft, buttery cookies cradle a melting peppermint kiss in the center, perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a sweet, minty bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (preferably Land O Lakes)
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened baking cocoa
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 28–30 frozen peppermint kisses
Instructions
- Step 1: Cream the butter and both sugars with a mixer until light and fluffy. Reduce mixer speed to low, add egg yolks one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, blending on low after each addition until just combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Step 4: Lightly butter your hands and roll the dough into balls just under 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared sheets about 1-2 inches apart.
- Step 5: Bake for 7-8 minutes. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 3 minutes, then gently press a frozen peppermint kiss into the center of each cookie. Transfer cookies carefully to wire racks to cool completely without disturbing the peppermint center.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense peppermint flavor, swap vanilla extract for peppermint extract in the dough.
- Use silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- To avoid melting the peppermint kisses too quickly, keep them frozen until just before placing on warm cookies.
- Try adding chopped nuts or sprinkling sea salt on top before baking for extra texture and flavor contrast.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well; keep them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature. Avoid reheating, as the peppermint center may soften excessively.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of peppermint kisses?
Yes, you can substitute regular chocolate chips if you prefer a less minty flavor. Consider adding a touch of peppermint extract to the dough to keep the refreshing note.
Why should the dough be refrigerated before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also helps flavors develop and results in a better texture.
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Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 23 minutes
- Yield: 28–30 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, a festive treat combining rich, chocolatey dough with a refreshing peppermint center. Soft, buttery cookies are baked to perfection and topped with a frozen peppermint kiss, creating the perfect holiday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (preferably Land O Lakes)
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened baking cocoa
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Topping
- 28–30 frozen peppermint kisses
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the white sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring the sugars are well incorporated for a smooth dough base.
- Add egg yolks and extract: Reduce mixer speed to low and add egg yolks one at a time, mixing just until incorporated to maintain dough texture. Stir in the vanilla or peppermint extract evenly.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to ensure an even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.
- Incorporate dry mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to fully incorporate the flour mixture.
- Chill dough: Remove the dough bowl from the mixer and cover. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours or up to overnight. This step solidifies the dough for easier handling and better cookie texture.
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape cookies: Butter your hands lightly and roll the chilled dough into balls slightly less than 1 inch in diameter. Place spaced 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes until just set but still soft.
- Add peppermint kisses: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 3 minutes only, then gently press one frozen peppermint kiss into the center of each cookie. Be careful not to touch the kissing candy as it softens quickly.
- Cool on racks: Transfer the cookies carefully to wire racks to finish cooling completely, allowing the peppermint kisses to set properly without smudging.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial for ease of handling and to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Butter your hands before rolling to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Use frozen peppermint kisses to ensure the candy holds its shape when pressed into warm cookies.
- Do not overbake to retain a soft and chewy cookie texture.
- These cookies freeze well; store in an airtight container to keep freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peppermint cookies, chocolate thumbprint cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint kiss cookies, chocolate peppermint dessert
