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Festive Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies with Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses: Your Ultimate Holiday Baking Guide

Embrace the spirit of the season with these enchanting Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies, featuring the delightful surprise of Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses. These melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are wonderfully soft, exquisitely buttery, and boast a refreshing burst of peppermint in every bite. Imagine biting into a warm cookie, the chocolate still gooey, creating a truly heavenly experience perfect for any holiday gathering or a cozy night in.

The Classic Thumbprint Cookie: A Beloved Holiday Tradition

Thumbprint cookies, with their charming indentation filled with a sweet surprise, hold a special place in the hearts of cookie enthusiasts worldwide. Historically, these delightful treats originated in Sweden, where they are known as “Hallongrottor” or raspberry caves. They quickly transcended their Nordic roots, becoming a cherished classic, especially during the festive holiday season here in the United States and beyond.

Traditionally, making thumbprint cookies involves crafting a small, tender shortbread dough ball, then pressing a thumb or the back of a spoon into its center to create a ‘well.’ This little indentation is then generously filled with fruit jam—raspberry, apricot, or strawberry being popular choices—before baking. The result is a soft, buttery cookie with a sweet, fruity center that provides a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. They are a staple on many Christmas cookie platters, bringing a touch of homemade warmth and nostalgia.

A Peppermint Twist on a Timeless Favorite

While the classic jam-filled thumbprint is undeniably delicious, holiday baking often calls for a little extra sparkle and seasonal flavor. Each year, I look forward to putting a festive spin on these traditional cookies by filling them with the iconic Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses. This simple substitution elevates the cookie into a truly special holiday confection.

To enhance the invigorating peppermint flavor, I incorporate a touch of peppermint extract directly into the shortbread cookie batter. This subtle addition perfectly complements the minty chocolate kisses, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that is both festive and utterly irresistible. The combination of rich, buttery cookie, cool peppermint, and creamy chocolate makes these cookies a standout treat during the holidays. They are wonderfully easy to make, yet impressive enough to share with family and friends, making them an ideal choice for your holiday baking repertoire.

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Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies

Achieving perfectly shaped and flavored thumbprint cookies with candy cane kisses is simpler than you might think, especially with a few insider tips. Pay close attention to these details, and your holiday cookie batch will be nothing short of spectacular.

Understanding the Dough Consistency

Don’t be alarmed if your cookie dough appears unusually thick and firm; this is exactly how a shortbread-like dough should be. The substantial texture is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading excessively during baking. A firm dough ensures that your thumbprints maintain their beautiful, round shape, resulting in consistent and visually appealing cookies. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until it’s firm enough to handle easily.

No Pre-Baking Indentations for Kisses

Unlike traditional jam thumbprints, where you create a well before baking, these peppermint kiss cookies require a different approach. Simply roll the cookie dough into uniform balls and place them directly onto your prepared baking sheet. The indentation for the Hershey’s Kiss will be made after baking, ensuring the cookie remains perfectly intact and prevents the chocolate from burning or melting prematurely in the oven.

Timing is Everything: Adding the Kisses

The most critical step for these cookies is adding the Candy Cane Kisses at the right moment. As soon as you remove the freshly baked cookies from the oven, while they are still piping hot, gently but firmly press a Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat from the cookie will soften the chocolate, allowing it to adhere beautifully and create that signature gooey center when warm. If you wait too long, the cookies will cool and harden, making it difficult for the kiss to settle properly.

Proper Cooling for Best Results

Once the kisses are in place, allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack. This ensures even cooling and prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy. Cooling on a rack also helps the chocolate kisses to set properly without sticking to the baking sheet. Resist the urge to move them too soon while the chocolate is still very soft.

Versatility of the Cookie Dough

This buttery shortbread dough is incredibly versatile. If you’d like to create other variations of thumbprint cookies throughout the year, simply omit the peppermint extract from the recipe. You can then fill the baked cookies with different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses (like milk chocolate, almond, or even caramel) or revert to the classic jam filling for a more traditional treat. The possibilities are endless!

The Irresistible Magic of Peppermint and Chocolate

The combination of peppermint and chocolate is a match made in culinary heaven, especially during the winter months. The cool, refreshing zest of peppermint perfectly balances the rich, creamy sweetness of chocolate, creating a flavor profile that is both invigorating and comforting. In these thumbprint cookies, this classic pairing truly shines. The subtle peppermint in the shortbread dough provides a delightful aromatic foundation, while the Candy Cane Kiss in the center delivers a burst of intense minty chocolate. This makes them not just a cookie, but an experience – a little bite of holiday cheer that evokes festive memories and warms the soul.

