Chocolate Mint Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Delight in the rich, chocolaty goodness of Chocolate Mint Thumbprint Cookies, featuring a soft cocoa cookie base with a refreshing mint fudge center and a decadent chocolate drizzle. These festive treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet mint-chocolate combination.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 ounces chocolate almond bark
Mint Fudge Filling
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips
- ½ of 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk (about 7 oz)
- ½ teaspoon mint extract
- Green food coloring (a few drops, adjust to desired shade)
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring the sugar begins to dissolve into the butter for a smooth texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined to enhance the cookie’s flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Combine the cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and all-purpose flour in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a consistent dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on a greased baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a thumbprint well for the filling.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes. If the thumbprint well disappears during baking, gently press down the center again with the back of a wooden spoon or spatula immediately after removing from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Mint Fudge: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt together the white chocolate chips and half the can (approximately 7 oz) of sweetened condensed milk, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Once melted and smooth, remove from heat and stir in the mint extract and green food coloring until evenly combined.
- Fill the Cookies: Spoon the mint fudge filling into the thumbprint wells of the cooled cookies, filling each center generously.
- Drizzle Chocolate Almond Bark: Melt the 2 ounces of chocolate almond bark according to package directions. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the filled cookies for a decorative and tasty finish.
- Set and Store: Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature. Serve immediately or store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, adjust the mint extract accordingly but be careful not to overpower the chocolate.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Press the thumbprint well just before filling if you bake the cookies ahead of time to ensure the fudge fits nicely.
Keywords: chocolate mint thumbprint cookies, mint fudge cookies, chocolate thumbprint cookies, holiday cookies, cocoa cookies, mint chocolate desserts