New and improved! Easy Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are delicious buttery chocolate treats that are baked to perfection and topped with a colorful red and white chocolate peppermint kiss.
They are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie and candy baking trays. I love to include them on my Christmas trays with Chocolate Covered Cherries, Buckeye Balls, Spritz Cookies and Butter Cookies.
Well it is baking season again. I just love this time of the year with all of its festive fun. Christmas cookies are a super fun tradition in our house and with a little planning it can be done without loosing your mind. Most baked cookies are super freezer friendly and with just a few hints you can master the art of freezing cookies. These cookies are so easy, delicious and super freezer friendly. This recipe calls for white chocolate peppermint kisses and they do go fast this time of year so plan accordingly. There is also dough chilling time so allow time for that in your schedule as well.
Why this recipe works!
- These fun and festive cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They will complement any cookie or candy tray beautifully.
- These scrumptious treats freeze very well. Therefore they can be prepared in advance, frozen and then brought out to thaw just in time for all the festivities.
- These cookies are a cinch to make. Even the novice chef can handle these cuties with just a little measuring, mixing and rolling.
How do you freeze Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies?
The cookies should be fully cooled before freezing. Carefully pack the cookies in doubled Ziploc freezer bags and place them in sturdy gladware containers. When defrosting take them out of the containers frozen and place on serving trays or platters uncovered until they defrost. Then store in airtight containers. Never allow them to defrost in the plastic and the containers. The condensation that builds in there will ruin the cookies.
How do you make Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies?
First throw the peppermint kisses in the freezer for about 2 hours before you start the rest of the recipe. Using a mixer cream the butter and both sugars with until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time and mix just until incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
Now in a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add the dry mixture to butter mixture in 3 parts. Blend after each addition just until combined scraping down the side of the mixer bowl as needed. Remove the bowl from the mixer, cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours up to overnight.
The dough will be kind of sticky so butter your hands and roll the dough into a little less than 1 inch balls. Place on cookie sheets covered with parchment paper or silicone mats. Bake for about 7-8 minutes. While the cookies are baking unwrap the frozen kisses. Allow the cookies to cool for 3 minutes only and then gently press 1 peppermint kiss into the top of each cookie. Move to cookie cooling racks being very careful not to the touch the chocolate as it may be soft.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Always preheat the oven and load your cookies on the middle rack in the center of the oven.
- Cover your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- For best results freeze the kisses two hours before starting the recipe. This will help keep the kisses from melting when you place them on the top of the cookies.
- I really like Land O Lakes butter. It is the only butter I use for my cookie baking anymore.
- The dough works best when chilled for 3 hours up to overnight.
- When we took this recipe back to the test kitchen (also known as Beth’s kitchen) we found that the vanilla extract tasted better. However feel free to use peppermint extract instead but cut it down to 3/4 teaspoon so it is not overpowering.
- Gently press the kiss into the top of the cookie creating a small indentation.
- These cookies can be frozen for four to six weeks. I don’t like to go much further than that because of the white chocolate kiss. Simply double wrap in freezer bags and place in a sturdy container. The dough can be double wrapped and frozen for two months.
- If you have time do a test run with one or two cookies. It really helps to establish optimum baking time.
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This post was originally published November 14, 2019 and was republished November 28, 2020 with a new and improved recipe, along with new photos.
PrintPeppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Fun holiday peppermint chocolate thumbprint cookies topped with a white chocolate peppermint kiss. These Christmas cookies are family friendly, easy to make and so delectable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes plus 3 hours chilling time
- Yield: 28 cookies 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
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 3/4 teaspoon peppermint)
- 1 1/2 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
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream butter and both sugars with mixer until light and fluffy. Turn mixer to low and add egg yolks one at a time and mix just until incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Whisk together flour, baking cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a medium bowl. Add the dry mixture to butter mixture in 3 parts. Blend on low after each addition just until combined; scraping down the side of mixer bowl as needed. Remove bowl from mixer, cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours up to overnight.
- Butter hands and roll dough into a little less than 1 inch balls. Place on cookie sheet with 1-2 inches between cookies.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes. Allow to cool for 3 minutes only. Press 1 peppermint kiss into the top of each cookie. Carefully move to cookie cooling racks without touching the peppermint kiss as it may be soft.
Notes
- Always preheat the oven and load your cookies on the middle rack in the center of the oven.
- Cover your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- For best results freeze the kisses two hours before starting the recipe. This will help keep the kisses from melting when you place them on the top of the cookies.
- I really like Land O Lakes butter. I have started using it for all of my cookies.
- The dough works best when chilled for 3 hours up to overnight.
- When we took this recipe back to the test kitchen (also known as Beth’s kitchen) we found that the vanilla extract tasted better. However feel free to use peppermint extract instead but cut it down to 3/4 teaspoon so it is not overpowering.
- Gently press the kiss into the top of the cookie creating a small indentation.
- These cookies can be frozen for four to six weeks. I don’t like to go much further than that because of the white chocolate kiss. Simply double wrap in freezer bags and place in a sturdy container. The dough can be double wrapped and frozen for two months.
- If you have time do a test run with one or two cookies. It really helps to establish optimum baking time.
Keywords: how to make chocolate thumbprint cookies, cocoa thumbprints, can you freeze chocolate thumbprint cookies
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
carol
is that unsweetened cocoa
Beth Pierce
Yes it is. I will clarify recipe in just two shakes of a lamb’s tail!!
Charlotte Stemberger
When you freeze these, are you freezing the uncooked cookie dough or freezing the baked cookie with the peppermint kiss on top?
Beth Pierce
I am freezing the baked cookie with the kiss on top. I have some in my freezer right now for when quests stop by!
Marie
How many does one batch make?
Beth Pierce
About 30 cookies. Happy Baking!!!
bethanie
salted or unsalted butter? thanks!
Beth Pierce
Unsalted please!
Megan
Could you use peppermint extract instead of mint? I already have peppermint. 🙂 Thanks!
Beth Pierce
Yes you can!! Happy baking!!
Jennifer
Is it 1/2 cup packed brown sugar? Or loose?
Beth Pierce
loose…happy baking
Rose
Is this supposed to be light brown sugar, or dark brown sugar?
Beth Pierce
Light brown sugar
Kelly Carter
Is the cooking time just to put them in the freezer or is that all the way through? Ten minutes seems really quick!
Kelsi
10 minutes is actually not a quick baking time, many soft cookies only take 6 to 8. 🙂 so that 10 minutes would be for cooked completely.
Jill Swartzmiller
Hi there. These look delicious! Are you using softened or cold butter? Thanks!
Beth Pierce
Thank you! I did miss that! It would be softened butter. I am not sure why I did not see that but I thank your for bringing that to my attention.
susan
Does anyone have a recipe for easy chocolate fudge
Beth Pierce
Sure if you just want chocolate omit the coconut and almonds. Foolproof Almond Joy Fudge
Mariah
Cocoa powder or unsweetend baking cocoa bar?
Beth Pierce
Cocoa powder! Happy baking!!
Mary
If you want the peppermint kisses to stand up like peanut butter blossoms freeze them first and then place them on the cookie while frozen
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the heads up.
CariAnn
Freezing the kisses is the best idea! Thank you. I have made cookies with kisses for a couple years and they always melt. Just made some and froze the kisses and they are perfect. Thank you again for sharing this idea.
Beth Pierce
Yes I have heard that this works. Thanks for the heads up!
Beth Pierce
Yes I have heard that this works well. Thanks for the heads up!
Amanda
Can I use coconut or almond flour instead ? If so how much?
Beth Pierce
I have never tried. I can’t imagine that you can’t though.
Tina
Do the cookies stay puffy or do they go flat?
Beth Pierce
I am trying to understand exactly what you are asking. They should not go flat. They might go down a little bit right after taking out of the oven but they will not go flat. Let me know if you have more questions. Thanks!
Stephanie
I don’t have any kind of mint extract, is that a vital ingredient?
Beth Pierce
No peppermint or mint? I think they would be good without it but it does change things a bit.