Serving, Storing, and Gifting Your Holiday Cookies

These Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies are a fantastic addition to any holiday celebration. Serve them alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa, a frothy latte, or a glass of milk for the ultimate cozy treat. They also make a stunning contribution to a holiday dessert platter, adding a pop of festive color and a unique flavor dimension.

To store these delightful cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. For longer freshness, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Simply arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

These cookies also make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. Package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags, tied with a festive ribbon, and share the joy of homemade baking with friends, neighbors, and teachers. They are sure to be a cherished present during the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of chocolate kisses?

Absolutely! While Candy Cane Kisses are perfect for a festive peppermint theme, you can easily substitute them with classic milk chocolate kisses, dark chocolate kisses, or even caramel-filled kisses for different flavor profiles. Just ensure they are added immediately after baking while the cookies are hot.

What if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough seems too dry and crumbly to form balls, you can add a tiny bit more unsalted butter (half a tablespoon at a time) or a teaspoon of milk until it comes together. Avoid adding too much liquid, as this can alter the texture of the shortbread.

How can I make them gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The baking time and method should remain largely the same, but always check for doneness as oven temperatures can vary.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the cookie dough can be prepared a day or two in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before rolling into balls.

Why are my cookies spreading?

Cookies typically spread if the butter is too warm, if there’s too little flour, or if the oven temperature is too low. Ensure your butter is at room temperature (soft but not melted), measure your flour accurately, and make sure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F (175°C).

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Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies with Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses

Thumbprint Cookies with Peppermint Kisses

These delightful shortbread cookies are soft, buttery, and feature a joyous peppermint surprise in the middle, making them perfect for the holidays.

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Course: Cookies

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Servings: 10 (20-22 cookies)

Calories: 373 kcal

Author: Lyuba Brooke

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg yolks from large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
Pinch of salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
20-22 candy cane Hershey’s kisses (more if you wish to decorate)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium-high speed for about one minute until creamy.
Gradually pour in the sugar and continue beating the butter and sugar mixture for another two to three minutes, until it’s light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, making your cookies tender.
Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the all-purpose flour. Mix until just incorporated. You may need to finish mixing by hand with a rubber spatula to ensure all flour is fully combined without overworking the dough.
Using a #40 or #50 cookie scoop (or about 1.5 tablespoons), scoop out even amounts of cookie dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look soft.
Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a candy cane Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each hot cookie. The warmth will help the chocolate soften and adhere.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the kisses to set and prevents the bottoms of the cookies from becoming soggy.
For an extra decorative touch, you can grate additional candy cane kisses over the cooled cookies using a fine cheese grater, creating a “snowy” effect.

Notes

All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe. Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have a slight variation.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe? Mention @willcookforsmiles or tag #willcookforsmiles!

More Cookie Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

If you’re a true cookie aficionado or simply looking to expand your baking horizons, here are a few more irresistible cookie recipes that are sure to bring smiles:

Nutella Cookies: Indulge in rich, chocolatey goodness with these soft and chewy cookies bursting with the creamy hazelnut flavor of Nutella. A quick and easy recipe for any chocolate lover.
Orange Sugar Cookies: Brighten your day with these classic sugar cookies, elevated by the fragrant zest of fresh oranges and the subtle sophistication of vanilla bean. Perfect for cutting into fun shapes.
Maple Pecan Cream Cheese Cookies: Experience ultimate comfort with these incredibly soft cookies, featuring the warm flavors of maple and toasted pecans, made extra tender with cream cheese.
Peanut Butter Cookies: A timeless favorite, these chewy peanut butter cookies offer that perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a satisfying crisscross pattern on top.
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies: Take your sugar cookie game to the next level with these amazingly soft, rich, and slightly tangy cookies, made with the secret ingredient of cream cheese.
Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati): A traditional Italian delicacy, these beautiful cookies are filled with a luscious, spiced fig mixture and often adorned with festive sprinkles.

Conclusion: Bake, Share, and Enjoy!

These Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies with Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of holiday cheer in every bite. Their simple elegance, combined with the classic festive flavors of peppermint and chocolate, makes them an indispensable part of your seasonal baking. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or simply to enjoy with loved ones, these cookies promise to deliver joy and deliciousness. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some unforgettable holiday memories, one buttery, minty cookie at a time. Happy baking!