Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are the sweet little ambassadors of joy in every bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that cradles a luscious dollop of rich chocolate hazelnut spread in its center. understand our affiliate relationships The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone swooning faster than you can say “cookie monster.”
These delightful treats aren’t just for dessert—oh no! They’re perfect for brightening up gloomy days, impressing guests at parties, or simply indulging in while binge-watching your favorite show (no judgment here). Trust me, once you make these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, you’ll be the star of the neighborhood bake sale or family gathering. For more inspiration, check out this perfect sourdough bread recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of any skill level.
- The flavor combination of chocolate and hazelnuts is a match made in heaven.
- Their charming appearance will make them the highlight of any dessert table.
- They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed on any occasion, from casual snacking to festive celebrations.
Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for a creamy dough that blends easily with sugar.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps achieve that classic cookie crunch while balancing the richness of the butter.
Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making these cookies extra chewy.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies; it provides structure and texture.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures our cookies rise perfectly without becoming too dense.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and depth to our dough.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: The star ingredient! Use a high-quality spread for maximum flavor impact.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. review our terms for recipe sharing.
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). While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper—your future cookies deserve a comfy landing pad.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until fluffy and pale—think clouds but tastier! You can use an electric mixer or channel your inner arm wrestler if you’re feeling strong.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter-sugar concoction. Stir until just combined; we want soft dough here—not cookie rocks!
Step 4: Form Cookie Balls
Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you want to feel fancy), shape tablespoon-sized balls of dough and space them out on the baking sheets. Don’t forget to leave enough room between each ball—they need their personal space!
Step 5: Create Thumbprints
Here comes the fun part! Use your thumb (or another tool if you prefer) to press down gently in the center of each ball creating an indention. This is where all the magic will happen when we add our hazelnut spread.
Step 6: Bake
Pop those beauties into the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden around the edges. Once baked, let them cool slightly before adding a generous dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread into each thumbprint.
Finally, transfer them onto plates and watch as they disappear faster than you can say “second helping.” Enjoy with friends or horde them all for yourself—it’s totally up to you!
You Must Know
- These delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a mini indulgence that everyone will adore.
- With their rich chocolate base and creamy hazelnut center, they bring joy to any occasion.
- Plus, they’re simple enough for even the most novice baker!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing the cookie dough. While chilling, you can set up your baking sheets and gather your hazelnut filling. Once the dough is ready, roll it into balls, create thumbprints, and bake to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out hazelnuts for walnuts or pecans if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also experiment with different fillings like raspberry jam or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor pop.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for about ten seconds—just enough to warm them without losing that delicious texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, chill the dough before baking to enhance texture.
- Always use high-quality chocolate for the filling since it greatly impacts flavor.
- When making thumbprints, don’t press too hard; a gentle touch creates the perfect well.
Baking these cookies reminds me of my childhood when I used to make them with my grandmother. Her laughter filled the kitchen as we created delicious messes together—those memories are sweeter than any cookie could ever be!
FAQs:
What are Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies?
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are delightful, bite-sized treats featuring a soft cookie base made with rich chocolate and finely ground hazelnuts. Each cookie has a small indentation filled with delicious hazelnut spread, creating a perfect combination of flavors. explore more delicious recipes These cookies not only look beautiful but also offer a satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They make an ideal dessert for any occasion or a sweet snack to enjoy with coffee or tea. You might also enjoy this more delicious recipes recipe.
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. This will help maintain their softness and prevent them from becoming stale. If you want to prolong their shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them in a resealable bag, where they can last for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I use other nut spreads instead of hazelnut?
Yes! While hazelnut spread is traditional for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, you can experiment with other nut spreads like almond or peanut butter. Each alternative brings its unique flavor profile and can pair wonderfully with the chocolate cookie base. Ensure that the spread you choose has a similar consistency to hazelnut spread so that it fills the thumbprints effectively without spilling over.
Are Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well in cookies without altering the taste significantly. Additionally, ensure that the hazelnuts used are ground finely and free from gluten contamination. my baking journey Always check labels if you’re concerned about cross-contamination, and enjoy these cookies worry-free!
Conclusion for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies:
In conclusion, Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are a delectable treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with the nutty goodness of hazelnuts. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, they are perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or served at gatherings, these cookies impress everyone who tries them. Don’t hesitate to get creative with fillings and variations; your options are endless!
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, featuring buttery cookies with a rich chocolate hazelnut filling. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion—from cozy nights in to festive gatherings. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and charming appearance, they’ll quickly become a favorite among family and friends. Whip up a batch to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet cravings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Shape tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets with enough space between each.
- