Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are like tiny edible hugs for your taste buds, bursting with the perfect blend of nutty chocolate goodness. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, buttery cookie with a rich chocolate center that feels like a warm embrace from grandma after a long day.
These little treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a fancy tea party or just trying to bribe your way out of chores. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be transported to a world where calories don’t exist (if only that were true). The anticipation of indulging in these cookies is enough to make anyone giddy with excitement.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are easy to whip up even on busy days.
- Their rich flavor combines the crunchiness of hazelnuts with silky chocolate, creating a delightful treat.
- With their charming thumbprint shape, they add a cute touch to any dessert table.
- Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying solo while binge-watching your favorite show.
Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the cookie structure, it provides the perfect balance between chewy and crumbly.
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy blending; it adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! It enhances the flavors and helps achieve that lovely golden color during baking.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; I always prefer using light brown sugar for this recipe.
Egg Yolk: Just the yolk! It enriches the dough and gives these cookies their tender texture.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have ingredient; it elevates the flavor profile and complements the nuttiness beautifully.
Ground Hazelnuts: These provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; you can buy them pre-ground or process whole hazelnuts yourself.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder to give your cookies that deep chocolatey flavor we all crave.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand for that gooey, decadent center.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until fluffy—this should take about three minutes and will feel like an arm workout!
Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Mix in one egg yolk and vanilla extract into your butter mixture. Stir until well combined; the creamy mixture should smell irresistible by now.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, ground hazelnuts, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll have tough cookies!
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Using your thumb (or back of a spoon if you prefer), create an indention in the center of each ball—this is where all that delicious chocolate hazelnut spread will go!
Step 6: Fill with Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each thumbprint with chocolate hazelnut spread. Don’t be shy; give them a generous dollop!
Transfer to your preheated oven and bake for around 10-12 minutes or until set but not hard—your kitchen will smell heavenly. Once done, let them cool slightly on the tray before transferring them to wire racks.
Now go ahead, grab one (or three) of those delectable cookies and enjoy! Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea—it’s practically mandatory at this point. Happy baking!
You Must Know
- These delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are more than just a treat; they bring smiles and warmth to any gathering.
- The rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut flavors combine beautifully, making these cookies a perfect addition to holiday celebrations or cozy evenings at home.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough first, letting it chill in the fridge while you preheat the oven. Once ready, scoop and roll the dough into balls, then create your thumbprints before baking for perfectly shaped cookies that hold their filling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out hazelnuts for almonds or walnuts if you prefer. You can also experiment with different chocolate fillings like caramel or peanut butter for a unique twist on these delightful cookies that cater to your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until they’re gooey and delicious again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough that blends easily.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it prevents spreading during baking.
- Always check cookies a minute or two before recommended time to avoid overbaking.
Baking these cookies reminds me of my childhood kitchen experiments where flour dust seemed as common as air. My family always gathered around, eagerly awaiting the sweet aroma that filled our home, making every batch special.
FAQs:
What are Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies?
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are delightful treats that combine a rich chocolate cookie base with a delicious hazelnut filling. The thumbprint design allows for a generous dollop of hazelnut spread or chocolate ganache in the center, making them visually appealing and tasty. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a sweet snack at home.
How do I store Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies?
To keep your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for the best texture.
Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! While hazelnuts bring a unique flavor to these cookies, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like almonds or walnuts. You may also opt for nut-free alternatives like sunflower seed butter if allergies are a concern. Just remember that each nut will slightly alter the flavor profile of your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies.
What is the best chocolate to use for these cookies?
For Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best. Look for chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for a rich flavor that balances well with the sweetness of the cookie and hazelnut filling. You can also experiment with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Conclusion for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies:
In summary, Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone loves. Their rich chocolate base paired with creamy hazelnut filling makes them irresistible. Storing these cookies properly ensures they stay fresh and enjoyable for days or even weeks when frozen. With easy substitutions available, this recipe is versatile enough to satisfy various taste preferences while maintaining its charm. Enjoy baking these treats for special occasions or as everyday snacks!
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful combination of soft, buttery cookies and rich chocolate hazelnut filling. These charming treats are perfect for any occasion, bringing joy to your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies will leave everyone wanting more!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, ground hazelnuts, and a pinch of salt in another bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, creating an indentation with your thumb in each ball.
- Fill each thumbprint generously with chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set but soft. Cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Experiment with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for added flavor. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
