Chocolate Mint Thumbprint Cookies

Oh boy! This week, with Christmas almost here, my kitchen has been quite busy. From applesauce, to cookies, to peppermint bark, and more! I love this time of year, but boy is it also a busy baking season!!

This year, I wanted to add a few new types of cookies to my goodie tray, and since my hubby LOVES anything mint related, I knew these thumbprint cookies would be a hit! These cookies are similar in taste to sugar cookies, only with a slight mint taste. Creamy dark chocolate in the middle topped with a chocolate mint, these are mouth watering!

I love the color of these as well, quite festive and the only green cookies on my tray!!

Hope you enjoy and hope you all have a Blessed Christmas ahead!!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 egg yolks
• 16 drops green food coloring
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• 3 tbsp. whipping cream
• 3 tbsp. butter
• 18 chocolate mints, cut diagonally (Andes Mints)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until creamy.
2. Beat in the peppermint extract, eggs yolks, and food coloring until combined.
3. Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until combined.
4. Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place about 2 inches apart on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
5. Using the end of a wooden spoon, press a deep well into the center of each dough ball.
6. Bake in a preheated oven, 350, for about 8-10 minutes.
7. Remove tray from oven and reshape wells with wooden spoon.
8. Allow to cool on tray for about 2 minutes before placing on cooling rack.
9. Once on cooling rack, allow to cool completely (about 20 minutes).
10. In a small bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips, whipping cream, and butter.
11. Microwave in 30 second increments until smooth and creamy.
12. Scoop 1 teaspoon of chocolate and place in deep wells.
13. Continue until all cookies are completed.
14. Place a mint on top of each chocolate well and allow to set up completely.
15. Enjoy!!