Andi
Made my first batch and husband thought they were kinda dry, any suggestions on what I can adjust?
Jennifer
Can you make these the day before an event or is it best to make the day of?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can make them the day before.
Rebecca
Yummy, pretty ….gonna make a 2nd batch….squeee
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! I appreciate the complement this fine morning!
Jennifer
If i make it the day before i need them will the kisses melt if i just store it in a container and leave on the counter?
Norma
Just counting up my “kisses” and wonder if you have ever tripled the recipe successfully?
Beth Pierce
I am sorry I have never tripled this recipe as I usually have quite a variety for Christmas!
Kelle
LOVE these cookies! I only used 1/2 tsp of mint extract and added 1/2tsp vanilla. I also didn’t use all purpose flour, I made them gluten free using only 1 cup of Namaste Gf Perfect Flour Blend. I added a splash of brewed coffee at the very end and gave it a good mix.(Only cause I had coffee I didn’t want to waste.)I kept everything else the same. Amazing cookies!! Thank you!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much and thanks for the gluten free version. My readers are often asking about gluten free!
Ann
How could I make these more like a brownie consistency rather than cookies? They are delicious!!
Beth Pierce
I honestly don’t think that you could. Brownies are more cake like and I don’t think you could push a piece of candy into a brownie and have it maintain its shape.
Amanda
Followed the recipe exactly and they came out extremely dry and dense. Waited exactly five minutes to put the kisses on the cookies, and they were rock hard and crumbled.
Beth Pierce
So sorry to hear this Amanda. I took a look at that recipe yesterday because of yours and one other readers comments. I went back into the kitchen. I made some modifications and my daughter and I have taste tested them several times.
Ann
That’s why I asked about a brownie consistency to maybe help with the dryness, but either way mine were still yummy!!! I put my candy in before the 5 min, and that helped. I also didn’t cook mine but for only 8 minutes if that helps!
Deb
Simply amazing! Only thing I did different was bake it for 7 minutes and let it cool on pan.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! So glad that you liked them!
Laura
Hi there! The recipe shouldn’t say to preheat the oven first thing if we are supposed to be refrigerating the cookies for hours before baking! Thanks for the wonderful cookies.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the heads up. I modified that recipe and forgot to change that on it. Thanks again.
Kristin
The taste was great but my cookies really flattened out. Any idea what I did wrong? Thanks!
Beth Pierce
So sorry to hear that. Here is an excellent article on different reasons why cookies can go flat. 8 reasons your cookies spread too much
Liz
Do I only add 1/2 cup of the flour mixture…or 1/2 at a time?
Beth Pierce
1/2 cup at a time.
Tiffiny
Omg these are SO good! I made them just like directed (only difference was I didn’t have mint, only peppermint extract). I used the suggestion someone made to put the kisses in the freezer until ready to put on the cookie. They were super soft & moist! Love love love these! The best part is that it’s not an overwhelming peppermint flavor. Enough to notice, but not overpowering. Kinda reminds me of a Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks! I did half just like that and half with red glitter icing drizzled on top with some red & green sugar sprinkles. Thanks for this recipe!! Such a hit!❤❤❤??????
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked them. I love your idea about the red glitter icing and sprinkles. What fun and Merry Christmas!
Corrie
I couldn’t find peppermint kisses anywhere! So I used caramel kisses and switched my extract to caramel. Will try this recipe out as soon as I am able to purchase the peppermint kisses! I love chocolate and peppermint ❤
Beth Pierce
Yes they are a little hard to find. I found mine at Walgreens!
Amanda
Just in time for the holidays. Thank you so much this looks so fun!
★★★★★
Allison
Just made these for an early Christmas family gathering. They ended up more cake-y in texture than I was expecting (maybe the dryness some people have mentioned? I only did 8 minutes in the oven to try to avoid them drying out too much). I would have preferred they be a little more cookie-like but my guests absolutely loved them.
