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 salted butter, softened (1 stick); 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

Nothing brings the holidays home like the rich flavors of peppermint and chocolate mingling in warm, fresh-baked cookies. This Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe offers that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delightful chocolatey center and a cool peppermint crunch — it’s basically festive magic in cookie form.

The image shows a close-up of seven round chocolate cookies arranged on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two main layers: the outer layer is a slightly cracked, soft-looking brown chocolate cookie with a rough texture, and in the center is a smooth, glossy dark chocolate filling. The dark chocolate centers are topped unevenly with white and red crushed peppermint candy pieces that add a contrasting bright color and a crunchy texture. The cookies vary slightly in size and shape, giving a homemade feel. The 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

What’s not to love about cookies that bring a nostalgic holiday vibe, requiring minimal fuss to whip up? I adore how this cookie balances ease and flavor—using a premade sugar cookie mix jazzed up with cocoa and peppermint, it's perfect for busy days when you crave a homemade treat without the stress.

Quick and Simple: You can have these cookies in the oven in under 20 minutes, perfect for last-minute parties or unexpected guests.
Festive Flavors: The combo of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes gives it that unmistakable winter warmth with a refreshing twist.
Chocolatey Goodness: The almond bark filling melts smoothly into the thumbprint, creating a little chocolate surprise that everyone adores.
Customizable Texture: You control how big or small the cookies are, so you can tailor the batch size or make bite-sized bites for sharing.

The image shows several round chocolate cookies arranged on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is a textured, light brown chocolate cookie with cracks, and the top layer is a smooth, shiny, dark chocolate circle filling the center. The chocolate filling is topped with crushed white and red peppermint pieces scattered unevenly. One cookie in the middle is bitten into, revealing a thick, soft chocolate center inside the cookie base. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe brings together simple ingredients, with each one playing an essential role. From the buttery base to the minty finish and melty chocolate filling, the ingredients complement each other perfectly, making the baking straightforward and the results delicious.

Flat lay of a simple white ceramic bowl of smooth light brown sugar cookie mix, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich dark brown cocoa powder, two whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of softened pale yellow salted butter, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear peppermint extract liquid, a white ceramic plate with roughly chopped glossy dark chocolate almond bark squares, and a small white ceramic bowl holding crushed bright red and white candy cane pieces — all arranged in perfect symmetry, fresh and natural, 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: This is the foundation that keeps things easy and consistent, saving time without compromising flavor.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and moisture, helping the dough hold together while giving tenderness.
Cocoa Powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor, transforming the cookie into a mocha-mint delight.
Eggs: Bind everything nicely and lend a little lift to the cookie’s texture.
Peppermint Extract: The essential star that makes these cookies unmistakeably festive and fresh tasting.
Chocolate Almond Bark: Melts easily to fill the thumbprint centers with a smooth, creamy chocolate layer.
Crushed Candy Canes: Adds crunch and bursts of peppermint flavor on top, plus they make these cookies look super festive.

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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 made these cookies plenty of times, and honestly, I love tweaking the peppermint level depending on the occasion—sometimes a subtle hint, other times a peppermint punch. Plus, customizing the size of the dough balls always changes up the yield and bite size to suit what’s needed.

Less Peppermint Variation: If peppermint isn’t your favorite, dial back the extract by half and sprinkle just a few candy cane pieces on top for a gentler touch. I tried this for a non-mint loving friend, and she couldn’t believe how approachable they were.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter with dairy-free margarine and use dairy-free chocolate almond bark, and you’re all set for friends who avoid dairy without sacrificing flavor.
Extra Crunch: Toss in some finely chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) with the crushed candy canes for an added texture twist that my family adored last year.

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

Step 1: Mix and Meld the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, I always use my stand mixer or hand beaters to combine the sugar cookie mix, softened salted butter, cocoa powder, eggs, and peppermint extract. Beat everything until you get a smooth, well-blended dough—no dry patches! This step sets the stage, so take your time to really incorporate all those flavors evenly.

Step 2: Shape and Indent the Cookies

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper—trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze. Scoop out one-inch balls (I use a tablespoon measure for consistency) and roll them between your hands until they’re nice and smooth. Place them spaced evenly on the sheet pan. Then, press your thumb or a one-teaspoon measuring spoon into the center of each ball to create that classic thumbprint well. Don’t worry if cracks form; I just gently smooth the edges back with my fingers.

