Can’t believe Christmas is in a few short weeks and thoughts turn to baking. Cookies are fun to make and eat, and these bite size chocolate thumbprints are delicious. These cookies are simple to make and are a great addition to a gift box of homemade baked goods. Here’s how to make them:

Chocolate thumbprint cookies

makes 36-48 cookies depending on size

2 c flour

2/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder

1 c butter softened

1 c sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 egg

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 -1/2 cup sugar to roll cookie dough in before baking

36-48 Hersheys kisses (I like the striped for contrast)

Unwrap the kisses and set aside. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.

In mixing bowl whisk together flour, cocoa powder and salt. Beat the butter and sugar on medium high until light and fluffy approximately 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat to combine. With mixer on low, beat in the flour mixture only until combined.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silat. Use a small 1 – 1 1/2 tsp scoop for the cookie dough, roll into a ball, roll in the sugar and place on baking sheet 1 inch apart. Press your thumb into the center of the ball making a small indent.

Bake for 8 -10 minutes, I find that 8 minutes is best, but baking time can vary depending on the oven. Remove from oven, let sit for a few minutes on baking sheet, then gently press a kiss in the indent. Let cool on a cooling rack. The heat of the cookie softens the kiss so be careful when transferring to rack and let them stand untouched until cooled completely.

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