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Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are soft, chewy, cocoa-rich cookies rolled in sugar and topped with creamy peppermint candy cane kisses. They’re festive, simple to make, and perfect for Christmas cookie swaps, holiday parties, or seasonal gifting.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Cooling Time15 minutes
Total Time36 minutes
Servings: 26

Ingredients

  • 10 tbsp 140g unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup 112g brown sugar, lightly packed
  • ½ cup 104g sugar, plus 3 tbsp for rolling
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1¼ cups 163g all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup 57g natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 26 –28 Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
  • Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
  • Cream butter and both sugars (except the 3 tbsp for rolling) until light and fluffy.
  • Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
  • Add dry ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms.
  • Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls.
  • Roll each ball in the extra 3 tbsp sugar to coat fully.
  • Arrange dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 6–7 minutes.
  • Immediately press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie.
  • Let cool 2–3 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
  • Replace vanilla extract with peppermint extract for extra mintiness.
  • Swap Candy Cane Kisses for Hugs, Milk Chocolate, or other seasonal flavors.

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze the baked cookies (unstacked) for up to 2 months.
  • Freeze the dough balls separately and bake from frozen—add 1 extra minute.

Serving Variations

  • Drizzle with melted white chocolate for decoration.
  • Add crushed candy canes on top immediately after baking.
  • Roll dough balls in colored sanding sugar for extra sparkle.

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Don’t overbake—cookies should be soft when removed from oven.
  • Ensure kisses are unwrapped before baking to work quickly.
  • Don’t press the kiss too deeply; just a gentle push is enough.