Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

If you’re craving a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a rich and nutty center, these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are exactly what you need. Featuring a tender cookie base with a luscious dollop of hazelnut chocolate spread right at the heart, they perfectly blend crunch and creaminess in every bite. Whether it’s for gifting, afternoon tea, or a cozy night snack, these cookies are irresistibly satisfying and easy to make from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples that come together quickly for maximum flavor.
• Perfect texture: Crispy edges with a soft, chewy center make every bite delightful.
• Nutty richness: The hazelnut chocolate filling adds a luxurious and unique twist.
• Versatile treat: Ideal for holidays, parties, or everyday indulgence.
• Family-friendly: Fun and easy to make with kids or friends as a shared activity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to baking perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies. Each element plays a role in creating the ideal flavor, texture, and appearance for these irresistible cookies.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender cookie base essential for structure.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie while adding slight crispiness to the edges.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone enhancing depth.
• Egg yolk: Binds ingredients and lends softness to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts aroma and flavor complexity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and hazelnut notes.
• Hazelnut chocolate spread: The luscious filling that gives the cookies their characteristic nutty center.
• Chopped toasted hazelnuts (optional): Adds extra crunch and enhances the nut flavor.

Variations for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Feel free to play around with this recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences. The simple base lends itself beautifully to creative tweaks, making it super easy to customize.

• Almond butter swap: Substitute hazelnut spread with almond butter for a different nutty flavor.
• Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based butter and flax egg replacer to make it vegan-friendly.
• Spiced version: Add cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Chocolate drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate on top for extra decadence.
• Fruit filling: Try raspberry jam or cherry preserves instead of hazelnut spread for a fruity surprise.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming the softened unsalted butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the cookie. Next, mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt separately, then gradually add them to the wet mixture. Stir until a soft, pliable dough forms—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This prevents spreading during baking and helps maintain the thumbprint cavity.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to create a small well, perfect for holding the filling.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are just set and golden around the edges.

Step 6: Add the Hazelnut Filling

Remove cookies from oven and while still warm, fill each thumbprint with a teaspoon of hazelnut chocolate spread. Return to oven for an additional 2 minutes to slightly melt the filling, locking in the flavor.

Step 7: Cool and Optional Garnish

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. For added texture and flair, sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts over the filling before it sets.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

• Use room temperature butter: It creams better, giving a lighter cookie texture.
• Do not overfill: Too much hazelnut spread can cause cookies to become soggy or spill during baking.
• Chill dough thoroughly: This helps prevent excessive spreading in the oven.
• Toast hazelnuts: For richer flavor, roast hazelnuts before chopping and sprinkling.
• Use a consistent size: Even cookie sizes bake uniformly, ensuring perfect texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle with powdered sugar or finely grated dark chocolate for a festive touch and an extra layer of sweetness that complements the nutty centers.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, herbal tea, or a creamy glass of milk—each brings out different notes in the cookies, elevating your snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with some whole hazelnuts around them or package them in cute jars or boxes as thoughtful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, preserving freshness and preventing them from drying out.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to revive softness and allow the hazelnut filling to become pleasantly melty again.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought hazelnut spread?

Absolutely! Store-bought spreads like Nutella work wonderfully and make this recipe easy and convenient without sacrificing flavor.

Are Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute with an appropriate gluten-free flour blend.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 5 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter alternatives and ensure the hazelnut spread is vegan-friendly to make a dairy-free version.

What’s the best way to toast hazelnuts?

Spread hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through until fragrant and lightly browned.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a little bite of joy that combines the best of buttery cookie dough with rich, nutty filling. They’re simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and sure to brighten your day or whoever you share them with. So go ahead, bake a batch and indulge in the magic of this delicious classic!

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