Irresistible Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies: Your Ultimate Holiday Baking Guide
As the holiday season draws near, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods fills our homes, invoking cherished memories and creating new traditions. While my blog often features healthier options, this time of year calls for a little indulgence – and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Baking during the holidays isn’t just about the treats themselves; it’s about the warmth, the joy, and the shared experiences. I vividly recall decorating sugar cookies with my mom as a child, meticulously piping frosting and sprinkles, before assembling plates to share with our friends and neighbors. Now, as a mom myself, I find immense happiness in continuing this delightful tradition with my own children, watching their faces light up with every batch of festive cookies we create.
Recently, I had the pleasure of catching up with my dear friend, Katie, at the park while our kids enjoyed some playtime. Katie is an amazing cook, and I’m always eager to pick her brain for new recipe inspirations. When I asked her for her favorite holiday cookie recipes, she generously shared three must-try options. Today, I’m thrilled to present one of those incredible recipes: these spectacular Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies. They instantly captured my heart and became an instant favorite in our household.
Why These Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Make
These cookies are truly a showstopper, combining the classic elegance of red velvet with a festive burst of peppermint. Katie’s original recipe called for Hershey’s Hugs, but I opted for Candy Cane Kisses to amplify the holiday spirit, and the result was simply divine! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; you can easily use either Hershey’s Hugs or Candy Cane Kisses, depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Both options yield a wonderfully delicious cookie.
My boys absolutely adored these thumbprint cookies, and it’s easy to see why. The cookie base itself is wonderfully rich and incredibly moist, with that signature subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet. The star, however, is undoubtedly the Candy Cane Kiss nestled in the center. As it melts slightly, it infuses each bite with a delightful, refreshing pop of peppermint, creating a magical flavor combination that perfectly encapsulates the holiday season. The vibrant red hue of the cookie contrasted with the white and red speckles of the peppermint kiss makes them visually stunning. They add a unique and elegant touch to any holiday cookie plate, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or as heartfelt homemade gifts.
Crafting the Perfect Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies: Tips for Success
Achieving bakery-quality thumbprint cookies at home is easier than you might think, especially with a few helpful tips. The key to the irresistible texture of these Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies lies in the careful balance of ingredients and precise baking. For that iconic red velvet color, don’t skimp on the liquid red food coloring – it’s what gives these cookies their festive charm. The vinegar, while a small amount, reacts with the baking soda to create that tender, slightly acidic crumb characteristic of traditional red velvet. Using good quality cocoa powder also ensures a deeper, more pronounced chocolate flavor.
When preparing your dough, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them combine more smoothly, resulting in a uniform and well-incorporated batter. Don’t be tempted to overmix the dough once the flour mixture is added; mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and moist. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tougher cookies.
The “thumbprint” part is crucial! After removing the cookies from the oven, they will be soft. This is the perfect moment to gently press your Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. For a beautifully melted, “hugged” look, as described in the recipe, lightly tap the baking sheet on your counter after placing the kisses. This subtle vibration helps the chocolate settle perfectly into the warm cookie, creating that lovely indent. If you prefer the kiss to remain more intact and defined, simply skip the tapping step. Both presentations are equally charming and delicious!
These Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. Their striking appearance, coupled with the classic combination of red velvet and refreshing peppermint, makes them an unforgettable addition to any holiday spread. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to enjoy a moment of festive bliss, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles.
Now, let’s get baking! Here’s the full recipe for these delightful holiday treats:
Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for darker color)
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or other neutral vegetable oil)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 Tbsp. liquid red food coloring (use gel for more vibrant color, adjust quantity)
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. white vinegar
- 36 Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped (or Hershey’s Hugs)
Instructions
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Prepare Your Baking Station: Preheat your oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making cleanup a breeze.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the unbleached flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of leavening agent or salt in your cookies. Set this mixture aside.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the canola oil, packed light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the large egg and continue mixing until the mixture is creamy and well incorporated. Next, mix in the liquid red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until the color is uniform and vibrant.
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Form the Dough: Gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon in size), scoop the dough and roll it into approximately 1-inch balls with your hands. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets, typically 12 cookies per sheet.
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Bake and Finish: Bake for about 12 minutes in your preheated oven, or until the edges are just set and the centers look slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven. Immediately, while the cookies are still warm, press one unwrapped Candy Cane Hershey’s Kiss into the middle of each cookie, creating a thumbprint. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for one minute. If you desire a more melted, ‘thumbprint’ look for the kiss, gently tap the cookie sheet on the counter. This helps the chocolate settle into the warm cookie. If you prefer the kiss to remain more intact, skip the tapping. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy these festive treats!
Storing Your Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies
Once completely cooled, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, you can place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you plan to make them ahead for holiday gifting or future enjoyment, they freeze beautifully! Simply arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
These Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies are a testament to the joy of holiday baking. Their stunning appearance, delightful texture, and refreshing peppermint kick make them a truly special treat. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy baking and sharing them as much as we do!
What’s your favorite Christmas cookie to bake and share? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for More Peppermint Perfection?
If you’re as big a fan of peppermint as we are, you’re in for a treat! The refreshing, cool flavor of peppermint is simply synonymous with the holiday season. Elevate your festive baking with these other delightful peppermint-infused recipes that are sure to spread holiday cheer.
Imagine classic sugar cookies elevated with festive chocolate chips and a hint of invigorating peppermint. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday flavor. They’re perfect for decorating or simply enjoying with a warm mug of cocoa.
Indulge in these vibrant green Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies, a delightful twist on a classic. Loaded with chocolate chips and a cool mint flavor, these cookies are a refreshing treat any time of year, but especially during the holidays.
For a truly luxurious dessert, these Peppermint Ice Cream Cookie Bars are a dream come true. A rich cookie base topped with creamy peppermint ice cream creates a sensational treat that’s easy to make and impressive to serve. The perfect cool contrast to a warm holiday meal!