Chocolate Mint Thumbprint Cookies Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Craving a Chocolate Mint Treat That’s Seriously Easy?

Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, buttery cookie with a rich chocolate flavor, topped with a refreshing burst of mint. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, these Chocolate Mint Thumbprint cookies are exactly that – and they’re so simple to make, you won’t believe it! Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share them with.

Why You’ll Love It

• The perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing mint flavor.
• Incredibly soft and buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
• Super easy to make with minimal fuss and straightforward steps.
• Perfect for holiday baking, potlucks, or a simple afternoon treat.
• Easily customizable with different types of chocolate and mint extracts.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What truly sets these Chocolate Mint Thumbprint Cookies apart is the combination of a rich chocolate base with a concentrated mint ganache filling. We’re not just adding a hint of mint; we’re creating a vibrant, refreshing burst that complements the deep cocoa flavor. This pairing, along with the incredibly tender cookie, makes every bite a delightful surprise. The thumbprint also allows for a generous amount of the creamy filling, ensuring a perfect ratio of chocolate, mint, and cookie in every mouthful!

Ingredient List

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, the key ingredient for the rich chocolate flavor
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the mint ganache filling:
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ – ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract, adjust to your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly firm.
9. While the cookies are baking, prepare the mint ganache: place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
10. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
11. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
12. Stir in the peppermint extract.
13. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes.
14. Fill each indentation with the mint ganache.
15. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take your Chocolate Mint Thumbprints to the next level? Here are some fun additions:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the filled cookies for an elegant touch.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the ganache before it sets for extra festive flair.
• Chocolate Shavings: Add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for extra indulgence.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your butter is truly softened to get a light and fluffy dough.
• Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center.
• Use good quality chocolate for the ganache; it makes a big difference in flavor.
• Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your personal preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
• Let the ganache cool slightly before filling the cookies so it doesn’t run off.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Can I use a different type of extract besides peppermint?
  

  A: Yes, you can substitute with other extracts such as mint, or vanilla for a different flavor profile. Experiment with what you like!

• Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
  

  A: Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made ahead of time, wrapped in plastic, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature slightly before rolling.

• Q: How should I store these cookies?
  

  A: Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The ganache will firm up slightly in the fridge.

• Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
  

  A: Yes, these cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container to prevent them from sticking together. Defrost them at room temperature for an hour or so before serving.

• Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
  

  A: Yes you can use milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate for a richer taste but this may result in a slightly sweeter ganache, you may want to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to balance the sweetness.

Variations and Customization Options

Here are some fun ways to customize your Chocolate Mint Thumbprints:

• Different Chocolate: Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate for the cookie base.
• Extract Variations: Try using different extracts like vanilla extract in the cookie dough or adding a hint of orange extract to the filling.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Option: Replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water). For the ganache, use vegan chocolate and a plant-based cream.
• Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the cookie dough for a bit of crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Mint Thumbprint Cookies are perfect on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even more special. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat. They also make a beautiful addition to a dessert platter or holiday cookie exchange. You could even include them in a homemade gift basket for friends and family!

Conclusion

These Chocolate Mint Thumbprints are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make, making them a perfect choice for both experienced bakers and beginners. Their soft texture, rich chocolate flavor, and refreshing mint ganache are guaranteed to be a hit. Go ahead and give this recipe a try – we promise you’ll be making them again and again. Don’t forget to share your creations with us; we’d love to see how they turn out! Subscribe to our newsletter for more delightful recipes!

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Vegan Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies
• Vegan Matcha Sesame Cookies
• Vegan Peppermint Mocha Cookies

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and baking tips delivered straight to your inbox!