I did not want the cookies to be too minty (since I’m really the only peppermint fiend in my family) so I used 1/4 tsp peppermint extract (we didn’t have regular mint) and 3/4 tsp vanilla extract. I used the freezing the kisses trick and it worked perfectly; the mint wasn’t overpowering at all, it was just right. Thanks for a great recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome. Yes they are more of a cake like cookie. So glad that your guests enjoyed them. Yes the readers idea of freezing the kisses works great. I tried it myself. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Lizzy
Didn’t this recipe use to call for only 1/2 cup butter or an I totally imaging that and just wrote it down wrong the first time?
Beth Pierce
No it did and people said it was too dry so I went back to the test kitchen and worked on it again. The extra butter does make it more moist but you must refrigerate it to get it good and stiff so the balls will hold up during baking.
Brittany | HeyFlavor
I was looking for a Christmas cookie recipes for my jobs Christmas party bake off and came across this recipe! These cookie look simple to make and very delicious! Thanks for posting this recipe! Looking forward to making these for the party!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Brittany! I hope you enjoy them!!
Megan A.
How long do these take to thaw out completely? I made 7 dozen for a cookie exchange and froze them all. I need to thaw and package per dozen before Friday.
Beth Pierce
It has been a while since I defrosted them. I would say a couple of hours max. Be sure to remove them from their packaging and place on trays on the counter so the condensation does not get to them.
Amy G.
A great recipe! I have never seen the mint kisses so I melted chocolate and added a few drops of mint extract and put a dollop on each cookie with a few green sprinkles – delicious! Merry Christmas!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked them! We love them too! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Lindy
I used the Small Stainless Scoop from Pampered Chef, and it was the perfect size! However, 10 min was definitely too long. (I’m in Utah, so maybe the elevation and dry climate is a factor.) Did 8 min, then put the frozen kisses on immediately out of the oven, and that was the perfect combo for me! They are delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! So glad that you like them. They are cute little treats! I hope you have a great holiday!
Linda Luitich
Should I do anything different for high altitude?
Beth Pierce
I am sorry Linda. I am not familiar with high altitude cooking. I have lived in Missouri my whole life!
Tiffany La Forge-Grau
I love chocolate and peppermint together! The perfect flavor combo! These are cute to boot!
★★★★★
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
These Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are couldn’t look any more perfect!
★★★★★
Taylor
So fun and festive! Love the rich chocolate flavor paired with the fresh peppermint!
★★★★★
Sara Welch
It wouldn’t be Christmas without chocolate and peppermint! Adding these to my baking line up for the holidays! Delish!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Awesome! So glad that you liked them! I just love baking Christmas cookies. Sounds like you do too!
Ghulam Mohyudin
Good to know that works too! I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.
★★★★★
Mary
Do you think these would be ok to ship?
Beth Pierce
I have never shipped them but I think they would be fine!!
Long
These look soooooooooo pretty! I am totally making these at some point! Just one question, does th indent you add before baking change the way it bakes or looks? I just wanted to let you know that these cookies are so cute! Thank you!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! I don’t add any indent before baking. I just gently place the kiss on top cooking pressing maybe an 1/8 of an inch.
Laura Reese
We loved these cookies! Perfect holiday flavors.
★★★★★
Xina
Can you freeze the dough? I was going to make a double batch but only make half for now.
Beth Pierce
Yes you can. It would even been helpful to shape them into balls and flash freeze. Once frozen transfer to a Ziploc freezer bag. Store in a really cold part of the freezer. Thaw on parchment covered baking sheets in the fridge. That way they are all in their places when you bake them.
Emily
These tasted amazing, especially straight out of the oven when the kiss was slightly melted. The next day, the kiss was really solid and hard to eat with the cookie…any advice about that?
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
No sorry that is kind of the way they turn out. Kind of like blossom cookies.
Jessica
I forgot to put a second stick of butter in eek! They have been in the fridge overnight already. Would you suggest I start all over or can I add in the other stick of butter after all other ingredients have already been combined?
Beth Pierce
That is a hard call Jessica. I think before I threw the dough away and started over I would try to beat that butter in. Soften the butter first and cook 1-2 cookies as a test run. That is such an easy mistake. Been there done that!