Name: Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Peppermint Ganache Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups almond flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons oat milk or almond milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup almond butter; 1/3 cup almond milk; 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; Crushed candy canes

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If you crave a cookie that feels both cozy and festive, the Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Peppermint Ganache Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These tender, cocoa-rich almond cookies boast a luscious peppermint chocolate ganache nestled right in their centers, creating a perfect balance of deep chocolate, warming almond flavors, and a refreshing minty finish. Every bite melts in your mouth while capturing the joyful spirit of the season, making this recipe an absolute must-try whether you’re gifting friends or indulging yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight small white bowls and two bronze measuring spoons arranged on a white marbled surface. The top left has two bronze measuring spoons, one with white powder and the other with a dark liquid. To the right are four white bowls: the top one with a light cream liquid, the next with brown peanut butter scoops, followed by a bowl with a mound of dark brown cocoa powder, and below that, a bowl filled with light beige almond flour. Underneath the spoons is a bowl with yellow oil, and next to it, a bowl with amber honey. There is also a small bowl with white powder near the spoons. The bowls and spoons are spread out evenly with clear spacing between them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating these delightful cookies. Each component plays an essential role, contributing to the cookie’s luscious texture, rich chocolate flavor, and that magical hint of peppermint that ties it all together.

Almond flour: This nutrient-packed flour keeps the cookies tender and naturally gluten-free.
Cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and a deep, dark color.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, airy bite.
Coconut oil, melted: Provides moisture and a subtle tropical undertone.
Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds complexity and binds the cookie dough.
Oat milk or almond milk: Keeps the dough moist without overpowering flavors.
Vanilla extract: Lifts the chocolate and almond flavors with its sweet aroma.
Almond butter: Intensifies the nutty taste and enriches the dough’s texture.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Dark chocolate chips: The star ingredient for the ganache with melty, indulgent chocolate goodness.
Peppermint extract: Gives the ganache that crisp, cool bite of holiday cheer.
Optional – crushed candy canes: Adds a festive crunch and gorgeous color as a topping.

How to Make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Peppermint Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the almond flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Stir them well so the cocoa evenly colors the flour, which creates a rich base for the cookies. This ensures every bite has that irresistible chocolaty essence.

Step 2: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, oat or almond milk, vanilla extract, almond butter, and kosher salt to your dry mix. Stir everything together until the dough is fully combined and smooth. The almond butter and coconut oil make the dough buttery and rich without needing traditional butter or eggs.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Place the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, which makes shaping the cookies much easier and helps maintain their structure while baking. Plus, it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This preparation step sets you up perfectly for creating picture-perfect cookies.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into twelve 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball, creating a small well for the peppermint ganache to nestle into later. This step is essential—it’s the characteristic hallmark of thumbprint cookies!

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 12 minutes. When they come out of the oven, let them cool on the sheet so they firm up just enough while staying wonderfully soft inside. This cooling time is perfect for moving to the decadent ganache topping.

Step 7: Make the Peppermint Ganache

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the almond milk, dark chocolate chips, and peppermint extract. Stir gently until the chocolate has fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This ganache is the dreamy finishing touch that transforms these cookies into something truly special.

Step 8: Fill and Decorate

Spoon a small amount of the warm peppermint ganache into each cookie’s thumbprint indent. If you want to add a festive crunch, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while the ganache is still soft. Allow everything to set so the ganache firms up just a little before serving.

How to Serve Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Peppermint Ganache Recipe

There are eight dark brown cookies on a black cooling rack, which is placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a cracked texture with a shiny, smooth dollop of milk chocolate in the center, giving a flower-like appearance. The cookies are arranged in two uneven rows, with four in the top row and four in the bottom row. The contrast between the dark chocolate cookie and the lighter chocolate center stands out clearly. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of crushed candy canes on the peppermint ganache adds a fun, colorful crunch and amplifies the minty flavor. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar or a few mini chocolate chips can offer a pretty finish for different occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a mug of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy break. For a festive spread, serve alongside spiced nuts, gingerbread, or even fresh fruit slices to balance the richness with lightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or entertaining, arrange your Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Peppermint Ganache Recipe on a decorative platter lined with festive napkins or holly sprigs. Stack them in a glass jar with ribbon for a charming homemade present that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps both the cookies and ganache soft and fresh without losing their delightful texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies (without the ganache) in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw and add fresh ganache to enjoy as if freshly made.

Reheating

To warm your cookies slightly without melting the ganache too much, pop them in a low-temperature oven or microwave for just a few seconds. This brings out the chocolate’s aromas and softens the cookie for a freshly baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

While this recipe shines with almond flour’s nutty flavor and texture, you can substitute all-purpose flour. Keep in mind the cookies may be less tender and slightly less rich in flavor.

Is there a substitute for coconut oil?

Yes! Melted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil works well if you don’t have coconut oil on hand. Each will slightly alter the flavor but still create moist cookies.

Can I make the gingerbread cookies vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan thanks to plant-based ingredients like almond milk, coconut oil, and maple syrup—no animal products involved!

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

You can leave the peppermint extract out or substitute it with a small amount of orange zest or vanilla extract for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

How long does the ganache take to set?

The peppermint ganache usually firms up within 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature. You can speed up the process by placing the cookies in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Peppermint Ganache Recipe is a delightful treat that brings warmth and festive charm to any occasion. The blend of rich chocolate, nutty almond, and cool peppermint is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe yourself—it’s truly one of those special desserts that taste like a hug in cookie form!

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