Step 3: Bake and Perfect the Thumbprint

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the centers start to set but are still soft. Right after pulling them from the oven, use your measuring spoon again to deepen the indentations that might have flattened or spread out during baking. This little trick ensures there’s a perfect pocket for the chocolate later on.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate and Fill Cookies

While the cookies cool, chop the chocolate almond bark into small pieces and melt it in a microwave-safe bowl. I heat it in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until it’s velvety smooth. Then, spoon the melted chocolate generously into the thumbprint wells. This is where the magic happens—each bite will be all kinds of dreamy.

Step 5: Sprinkle and Set

Before the chocolate really firms up, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for that bright peppermint crunch and festive sparkle. Let the cookies cool for 3–5 minutes so the chocolate sets while the cookies remain slightly warm—this contrast in temperature just brings everything together beautifully.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few handy tricks that make the difference between great cookies and absolutely irresistible ones.

Use a Measuring Spoon for Indents: Instead of using your thumb, I prefer a 1 teaspoon measuring spoon to create consistent, perfect holes. It’s less messy and gives the cookies a neater appearance.
Chill the Dough for Shape Maintenance: If you want the thumbprints to hold up without making indentations twice, chill the dough for 2-3 hours before baking. This helps it stay firmer and prevents cracking.
Crush Candy Canes Properly: Use a rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag to get chunky pieces rather than a powdery dust—this way you get a satisfying crunchy texture on top.
Follow This Recipe, Not the Box: Since this recipe uses premade cookie mix in a unique way, it’s important to stick to these specific steps for the best texture and flavor, rather than the back-of-the-box directions.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

peppermint chocolate cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing these cookies with a little fresh flourish—beyond the crushed candy canes, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look snow-kissed and pretty on a holiday platter. Sometimes I also add a few tiny peppermint candies or even edible glitter for a bit of sparkle when guests are coming over.

Side Dishes

These cookies are buddies with a warm cup of peppermint tea or hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. I also find they pair beautifully with cheese platters featuring mild cheeses or buttery shortbread cookies for a little variety on the dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present these at a holiday party is in a layered glass jar alongside candy canes and twinkle lights, so guests can scoop them out themselves. I’ve also wrapped them individually in clear cellophane tied with red ribbon for gifting—they always get devoured fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover cookies in an airtight container on the countertop for up to 3 days, which keeps them tender yet fresh. If I want them to last longer, I pop the container into the fridge, and they stay good for about 4-5 days without drying out.

Freezing

Once completely cooled, freezing works wonderfully. I layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a sealed container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, I let them thaw at room temp—no microwave needed to keep the textures perfect.

Reheating

If you want to warm the cookies a little, I pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and slightly melts the chocolate just enough to bring back that fresh-baked feeling, without compromising the peppermint crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cookie mix instead of sugar cookie mix?

Sugar cookie mix works best for this recipe because of its mild flavor and texture, which pairs nicely with the cocoa and peppermint. Using a different mix might alter the consistency and flavor balance, so if you want to experiment, start with a small batch and adjust as needed.

How do I prevent the cookies from cracking?

Pressing an indent in the dough balls before baking, as described in the recipe, helps prevent cracking. Also, chilling the dough for a couple of hours before baking can make the dough firmer and more stable, reducing cracks. If cracks still appear, you can gently patch them with damp fingers before baking.

Can I substitute peppermint extract with fresh mint?

Fresh mint won’t provide the same concentrated peppermint flavor and can add unwanted moisture to the dough, potentially affecting texture. Peppermint extract is much more potent and designed for baking, so it’s best to stick with the extract for authentic flavor.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! These peppermint chocolate thumbprint cookies make lovely gifts. I recommend packaging them in airtight tins or cello bags with ribbons to keep them fresh and festive. They travel well and always get rave reviews!

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe has been a holiday staple in my kitchen, not just for how delicious it is, but for the joy it brings to those I share it with. It’s a recipe that doesn’t intimidate and rewards you with festive flavors and charming presentation every time. I truly hope you give it a try soon—you'll find it’s a delightful mix of tradition and convenience that feels just like a warm holiday hug.