Name: Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 17.5 ounce package sugar cookie mix; 0.5 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened; 0.5 cup cocoa powder; 2 large eggs; 1.25 teaspoon peppermint extract; 8 ounces chocolate almond bark, chopped (about 1 cup or 4 squares); 0.25 cup crushed candy canes

Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe hits all the festive notes with its rich cocoa base and the cool pop of peppermint. I love how the melted chocolate almond bark nestled in the center adds a luscious surprise to every bite. These cookies aren't just tasty—they’re kind of magical for holiday gatherings or cozy coffee moments at home.

The image shows eight round chocolate cookies arranged on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a crackled, textured dark brown base with a smooth, shiny dark chocolate circle in the center. On top of the chocolate layer, there are small pieces of crushed white and red candy sprinkled evenly. The cookies look soft and rich, with the candy adding a festive touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe quickly became my go-to for festive baking because it’s so simple yet impressive. The blend of peppermint and chocolate never fails to delight, and the texture contrast between the chewy cookie and silky chocolate is just dreamy.

Quick & Easy Prep: Using a sugar cookie mix keeps things beginner-friendly and really speeds up the process.
Festive Flavor Combo: Peppermint and chocolate are classic for a reason — this cookie nails that cooling, chocolaty harmony.
Perfect Texture: Thumbprint cookies have that lovely melt-in-your-mouth feel with a soft center chocolaty surprise.
Great for Gifting: These cookies look gorgeous sprinkled with crushed candy canes, making them ideal for holiday gift boxes or cookie swaps.

The image shows several round chocolate cookies arranged on a black wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a thick layer of smooth, shiny chocolate in the center topped with small pieces of crushed white and red peppermint candy. One cookie is on top, broken with a bite taken from it, revealing the soft chocolate filling inside. The cookies have a rough, cracked texture on the outer edges with a rich brown color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully combined to create that perfect holiday cookie vibe. Using a sugar cookie mix is a huge time saver and the cocoa powder adds that rich chocolate base while peppermint extract brightens everything up. The almond bark melts beautifully to fill those thumbprints, topped with crunchy candy cane pieces for texture and color contrast.

Flat lay of a small mound of fine white sugar cookie mix, a stick of salted butter with a smooth surface, a neat pile of dark cocoa powder, two large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear peppermint extract, roughly chopped dark chocolate almond bark chunks, and a small white bowl with crushed red and white candy cane pieces, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate and in bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sugar cookie mix: The base for our cookies; convenient and provides a soft, chewy texture when mixed with eggs and butter.
Salted butter: Adds richness and that perfect balance of salty-sweet flavor.
Cocoa powder: Gives these cookies their deep chocolate flavor without heaviness.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and help with cookie structure.
Peppermint extract: Just the right burst of minty freshness without overpowering the chocolate.
Chocolate almond bark: Melts smoothly for filling the thumbprints, setting into a shiny, luscious center.
Crushed candy canes: Add festive crunch and a pop of color, plus that extra peppermint punch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around a bit with this Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe, and it’s so forgiving that you can easily customize it to your taste. Sometimes I add a tiny bit of espresso powder to deepen that chocolate flavor or swap the peppermint extract for orange extract for a different twist. You can also scale the crushed candy canes up or down depending on how minty you want the cookies!

Variation: Adding finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds sprinkled on top right after the chocolate sets adds a lovely crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
Dietary modification: For a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free sugar cookie mix—just keep in mind the texture might shift slightly.
Seasonal twist: In warmer months, swap peppermint extract for a splash of vanilla or raspberry extract for a summery vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix It Up

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a large bowl and use a hand mixer to combine the sugar cookie mix, softened salted butter, cocoa powder, eggs, and peppermint extract. Beat until the dough is smooth and everything is fully incorporated—no floury streaks should remain. Trust me, a well-mixed dough is the foundation of perfect cookies.

