Last weekend, I had the joy of preparing Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies for my family, and let me tell you—it was an absolute hit! The rich chocolate filling and the crunchy hazelnut crust turned a regular evening into something truly special. My family, who can sometimes be picky eaters, couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were. Even the leftovers didn’t stand a chance! As someone who loves sharing recipes that bring people together, this is one I highly recommend trying.
Cooking is an art, but it’s also a way to connect with loved ones. Every dish tells a story, and this recipe is no different. As I was preparing it, I thought about how food brings us together—whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive occasion, there’s something magical about baking and sharing these treats with those you care about.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just to treat yourself, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for any time of year—holidays, birthdays, or a cozy afternoon snack. Imagine serving them at a party and watching your guests go back for seconds!
- Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, and hazelnuts come together to create something truly indulgent. No need for fancy ingredients to impress!
- Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies in no time. They’re straightforward to make, so you can enjoy the process without stress.
- Customizable: You can adjust the filling based on your preferences. Love dark chocolate? Use a richer chocolate ganache. Prefer something milder? A milk chocolate filling will do just the trick.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re baking for kids, adults, or both, these cookies are sure to win everyone over with their delicate balance of nutty crunch and smooth chocolate.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need. The full ingredient list and measurements are below in the recipe card.
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delectable treats:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create a well.
- Add Hazelnuts: Carefully press the edges of each cookie into the chopped hazelnuts, ensuring the nuts stick to the sides.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Make the Chocolate Filling: While the cookies cool, prepare the chocolate filling. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
- Fill the Thumbprints: Once the cookies have cooled, use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the thumbprint centers with the melted chocolate.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the chocolate set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the perfect combination of crunchy hazelnuts and creamy chocolate in every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 180 (approx.)
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be paired with a few extras for an even more indulgent experience:
- A Glass of Milk: Nothing beats the classic combination of cookies and milk. A cold glass of milk pairs perfectly with these rich, nutty treats.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh raspberries or strawberries for a light, fruity contrast to the richness of the cookies.
- Hot Cocoa or Coffee: For a cozy touch, enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of cocoa or freshly brewed coffee.
- Gift Them: These cookies make for wonderful homemade gifts. Arrange them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful treat.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This makes the process quicker when you’re ready to bake.
- Add a Twist: If you love a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
- Double the Batch: These cookies freeze beautifully, so consider doubling the recipe to have a stash ready for any occasion.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
A1: Absolutely! Almonds or pecans make a great alternative to hazelnuts. Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts.
Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 7 days. They also freeze well if you’d like to keep them for a longer time.
Q4: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prepare the chocolate filling and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before filling the cookies.
Q5: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate?
A5: Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier filling. Adjust the amount of sugar if needed for your preference.
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are a simple yet elegant treat that combines the best of both worlds—crispy, nutty texture and silky chocolate filling. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies will bring smiles all around. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! Soft, buttery cookies filled with a rich and creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Ideal for holiday baking or as a sweet gift.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts (or ground hazelnuts)
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and finely chopped hazelnuts.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Make the thumbprints: Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Fill the centers: Remove the cookies from the oven and, while they’re still warm, re-indent the centers if needed. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
- Add the chocolate hazelnut spread: Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon or pipe a small amount of chocolate hazelnut spread into the indentation of each cookie.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the spread to set slightly before serving. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, use ground hazelnuts instead of chopped ones for a smoother texture.
- You can also experiment with different spreads in the center, like peanut butter or fruit preserves.
- The dough can be made ahead of time and chilled in the fridge for up to 3 days if you need to prep in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg