Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies
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Indulging in Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies
There are few things more delightful than the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, especially during the holiday season! Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies marry these two flavors beautifully, creating a treat that’s perfect for celebrations, cookie exchanges, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. In my experience making these cookies, the aroma of melted chocolate mingling with peppermint will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around and enjoy. Let’s explore what makes this recipe a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
These Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies are more than just a seasonal treat; they offer a unique blend of textures and flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to whip up and can be made on a budget, which is always a plus during the bustling holiday season.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or baking for friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress. Their charming appearance and delectable taste make them the perfect gift, too!
“I made these for my office holiday party, and they disappeared in minutes! The combination of chocolate and peppermint is simply irresistible!” – Emily R.
Preparing Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies!
Making these delicious cookies is a straightforward process that results in a delightful treat. You’ll need to gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of cookies:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs and peppermint extract, blending until smooth.
- Combine your dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then gradually add them to the wet mixture.
- Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and bake.
- Once out of the oven, press a peppermint kiss into each cookie for that signature thumbprint appearance.
- Finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate for added indulgence!
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to make your Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies:
- 1/2 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1/2 C sugar
- 1/2 C light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 C flour
- 2/3 C Hershey cocoa
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 24 unwrapped peppermint kisses
- 1 C Godiva milk chocolate chips (melted)
Pro tip: If you’re running low on Godiva chocolate chips, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips will work just fine!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a standing mixer, cream the softened butter with both sugars until you achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Add eggs and flavor: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the cookies: Use a small ice cream scoop to portion the dough, and roll each piece into a ball.
- Bake: Place the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Add the peppermint kiss: Once baked, remove from the oven and press a peppermint kiss into the top of each cookie.
- Drizzle chocolate: After the cookies have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the melted chocolate on top to complete the treat.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies shine on their own, but you can enhance your cookie experience with a few serving ideas. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a warming treat. For a sophisticated touch, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also package them in a beautiful tin as a homemade gift — perfect for holiday giving!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, which means you can enjoy them for days! If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Butter Softening: Be sure to let your butter sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes for the best creaming results.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes can help make it easier to roll.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to play around with different chocolates on top or even add crushed candy canes for an extra peppermint kick!
Creative Twists
If you want to switch things up, consider these variations:
- Nutty Surprise: Mix in some finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
- Flavor Swaps: Swap the peppermint extract for orange extract for a chocolate-orange version.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate for a vegan-friendly treat!
Your Questions Answered
How long do these cookies take to prepare?
The total time for preparing and baking these cookies is about 30 to 40 minutes.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips can be an excellent substitute for milk chocolate.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, or for longer storage, freeze them in a well-wrapped package.
Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
You can substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free alternative. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free!
These Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies are not only delightful to eat but also fun to make. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these cookie treasures are certain to become a staple during your festive celebrations!
Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a standing mixer, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly before adding the next. Stir in peppermint extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually mix half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Using a small ice cream scoop, portion the dough and roll each piece into a ball.
- Place the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and press a peppermint kiss into the top of each cookie.
- Allow cookies to cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle melted chocolate on top.
