Growing up, my grandma’s Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies were the highlight of every holiday season. The warm, buttery scent of freshly baked cookies would fill the air, drawing me and my cousins into the kitchen like a magnetic force. As soon as those delicate, golden-brown beauties emerged from the oven, we’d hover around the cooling rack, eagerly waiting for the chance to sink our teeth into the rich, creamy centers.
Grandma’s secret? She always used the perfect ratio of roasted hazelnuts and premium chocolate, striking the ideal balance of crunch and decadence. And the way she delicately pressed her thumb into each warm cookie dough, creating a little well to hold the luscious chocolate-hazelnut filling? Absolute perfection. To this day, those Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are the ones I crave most during the holidays.
Why This Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
What makes this Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies recipe so special is the attention to detail and the perfect harmony of flavors. The buttery, nutty cookie dough provides the ideal base, while the rich chocolate-hazelnut filling takes it to the next level. Plus, the satisfying texture contrast between the crisp edges and the soft, fudgy centers is simply irresistible. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will have your friends and family begging for more.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of the cookie dough, providing a rich, creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create the perfect crumb.
- Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie.
- Roasted hazelnuts: Provides the signature nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- Bittersweet chocolate: The star of the filling, delivering a decadent chocolate experience.
- Hazelnut spread: Adds a creamy, nutty element to the filling.
Step-by-Step Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies recipe is a straightforward process that yields approximately 24 delicious cookies. Let’s get started!
1- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3- Chop the roasted hazelnuts into small pieces and gently fold them into the dough until evenly distributed.
4- Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and roll them into smooth balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5- Using your thumb, gently press the center of each dough ball to create a small indent, being careful not to press all the way through.
6- Bake the Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to use room-temperature butter for the best creaming and texture.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Be gentle when pressing the thumbprint indents to avoid cracking the dough.
- Adjust the baking time if your cookies are larger or smaller than the recipe specifies.
- Let the cookies cool completely before filling to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Serving and Storing Your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a steaming mug of hot chocolate, a strong cup of coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They also make a lovely addition to any holiday dessert spread, complementing other seasonal treats like gingerbread and peppermint bark.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, place the unfilled cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature, then fill them with the chocolate-hazelnut mixture.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Creative Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Variations
Try swapping out the chocolate-hazelnut filling for different nut butters, such as almond or peanut, for a twist on the classic. You can also experiment with other fillings, like caramel, raspberry jam, or even a dollop of Nutella. For a festive touch, roll the dough balls in crushed candy canes or colored sugar before baking.
Making Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and replace the egg yolk with a flax or chia egg. And for a low-carb option, swap the granulated sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener and use sugar-free chocolate and hazelnut spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-ground hazelnuts instead of whole roasted ones?
A: While pre-ground hazelnuts can work in a pinch, the texture and flavor won’t be quite as optimal. The freshly roasted and chopped hazelnuts provide a more pronounced nuttiness and a satisfying crunch that really elevates this Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies recipe.
Q: How long should I bake the cookies for perfectly soft centers?
A: For soft, fudgy centers, aim to bake the Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges, but still look slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Absolutely! The Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply scoop, shape, and bake as directed. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: How much filling should I use per cookie?
A: For the perfect proportion, aim for about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate-hazelnut filling per cookie. This will ensure a delicious, gooey center without overpowering the cookie itself.
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24
Description
These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful bite-sized treat that combine a buttery, nutty base with a rich, chocolate-filled center. They’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. – Stir in the chopped hazelnuts.
7. – Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. – Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, make a shallow indentation in the center of each dough ball.
9. – Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of chocolate chips.
10. – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
11. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a more pronounced hazelnut flavor, you can toast the chopped hazelnuts before adding them to the dough. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are a true delight, capturing the essence of the holiday season with their irresistible flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to satisfy your own sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to create some delicious memories with these incredible Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how they turn out!