Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

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Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a festive and delightful holiday treat that will awaken your senses with their rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint crunch. Picture a soft, chewy cookie at the base, topped with a silky melt-in-your-mouth chocolate ganache, finished with a sprinkle of vibrant crushed peppermint candies. This recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a heartwarming way to gather friends and family during the holiday season. With our step-by-step directions, you’ll find creating this delicious gem in your kitchen to be a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies lies in their simplicity and charm. They are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Perfect for children and adults alike, these cookies can become a delightful family activity on a cozy evening.

With only a handful of steps, you can whip these cookies up in no time, making them ideal for last-minute holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack to enjoy while watching a festive movie. Their delightful flavors make them not just a treat but a cherished memory in the making!

Ingredients for Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – adds richness
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness and texture
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – brings moisture and a slight caramel note
• 1 large egg – binds the ingredients together
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation of the cookie
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – infuses deep chocolate flavor
• 1/2 tsp baking soda – for a soft, chewy texture
• 1/4 tsp salt – balances and enhances the sweetness
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – for a rich, luscious filling
• 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil – helps achieve a silky chocolate texture
• 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes – for that festive burst of flavor

Step-by-Step Directions for Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale.

3. Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated, creating a beautiful, velvety base.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination will ensure a wonderfully balanced dough.

5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until you achieve a soft, cohesive dough.

6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.

7. Make an indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon, creating the perfect little nest for the chocolate filling.

8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, removing them when the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

9. While the cookies are cooling, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth. This step is crucial for achieving that glossy finish.

10. Spoon the melted chocolate into the center of each cookie and top generously with crushed peppermint candies.

11. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature before serving, as this will enhance the texture and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for optimum texture. Cold eggs can hinder the creaming process.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This makes it more manageable.
• Chocolate Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or even peanut butter chips!
• Festive Touch: Add a sprinkle of edible glitter or drizzle more chocolate over the finished cookies for a fancy touch.
• Storage: If you have leftover cookies (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are delightful on their own but become even more special when served with a cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a rich espresso. Consider plating them on a festive platter alongside a selection of holiday pastries, creating a charming dessert table for your guests. Garnish with additional crushed peppermint or festive sprinkles for a visual treat.

Nutritional Information

While enjoying Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, it’s essential to indulge mindfully. Each cookie offers a delightful blend of decadence and joy, typically containing about 150 calories per cookie. While their chocolatey richness and peppermint freshness make them a treat to savor, moderation is key for maintaining a balanced diet during the festive season.

Storing Tips & Variations for Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

If you find yourself with leftover cookies (or simply want to prepare ahead of time), these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For long-term storage, freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months; just roll it into balls and freeze before baking, then bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

For a healthier twist, consider swapping some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, or reduce the amount of sugar slightly. You could also substitute coconut oil for applesauce in a 1:1 ratio for a lower-fat alternative.

Conclusion for Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

There’s no better time than now to try your hand at these irresistible Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies. With their breathtaking appearance and delightful taste, they’re sure to become a beloved holiday tradition in your household. Gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and create sweet memories that will last a lifetime. Whether for gifting, sharing, or enjoying by the fire, these cookies are the perfect festive treat!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of chocolate for the filling?
Absolutely! You can experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate.

2. How do I make gluten-free Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for three months.

4. What can I use if I don’t have coconut oil?
Vegetable oil works perfectly well in place of coconut oil, or you might try butter for a richer flavor.

5. How can I spice up the recipe?
Consider adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract for an extra burst of peppermint flavor, or sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combination.

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Print Recipe

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Festive and delightful holiday cookies with rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint crunch.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a cohesive dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
7. Make an indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
9. Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth.
10. Spoon the melted chocolate into the center of each cookie and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
11. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature before serving.

Notes

For best results, use softened butter and chill the dough if too soft. These cookies pair well with hot beverages.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

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