Step 2: Form Your Cookies

Line your sheet pan with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon scoop, portion out dough balls and roll each into a smooth sphere between your palms. Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Now here’s a little trick: press your thumb—or better yet, a teaspoon measuring spoon—into the center of each ball to create a deep indent. This is key because the dough expands and can crack if you skip this step. If cracks appear, just gently smooth the dough back together.

Step 3: Bake and Re-indent

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges set but before they get too firm. Take them out and immediately press the indent again with your measuring spoon to keep the well defined—this gives a perfect little nest for the chocolate. Let the cookies cool while you melt the almond bark.

Step 4: Melt and Fill

Chop the chocolate almond bark into smaller pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is silky smooth. Spoon the melted chocolate evenly into the cookie indentations, filling each one completely. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces over the chocolate to add crunch and a festive pop of color.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool for 3 to 5 minutes so the chocolate sets but the cookies are still slightly warm—this is when they taste best. Then, serve them on a pretty plate (or save them for gifting!). The contrast of the cool peppermint crunch against the rich chocolate and cocoa cookie is nothing short of delicious.

Top Tip

From baking these cookies multiple times, I’ve learned a few handy tips that can save you from common pitfalls and make the process smoother.

Perfect Indents: Using a small round measuring spoon instead of your thumb creates a more consistent cookie shape and avoids cracking.
Crush Candy Canes Smart: Put candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and smash gently with a rolling pin to get chunky pieces, not powdery crumbs.
Shape Retention: If you want your indents to hold their shape perfectly, chill the dough for 2-3 hours before baking—it makes a huge difference.
Skip Second Indent: You can skip pressing the cookies after baking, but expect some cracks. It’s fine if you’re in a hurry, but I prefer that second press.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

peppermint chocolate cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping these thumbprint cookies with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for that festive sparkle and a burst of minty crunch. Sometimes, I’ll add a tiny pinch of edible glitter or even finely chopped fresh mint leaves for a fresh twist. It makes the cookies look wonderful on a holiday platter.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or even a classic black coffee. I’ve also brought them along to holiday brunch alongside cinnamon-spiced scones or gingerbread—it’s like a peppermint chocolate party on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging these cookies in a decorative tin lined with festive paper or placing them on a tiered dessert tray. Layering with sprigs of pine or holly elevates the presentation and makes a charming gift. Wrapping a batch in cellophane tied with a red ribbon is always a crowd-pleaser too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep these peppermint chocolate thumbprint cookies in an airtight container on the countertop—they stay fresh for 2-3 days. If I want to stretch their lifespan, I pop them in the fridge, which keeps them good for about 4-5 days without the chocolate getting dull.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. Once fully cooled, I place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment sheets between layers, then freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy, I let them thaw at room temperature, which brings back their comforting softness and flavor.

Reheating

If you want to refresh a frozen or refrigerated cookie, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) does the trick. The chocolate softens up nicely, and the cookie tastes almost freshly baked—just don’t overdo it or they’ll get tough.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough for this Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own sugar cookie dough, you can substitute it in. Just be sure to add the cocoa powder and peppermint extract to match the flavor and create the classic thumbprint wells before baking.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes without making powder?

Place candy canes in a sturdy plastic bag and gently smash them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. This creates small, crunchy pieces perfect for garnishing without turning into dusty powder. Avoid using a food processor if you want chunks.

Can I make these cookies without peppermint?

Yes! You can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor. The cookies will still be delicious but with a less minty profile.

Will these cookies hold their shape if I skip chilling the dough?

They will spread a bit more and you might need to press the indent both before and after baking to maintain the thumbprint shape. Chilling the dough isn't necessary but helps prevent cracks and keeps the wells neat.

Final Thoughts

Every holiday season, making these Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe brings back that cozy feeling of warmth and happiness in my kitchen. Sharing them with friends and family feels like passing along a little piece of joy. I hope you enjoy baking—and eating—these cookies as much as I do. They’re easy, festive, and irresistibly delicious, perfect for spreading some holiday cheer one thumbprint at a time!