12 Days of Holiday Baking
12 Days of Holiday Baking is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by For Love of the Mouse on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 42 min
Cost: $11.04 total, $0.92 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (softened, room temperature)
- 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar (measure level)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.5 cup Cocoa Powder (plus 2 tablespoons, Hershey's recommended)
- 1 pinch Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1 large Egg Yolk (separated from white)
- 2.5 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
- 3 tablespoons Oat Milk (any milk can be used)
- 1 cup Assorted Holiday Sprinkles (red/green trees, holly berries, chocolate sprinkles)
- 24 pieces Hershey's Kisses (mix of cherry‑filled and hot‑cocoa (marshmallow) varieties)
Instructions
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat 1 stick softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
Time: PT4M
Sift Dry Ingredients
Combine 1 cup all‑purpose flour, 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt in a fine mesh sieve and sift together. Discard any clumps.
Time: PT2M
Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Add 1 egg yolk and 2‑2.5 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix briefly until incorporated.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Half of Dry Ingredients
Add about half of the sifted dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed and mix just until combined.
Time: PT1M
Add Milk and Remaining Dry Ingredients
Pour in 3 Tbsp oat milk, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; if the dough feels too dry, add a splash more milk (1 tsp at a time).
Time: PT2M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Shape and Coat Cookies
Using a teaspoon, scoop 2½‑3 tsp of dough, roll into a ball, and roll it in assorted holiday sprinkles until fully coated. Place balls on a parchment‑lined cookie sheet, spacing them evenly.
Time: PT5M
Bake Cookies
Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool Slightly and Add Kisses
Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. Then press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie, creating a thumbprint design.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: vegetarian
Allergens: milk, wheat, soy, nuts (if using peanut butter cups)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour
- Instead of Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Egg Yolk: Egg substitute
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste
- Instead of Oat Milk: Almond milk, Whole milk
- Instead of Assorted Holiday Sprinkles: Colored non‑pareve sprinkles
- Instead of Hershey's Kisses: Mini peanut butter cups, Other flavored kisses
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula
- Cookie Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cooling Rack
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
- Sift dry ingredients to remove clumps
- Add milk gradually to achieve proper dough consistency
- Roll dough balls uniformly and coat with sprinkles
- Press Hershey's Kisses into cookies after a brief cooling period
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra glossy finish, brush the tops with a little melted chocolate before adding the kisses
- Use a small ice‑cream scoop for perfectly sized dough balls
Troubleshooting
Cookies spread too much and become flat
Make sure the butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping.
Dough feels too dry and won’t come together
Add milk a teaspoon at a time until the dough holds together without being sticky.
Sprinkles fall off during baking
Press the sprinkles firmly onto the dough balls and chill briefly (5‑10 min) before baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; good for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Best kept at room temperature in an airtight tin for up to 5 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cookies can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container; add the Hershey's Kisses just before serving for optimal texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chocolate thumbprint cookies in American holiday traditions?
Chocolate thumbprint cookies have become a staple of American Christmas baking, often served at family gatherings and holiday parties. Their festive appearance—sprinkled dough topped with a candy kiss—adds a playful, decorative touch that reflects the celebratory spirit of the season.
What are the traditional regional variations of thumbprint cookies in the United States?
In the U.S., thumbprint cookies are commonly made with jam fillings in the Northeast, while the West Coast favors chocolate dough with candy toppings. Some regions add nuts or use different spices, but the basic concept of a centered indentation remains consistent.
How is chocolate thumbprint cookie traditionally served during the holidays in American culture?
They are typically served on holiday cookie platters alongside other festive treats, often paired with hot cocoa or mulled cider. The cookies are presented at the end of a meal or as a snack during holiday movie marathons.
What occasions or celebrations are chocolate thumbprint cookies associated with in American holiday culture?
These cookies are popular at Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s gatherings, as well as at office holiday parties and school bake sales, where their bright sprinkles and candy center make them eye‑catching.
What makes chocolate thumbprint cookies special or unique in American holiday baking?
The combination of a rich chocolate dough, colorful sprinkles, and a Hershey's Kiss center creates a multi‑textured treat—crisp on the outside, soft inside, and a sweet, melty bite in the middle—making them stand out among traditional sugar cookies.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chocolate thumbprint cookies?
Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, which can make the cookies tough, and baking them too long, which dries out the centers. Also, adding the Hershey's Kiss before the cookies have cooled can cause the candy to melt completely.
Why does this chocolate thumbprint cookie recipe use oat milk instead of dairy milk?
Oat milk adds a subtle sweetness and keeps the dough moist without altering the chocolate flavor, and it’s a convenient dairy‑free option for those with lactose intolerance while still delivering a creamy texture.
Can I make chocolate thumbprint cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, bake the cookies up to two days in advance, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the Hershey's Kisses just before serving to keep them from melting.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chocolate thumbprint cookies are done?
The edges should be set and lightly browned while the centers remain soft and slightly under‑baked. The cookies should retain their shape, with a smooth chocolate surface fully coated in sprinkles and a visible kiss pressed into the center.
What does the YouTube channel For Love of the Mouse specialize in?
The YouTube channel For Love of the Mouse specializes in holiday-themed baking tutorials, seasonal recipes, and cozy comfort foods presented by host Crystal with a focus on approachable, family‑friendly treats.
How does the YouTube channel For Love of the Mouse's approach to holiday baking differ from other cooking channels?
For Love of the Mouse emphasizes storytelling and personal family traditions, often incorporating nostalgic recipes passed down from grandparents, while providing clear step‑by‑step visuals and optional ingredient swaps for various dietary needs.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
