Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

If you’re searching for a treat that melts in your mouth and dazzles with every bite, these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are exactly what your kitchen needs. Deliciously rich and packed with a gooey hazelnut chocolate center, these cookies strike the perfect balance between crumbly, buttery dough and luscious filling. Ideal for holiday baking or whenever a sweet craving strikes, these cookies combine the nutty warmth of hazelnuts with the irresistible charm of chocolate in one beautifully simple dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut filling complements the buttery cookie base in every bite.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday pantry essentials to create something extraordinary.
• Gooey Center Delight: The thumbprint filled with chocolate hazelnut spread adds that wow factor you’ll want to savor.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s the holidays, a casual gathering, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies fit right in.
• Kid-Friendly Baking: Easy steps make this a fun activity to get the whole family involved in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient plays a vital role in crafting these deliciously rich Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies. From creating the perfect texture of the dough to adding that irresistible flavor depth, here’s what you’ll want to gather before baking:

• All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough, providing structure and the right crumb.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tender texture without overpowering the flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping it crisp slightly on the edges.
• Brown sugar: Contributes a subtle caramel note and depth to flavor.
• Egg yolk: Binds ingredients together and enriches the dough for a soft finish.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s aroma and overall taste profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
• Chocolate hazelnut spread: The superstar filling offering that gooey, nutty, and chocolaty center.
• Chopped hazelnuts (optional): For added crunch and texture atop cookies or mixed into the dough.

Variations for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

This recipe is a wildly flexible canvas, inspiring you to tweak and personalize it to your heart’s content. Whether you’re avoiding certain ingredients or craving a twist, these ideas make adjustments a breeze.

• Peanut Butter Substitute: Swap the chocolate hazelnut spread with peanut butter for a creamy, salty-sweet twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Replace hazelnut spread with dairy-free chocolate fudge for those with nut allergies.
• Extra Chocolate Burst: Add mini chocolate chips into the dough for pockets of melty chocolate.
• Citrus Zest Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of orange zest into the dough for a refreshing lift alongside the rich filling.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until combined to form a soft dough. Avoid overmixing for tender cookies.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently create an indentation in the center of each ball without pressing all the way through.

Step 3: Fill the Centers

Fill each thumbprint with a small dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread, ensuring the filling stays in the well and doesn’t overflow during baking. For extra flair, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the top if you like crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are golden and the cookie base is firm. The centers will remain gooey and luscious. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, these cookies are ready to be devoured. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or share them with friends for instant smiles!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and help maintain shape.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensures easier mixing and a better crumb without overworking the dough.
• Don’t Overfill: Filling too much chocolate hazelnut spread can cause it to spill and burn during baking.
• Indentation Depth: Make a generous well in each cookie ball but avoid pushing through the dough completely to keep filling sealed.
• Even Size: Use a cookie scoop for uniform balls which bake evenly every time.
• Watch the Oven: Ovens vary; check your cookies a couple of minutes early to prevent overbaking.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Garnishes

Enhance the look and flavor of these cookies by dusting a pinch of powdered sugar on top or adding a swirl of melted dark chocolate for a glossy finish. A few toasted hazelnuts sprinkled on top add lovely texture and make these treats look irresistible at any gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair these thumbprint cookies with a warm cup of espresso or chai tea to complement the nutty chocolate notes. For a decadent touch, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elevated dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies on a rustic wooden board or a decorative platter with festive ribbons for holiday parties. Packaging them in clear cellophane bags tied with twine makes a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve the gooey chocolate centers.

Freezing

You can freeze both baked cookies and dough balls. For baked cookies, place a layer of parchment between them in a container and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze dough, shape and fill the balls, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag.

Reheating

Warm cookies slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive the gooey centers and soften the buttery dough, making them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut spread instead of hazelnut?

Absolutely! Peanut butter or almond butter are great alternatives, though they offer a different flavor profile. You may want to adjust sweetness accordingly.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps avoid spreading and maintains the cookie shape, but if you’re in a rush, you can bake right away with a slightly softer texture.

How do I make these cookies dairy-free?

Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and choose a dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread to keep these cookies vegan and dairy-free.

Will these cookies be crunchy or soft?

These cookies strike a balance – they have slightly crisp edges with a tender, soft interior and irresistible gooey filling.

Can I add extra chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes! Mixing mini chocolate chips into the dough creates even more pockets of melty chocolate for chocolate lovers.

Final Thoughts

If you want to treat yourself or impress loved ones with a dessert that blends nutty richness and chocolatey gooeyness perfectly, these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are calling your name. They’re simple to make, endlessly enjoyable, and guaranteed to become your go-to cookie recipe for holidays and sweet cravings year-round. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into baking these delightful gems!

Related Posts

• Strawberry Donut Hole Recipe
• Delicious Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Muffins

Print