Name: Delicious Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies for Joyful Holidays
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 225 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); ¾ cup Sugar; ¾ cup Light Brown Sugar; 2 Egg Yolks (room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour); ⅔ cup Unsweetened Baking Cocoa (high quality); ½ teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt); ½ teaspoon Baking Powder (fresh); ½ teaspoon Baking Soda (fresh); 24 Frozen Peppermint Kisses (well-frozen)

The aroma of chocolate wafts through my kitchen, transporting me to a cozy holiday gathering where laughter mingles with the scent of baked treats. It’s time for my favorite festive creation: Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies. These delightful cookies marry a rich chocolate base with the festive sweetness of a peppermint kiss, making them a perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray. Not only are they easy to whip up, but their freezer-friendly nature means you can bake them ahead of time—leaving you stress-free during the busy season. Are you ready to indulge in a treat that’s sure to become a holiday favorite in your home? Let’s get baking!

Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake?

Irresistible Flavor: These Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies blend rich chocolate with a festive peppermint kiss, delivering a delightful flavor explosion that captures the essence of the holiday season.

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious treats with confidence.

Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and store these cookies effortlessly; they freeze beautifully, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings.

Crowd-Pleasing Design: Their delightful appearance and contrasting textures make them an eye-catching addition to any cookie platter, guaranteed to impress friends and family.

Versatile Options: Feel free to mix it up by incorporating crushed candy canes or swapping for dark chocolate kisses for a unique twist on this classic treat.

Embrace the holiday spirit with these cookies, and don’t forget to add them to your festive lineup alongside other favorites like Bake Cookies Chocolate and Turkey Sugar Cookies!

Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; use softened butter for the best texture.
Sugar – Adds sweetness; substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option if desired.
Light Brown Sugar – Offers moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; can be replaced with granulated sugar if needed.
Egg Yolks – Contributes to the cookie’s rich structure; room temperature eggs will blend more easily.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; for a peppermint twist, consider using peppermint extract instead.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to your cookies; gluten-free flour can be a suitable alternative.
Unsweetened Baking Cocoa – Infuses a rich chocolate flavor; choose high-quality cocoa for the best results.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors; fine sea salt works best.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Ensure they are fresh to help the cookies rise perfectly.

For Topping

Frozen Peppermint Kisses – Adds a festive touch on top; make sure they are well-frozen to prevent melting during baking.

Dive into the delightful world of Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies and bring joy and cheer to your holiday season!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Kisses
Before you start baking your delicious Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, take your frozen peppermint kisses out of the packaging and place them on a plate. Freeze the kisses for at least 2 hours to ensure they maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from melting into the cookie dough.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup of sugar and ¾ cup of light brown sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add in 2 room temperature egg yolks and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ⅔ cup of unsweetened baking cocoa, ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, mixing gently on low speed until just combined to create a rich dough for your cookies.

Step 4: Chill Dough
Once your dough is ready, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight. This chilling period enhances the texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring your Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies come out just right.

Step 5: Form and Bake Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out 1-inch portions of chilled dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared sheets, leaving space between each one. Bake for 7-8 minutes, watching for the edges to become firm while the centers remain soft.

Step 6: Add Kisses
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for 3 minutes. While they’re still warm, use the back of a teaspoon to gently press a frozen peppermint kiss into the center of each cookie. This will create a delightful thumbprint effect, perfecting your Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies.

Step 7: Cool Completely
Carefully transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. This step allows the peppermint kisses to soften just enough to create a melty topping while preserving their shape. Enjoy the aroma as they cool, giving you a little preview of the sweet indulgence awaiting you!

Expert Tips for Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Chilling is Key: Always chill the dough for at least 3 hours to enhance texture and prevent spreading; this creates the perfect shape for your cookies.
Careful with Extracts: If you switch vanilla for peppermint extract, use only ¾ teaspoon to avoid overwhelming the chocolate flavor—balance is essential!
Test Baking Times: For the best results, bake a small batch first to determine the ideal baking time for your specific oven; adjust accordingly for perfectly baked cookies.
Quality Matters: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa; it can significantly enhance the overall chocolate flavor in your Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies.
Prevent Melting: Ensure your frozen peppermint kisses are properly frozen before pressing them into warm cookies; this prevents them from melting completely during baking.

