Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are buttery cookies dotted with crushed candy canes & topped with a pool of chocolate fudge for delightfully festive thumbprints!

The secret to these chocolate thumbprint cookies is the addition of crushed candy canes, they not only enhance the cookie’s festive appearance but also provide a burst of minty freshness. The creamy  chocolate filling complements the cookie perfectly, creating a treat that captures the essence of the holiday season!

A Flavorful Festive Treat- Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies

Our recipe for Peppermint Fudge Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful combination of flavors perfect for the holiday season. The blend of peppermint and chocolate creates a festive cookie loved by all!

Baking these cookies requires basic ingredients like butter, sugar, and egg yolks, along with minimal items for the fudge filling. With just a few simple steps, anyone can create these tempting treats that is sure to impress your friends and family.

These thumbprint cookies not only taste amazing but also look festive on any holiday cookie platter. They are a great addition to any holiday celebration, combining traditional flavors with a unique presentation!

Why you’ll love this Easy Thumbprint Cookie Recipe

• Simple steps. The preparation for this cookie recipe is straightforward. With basic ingredients that you most likely already have on hand, it’s accessible for bakers of all levels. Plus, decorating with additional crushed candy canes allows for creativity!
• Amazing taste & texture: The soft, buttery cookie dough is enhanced by the refreshing taste of mint extract, bringing an incredible surprise to each bite. Crushed candy canes add a pop of color and a crunchy texture, elevating the overall experience.
• Great for any occasion: These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them an excellent option for festive platters or gifts.

Peppermint Fudge Thumbprint Cookie Ingredients

Butter: You will need ¾ cups of butter for this cookie dough.

Granulated sugar: Add in ½ cup sugar + 3 TBSP for rolling.

Egg yolks: Use 2 egg yolks to bind the ingredients together.

Flour: The structure of these cookies is created with 1 ¾ cups of flour.

Candy Canes: You need ⅓ cup of crushed candy cane pieces, divided.

Mint extract: Using ½ tsp of mint extract gives the dough festive flavor.

Chocolate Fudge Filling:

Whipping cream: Add in ½ cup of heavy whipping cream for a smooth filling.

Chocolate chips: Use 6-oz of semi sweet chocolate chips for this recipe.

Butter: You will need 1 TBSP of butter for a rich tasting filling.

How to make Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Prep

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, then set them aside. Also crush the peppermint candies in a ziplocked bag, using a rolling pin or meat tenderizer.

Cookie dough

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg yolks and then add the flour. Add the crushed peppermint candies and the mint extract, stir to combine.

Roll the dough out into 1-inch sized balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar. Place the cookie dough on the prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart. Use the back of a teaspoon measuring spoon to create a small well in the center of each dough ball.

Bake

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely. If needed, use the teaspoon to press the center of each cookie again to form the well before the cookies cool.

Chocolate Filling

Combine the heavy cream, butter, and chocolate chips in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until the mixture has melted and then let it cool. Once the fudge has cooled and thickened, spoon the chocolate fudge into each crater, filling them just above the rim of the cookie. Top with remaining crushed candy canes. Let cool to set. Serve & enjoy!

Print

Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are buttery cookies dotted with crushed candy canes & topped with a pool of chocolate fudge for delightfully festive thumbprints!

Course Christmas, Cookies, Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 30 cookies

Calories 134kcal

Author Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

Cookie Dough:

• ¾ cups butter
• ½ cup sugar + 3 TBSP for rolling
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 ¾ cups flour
• ⅓ cup crushed candy cane pieces divided
• ½ tsp mint extract

Chocolate Fudge Filling:

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 6 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 TBSP butter

Instructions

• Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, then set them aside.
• Crush the peppermint candy canes in a ziplocked bag, using a rolling pin or meat tenderizer.
• Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and ½ cup sugar with an electric mixer. Beat in egg yolk. Add flour and mix until combined.
• Add in ¼ cup crushed candy cane and mint extract. Mix until ingredients are incorporated.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar. Line up balls on cookie sheets 2-inches apart. Use a ½ teaspoon measuring spoon to create a crater in the center of each ball.
• Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely. Once cookies are baked, use the same ½ teaspoon to re-indent the craters in each cookie, as they often puff up a bit while baking.
• Fudge filling: To make the chocolate fudge, combine cream, butter, and chocolate chips in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Let cool slightly.
• Spoon the chocolate fudge into each crater, filling them just above the rim of the cookie. Top with remaining crushed candy canes. Let cool to set. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

These peppermint thumbprint cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. 

Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. I suggest adding the fudge filling and candy sprinkles AFTER they are thawed. 

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 42mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 232IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, you can make the cookies in advance! This can be done any of several ways. You can prepare the cookie dough and cover it, allowing it to chill in the fridge for up to 2 days in advance. You can also bake and cool the cookies up to 2 days prior to filling as well. The fudge filling can also be made and set aside in a covered container in the fridge but it may become harder to scoop and fill the cookie centers with.

How long are these thumbprint cookies good for?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature these cookies can last up to a week and still taste great! 

Can I freeze these peppermint cookies?

Yes, these cookies can be frozen. I recommend not topping with additional candy pieces before freezing as they will “melt” and become sticky as they thaw. Another great tip is to layer them in an airtight container with wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months this way.

Is there an alternative ingredient for people with an egg allergy?

For those with an egg allergy, alternatives such as unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal can be effective substitutes. Typically, ¼ cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water can replace one egg yolk.

Try more of our festive & flavorful holiday recipes here:

• GINGERBREAD COOKIE RECIPES
• FROSTED PUMPKIN GINGER COOKIES
• MINT CHRISTMAS COOKIES
• MINT CHOCOLATE BROWNIE COOKIES
• PEPPERMINT VANILLA SHORTBREAD COOKIES
• PEPPERMINT COOKIE RECIPES
• CHEWY MOLASSES COOKIES
• PEPPERMINT SHORTBREAD COOKIES
• GINGERBREAD HOUSE COOKIES
• CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BLOSSOMS
• CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIES
• HOLIDAY BUTTER COOKIES
• CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE WAFFLE COOKIES
• NO-BAKE GINGERBREAD COOKIES
• CHOCOLATE RITZ CRACKER COOKIES
• PEPPERMINT COOKIE BARS
• CHRISTMAS TREE TWIX COOKIES
• RED VELVET CHRISTMAS COOKIES
• PEPPERMINT BARK COOKIES

Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a wonderful holiday dessert that combine a soft cookie base with a sweet fudge filling with minty flavor. These peppermint cookies are so simple to make and even easier to share!

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