Nothing says holiday cheer like these Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprints! With their soft, buttery texture and subtle cocoa flavor, these cookies perfectly complement the refreshing burst of peppermint from the Hershey’s Kiss on top. Their bright red hue and snowy white swirl make them a showstopper on any holiday dessert table. Beyond their stunning appearance, these cookies are incredibly easy to make no chilling required! Whether you serve them warm and gooey or let them set for a picture-perfect finish, they’re bound to become a holiday favorite. Make a batch for a cookie exchange, gift them to friends and family, or simply enjoy them with a mug of hot cocoa by the fireplace.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- About 24 peppermint Kisses candies
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with silicone liners or lightly mist with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add in the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the cocoa powder, baking powder, and flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Roll rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through for even baking.
- Let cookies cool for about 5-7 minutes, then gently press a peppermint Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Serve warm for a gooey treat or allow to set for about 2 hours before storing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 21 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
The Magic of Red Velvet and Peppermint
Red velvet is a classic cake flavor that has gained immense popularity over the years, but its roots go back much further than most people realize. Originally, red velvet cake was known for its naturally reddish hue due to the reaction between cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like buttermilk. However, modern recipes often enhance the color with red food dye, giving it that signature deep red appearance.
Pairing red velvet with peppermint is a holiday twist that takes this classic flavor to the next level. The cool, refreshing taste of peppermint perfectly balances the subtle chocolate notes of red velvet. The peppermint Kiss candy on top not only adds a delightful crunch but also infuses the cookie with extra holiday cheer.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
1. Beautiful and Festive Appearance
One of the best things about these cookies is how stunning they look. The bright red cookie base, topped with a white-and-red swirled peppermint Kiss, creates an eye-catching contrast. Whether served at a holiday gathering or gifted in a decorative tin, these cookies are sure to impress.
2. Easy to Make, No Chilling Required
Many holiday cookies require extensive prep time, including chilling the dough before baking. These thumbprints, however, are a quick and simple treat that requires no chilling, rolling, or complicated techniques. Just mix, scoop, bake, and press in the peppermint Kiss—it’s that easy!
3. Soft and Chewy Texture
These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy. They are tender on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior, making them irresistible. The buttery richness enhances the overall experience, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
4. Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make
If you’re looking for a fun holiday baking activity with kids, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Children will love rolling the dough into balls and pressing the peppermint Kiss into the center of each cookie. Plus, the vibrant red color makes them extra exciting for little bakers.
5. Great for Cookie Exchanges and Gifting
Holiday cookie exchanges are a beloved tradition, and these cookies are the perfect addition. Their festive appearance, crowd-pleasing flavor, and ease of preparation make them ideal for sharing. Pack them in a decorative box or a holiday-themed tin, and they become a thoughtful homemade gift.
Tips for Making the Best Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprints
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe has a short ingredient list, quality matters. Use real butter for the best texture and flavor, and opt for a good-quality cocoa powder to enhance the chocolatey notes of the red velvet.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft and chewy, so be sure to watch the baking time closely. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Press the Peppermint Kiss Gently: The candies can melt slightly when placed on the warm cookie. If you want to keep their shape intact, wait 5 minutes after baking before pressing them into the cookies.
- Try Different Flavors: While peppermint Kisses are a holiday favorite, you can easily swap them for other flavors like classic milk chocolate or white chocolate Kisses for a fun variation.
- Store Properly: These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well for up to 3 months.
Pairing These Cookies with Holiday Beverages
Cookies are even better when paired with the right drink. Here are some great beverage pairings that will complement the flavors of these red velvet peppermint thumbprints:
- Hot Cocoa: The rich, chocolatey base of these cookies pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint.
- Eggnog: The creamy, spiced flavors of eggnog provide a festive contrast to the peppermint in these cookies.
- Peppermint Mocha: If you love peppermint flavor, why not double up? A peppermint mocha will enhance the cooling, minty notes in the cookies.
- Warm Milk: A simple glass of warm milk makes for a nostalgic, comforting pairing—perfect for enjoying these cookies by the fireplace.
Creative Ways to Serve These Cookies
- Holiday Dessert Platter: Arrange these cookies on a festive platter with other seasonal favorites like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and snowball cookies for a stunning holiday spread.
- Crumbled Over Ice Cream: Crumble a few of these cookies over vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an extra special dessert.
- Decorative Gift Bags: Package them in cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon and a handwritten tag for a charming homemade holiday gift.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of vanilla or peppermint frosting between two cookies for a decadent sandwich treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, yet it delivers bakery-quality cookies with a homemade touch.
- Holiday Charm: The vibrant red color and peppermint topping make these cookies a seasonal showstopper.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The buttery richness, subtle chocolate notes, and refreshing peppermint create a harmonious taste experience.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a cookie that embodies the joy of the holiday season, Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprints are the perfect choice. They are beautiful, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, gifting homemade treats, or simply indulging in some festive flavors, these cookies will not disappoint.
So this holiday season, turn up the Christmas music, grab your baking supplies, and whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies. Your friends and family will thank you and don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly from the cookie tray!