Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprints

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Makes

about 4 dozen

Updated: Feb. 23, 2023
Red velvet cookies and cakes are so pretty, but I always wish they had a bigger flavor. I infused these thumbprints with a peppermint pop. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprints Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 4 teaspoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons baking cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups white baking chips
  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg, food coloring and extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
  2. Shape dough into 1-in. balls. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Press a deep indentation in center of each with the end of a wooden spoon handle.
  3. Bake 9-11 minutes or until set. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  4. In a microwave, melt baking chips with oil; stir until smooth. Spoon a scant teaspoon filling into each cookie. Drizzle tops with remaining mixture. Sprinkle with peppermint candies. Let stand until set.

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 118 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.