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ingredients, cover the bowl, and refrigerate it. Additionally, you can freeze the formed dough balls for up to 3 months—just roll them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid before transferring to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, pop the frozen dough balls straight into the oven, adding an extra minute or two to your baking time. This way, you ensure your cookies remain just as delicious and fresh as if they were made on the spot!

What to Serve With Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

These delightful treats are more than just cookies; they can be part of a joyful holiday spread that warms the heart and tantalizes the taste buds.

Creamy Hot Cocoa: A rich and creamy mug of hot cocoa makes the perfect cozy companion, enhancing the chocolate flavors of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of silky vanilla ice cream provides a contrast in temperature and texture, making it an irresistibly delightful pairing.
Peppermint Tea: A warm cup of peppermint tea echoes the cookies’ festive flavor, offering a soothing, aromatic addition to your holiday spread.
Chewy Caramel Squares: The soft, chewy texture of caramel squares complements the crisp edges of the cookies, adding a comforting sweetness to the palate.
Blood Orange Sparkler: This refreshing drink, with its citrusy zest, cuts through the richness of the cookies, creating a delightful balance on your holiday table.
Sugary Cinnamon Pecans: Crunchy and sweet, these spiced pecans add a festive crunch, creating an enjoyable contrast to melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Mini Cheesecakes: Their creaminess and subtle tang perfectly round out the festive flavors, making each bite a journey of taste.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate bring a touch of freshness, enhancing the rich chocolate experience without overwhelming it.
Festive Fruit Punch: A sparkling fruit punch brings a vivacious splash to your holiday gathering, harmonizing beautifully with the cookies’ festive spirit.

Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your creativity into these festive treats, making them uniquely yours!

Candy Cane Crunch: Add ¼ cup of crushed candy canes to the dough for a delightful crunch and extra holiday flair. The minty bits will give every bite a festive sparkle.
Dark Chocolate Delight: Swap out the peppermint kisses for dark chocolate kisses to deepen the flavor. This variation creates a rich and decadent cookie that chocolate lovers will adore.
Frosted Fun: Top each cookie with a dollop of peppermint frosting after baking for an added layer of sweetness. This creamy twist elevates the festive spirit and brings a luxurious touch to every bite.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the dough for a hearty crunch. Nuts offer a wonderful texture that pairs beautifully with chocolate and peppermint.
Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for the unsalted butter and use dairy-free chocolate kisses to create a delightful dairy-free version. You’ll still achieve that wonderful taste while accommodating lactose sensitivities.
Spicy Twist: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a hint of heat that perfectly complements the chocolate and peppermint flavors. It’s a unique surprise that will leave your guests intrigued!
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free option that retains the same delicious taste and texture. Everyone can join the festive fun!

Embrace the joy of creating your own variations of these Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies and enjoy the cheerful season! Check out other delightful ideas like Bake Cookies Chocolate and Turkey Sugar Cookies for a sweet holiday spread!

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.

Fridge: For longer storage, place the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, ensuring they are in a sealed container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Store Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies in airtight containers or double Ziploc bags for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: For a warm treat, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, allowing the tops to regain their melty peppermint kiss goodness.

Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select peppermint kisses for this recipe?
Look for high-quality peppermint kisses that have a smooth, glossy finish, indicating freshness. Ensure they are properly sealed and check for any dark spots or cracks on the candies. It’s best to choose kisses that have a good amount of scent, as this will enhance the peppermint flavor in your cookies.

How should I store my Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you’d like to keep them longer, place them in a sealed container or double Ziploc bags and freeze for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving!

Can I freeze Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze these delightful cookies, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container or double Ziploc bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 weeks. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is sticky, it’s likely due to warmth from your hands or the environment. I suggest chilling it for an additional 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If it’s still too sticky, you can gradually incorporate a tablespoon of flour until it reaches a manageable consistency, keeping in mind not to add too much as that can alter the cookie’s texture.

Are there any dietary considerations for Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies?
Indeed! If you’re serving these cookies to friends or family with dietary restrictions, consider substituting gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option and ensuring that the peppermint kisses you choose are free from allergens, like nuts or dairy, if required. Always check labels for possible allergens to ensure everyone can safely enjoy these festive treats.

What if I want to add more peppermint flavor?
If you wish to boost the peppermint flavor in your cookies, I recommend adding crushed candy canes into the cookie dough or sprinkling them on top once the cookies have cooled. Additionally, reduce the vanilla extract and incorporate ¾ teaspoon of peppermint extract to provide that delightful holiday taste without overpowering the chocolate.