Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

These Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, combining rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors. Perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday gatherings, this recipe offers a simple way to make festive and flavorful cookies everyone will love. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and the eye-catching addition of peppermint kisses, these cookies will be the star of your dessert table.

What Makes Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Special?

The pairing of chocolate and peppermint is a classic holiday flavor combination that evokes warmth and nostalgia. These thumbprint cookies add a modern twist by incorporating peppermint kisses, which not only look festive but also infuse each bite with a sweet, minty burst. The chocolate base, made with cocoa powder and brown sugar, provides a rich contrast to the coolness of the peppermint. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, peppermint, or both, these cookies offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make these Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies so irresistible:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter provides the richness and soft texture of the cookie.
• ½ cup sugar & ¼ cup packed light brown sugar: This mix of sugars creates the perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
• 2 egg yolks: Egg yolks help bind the dough and contribute to the cookies’ softness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract: You can choose either for a more traditional flavor or to enhance the minty notes.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of any good cookie, flour gives structure.
• ½ cup unsweetened baking cocoa: Adds the rich, chocolatey flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder & ½ teaspoon baking soda: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and achieve their chewy texture.
• 28-30 frozen peppermint kisses: These are pressed into the cookies after baking, adding both a festive touch and a burst of minty flavor.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Here’s how to make these delicious cookies:

1. Cream the butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Reducing the mixer speed to low, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add the vanilla or peppermint extract and mix until combined.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Make sure everything is well-combined.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, mixing on low speed until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
4. Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours or up to overnight. Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
5. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
6. Form the cookie balls: With buttered hands, roll the dough into balls slightly smaller than 1 inch. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 3 minutes.
8. Add the peppermint kisses: While the cookies are still warm but no longer piping hot, press a frozen peppermint kiss into the center of each cookie. Be gentle to avoid cracking the cookie or melting the kiss.
9. Cool completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely without touching the peppermint kisses, as they will be soft at first but will harden as they cool.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make these Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

• Stand or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls (small and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Baking sheets
• Cooling racks
• Spatula
• Plastic wrap

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling process. This step ensures that the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Use frozen peppermint kisses: Freezing the kisses before pressing them into the cookies helps prevent them from melting too quickly.
• Don’t overbake: Bake the cookies just until the edges are set. They should remain soft and chewy in the center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: If the dough isn’t properly chilled, the cookies will spread too much, losing their shape.
• Touching the peppermint kisses too soon: After pressing the kisses into the cookies, resist the urge to move or handle them until they have fully set.

How to Store Your Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to make them ahead of time or store leftovers for later:

• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the fully baked cookies. To freeze the dough, roll the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. To bake, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time without thawing.
• Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, you can pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to slightly soften the peppermint kiss without fully melting it.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a festive presentation, serve these cookies on a decorative holiday platter lined with sprigs of fresh mint or holly for added color. You can also wrap them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a perfect holiday gift.

Recipe Variations

If you want to switch up the flavor profile or presentation of your Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, here are a few fun variations:

• Different flavored kisses: Try using caramel or dark chocolate kisses for a different twist.
• Sprinkles: Roll the cookie dough in holiday-themed sprinkles before baking to add extra color and texture.
• Drizzle with chocolate: After the cookies have cooled, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for added indulgence.

Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies FAQ

Can I use other types of chocolate kisses?
Yes! You can substitute peppermint kisses with any other variety, such as plain milk chocolate or white chocolate.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you can’t find peppermint extract, you can increase the vanilla extract for a more classic thumbprint cookie flavor.

Conclusion

There’s no better way to celebrate the holiday season than by making these Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies. Their beautiful presentation and delectable flavor make them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a party, making gifts, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are the perfect treat.

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