Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, separated
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
• Chocolate kisses

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and 1/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Whisk the egg white in a small bowl. Dip each ball into the egg white and then roll it in the remaining sugar.
6. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and make an indentation in the center of each cookie with your thumb or a spoon.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven and gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes while the chocolate is still soft.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 24 small pretzels
• 48 candy eyes
• 24 red M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until well combined.
3. Roll the dough into 24 evenly sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
4. Use a fork to make a crisscross pattern on each cookie, flattening them slightly.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Remove the cookies from the oven and press two pretzels for antlers, two candy eyes, and a red M&M or candy-coated chocolate for the nose on each cookie while they’re still warm.
7. Let the cookies cool completely before serving or storing them in an airtight container.

These adorable Christmas cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make, making them perfect for sharing the holiday spirit with friends and family.