Irresistible Simple Peppermint Bark Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

There’s something so magical about the holiday season—maybe it’s the golden glow of fairy lights or the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. One of my favorite memories is gathered around the kitchen table with my family, rolling cookie dough into little balls, filling them with sweet morsels, and laughing until our sides hurt. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Simple Peppermint Bark Thumbprint Cookies.

These delightful cookies capture the essence of the holidays, with a rich, buttery base, a gooey peppermint bark filling, and a sprinkle of festive candy cane pieces on top. They’re a perfect treat to share at a gathering, but trust me, you’ll want to keep some for yourself! So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home.
• Easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
• Deliciously festive with that refreshing peppermint flavor.
• Customizable—play around with different toppings!
• Great for gifting or sharing with neighbors and friends.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these sweet delights:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature butter mixes better!)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup peppermint bark, chopped (you can find this at the store, or make your own!)
• ½ cup crushed candy canes (for that delightful crunch and color!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get those cookies baking! Follow these simple steps to create your peppermint bark thumbprint cookies:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and cozy for your cookies!
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to your butter mixture. It will smell divine!
4. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—just until everything is incorporated!
5. Shape the cookies: Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough and roll it into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about two inches apart.
6. Create the thumbprint: Using your thumb (or a small spoon), gently press down in the center of each cookie to make a little well for the peppermint bark.
7. Fill those wells: Take your chopped peppermint bark and fill each thumbprint with a generous amount.
8. Bake: Pop those gems in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
9. Cool and decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re cool, sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top of the peppermint bark!

Pro Tips & Variations

Every baker has their own secrets, and here are a few of mine to take your cookies to the next level:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for added richness.
• Nutty Twist: Add some finely chopped nuts to the cookie dough for a fun crunch.
• Dairy-free Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, and use dairy-free chocolate.
• Flavor Variations: Try swapping out the peppermint for orange zest or almond extract for a different twist!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying these thumbprint cookies, the options are endless! I love serving them warm with a hot cup of cocoa or freshly brewed coffee. They’d also be fabulous on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday treats. If you’re feeling generous, package a few in a cute box or bag with a bow and share them with friends or neighbors. Just picture their smiles when they open a little dose of holiday magic!

Storage Tips

Storing these cookies properly will help them taste just as delightful later:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Refrigeration: For longer freshness, they can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
• Freezing: To freeze, layer cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you want to enjoy them again!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought peppermint bark?

Absolutely! Store-bought peppermint bark is a great time-saver, and many brands have delicious options that will work perfectly in this recipe.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

You’ll want to look for very slightly golden edges and a soft center. They will set while cooling, so don’t worry if they look a bit underbaked when you first take them out!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just let it soften a little at room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

No worries! You can use a little extra vanilla extract, or you can add crushed peppermint candies for that peppermint flavor.

Can I use other fillings besides peppermint bark?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Try a chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even Nutella for a fun twist!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friends! Simple Peppermint Bark Thumbprint Cookies that are sure to brighten your holiday season. Whether you’re baking with family or gifting a batch to friends, I hope these cookies bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it goes! Drop me a comment below, share your baking adventures, or let me know your favorite twist on these festive treats. Happy baking!

Irresistible Simple Peppermint Bark Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Discover how to make simple peppermint bark thumbprint cookies that are irresistible and perfect for any occasion Easy recipe for festive treats

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup peppermint bark, chopped

½ cup crushed candy canes

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Stir in the vanilla extract to your butter mixture.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough and roll it into balls, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Using your thumb or a small spoon, press down in the center of each cookie to create a well.

Fill each thumbprint with a generous amount of chopped peppermint bark.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top once cool.

Notes

Delightful cookies capturing the essence of the holidays with a rich, buttery base, gooey peppermint bark filling, and festive candy cane pieces.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24 cookies
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g

Keywords: peppermint bark, thumbprint cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipes, festive desserts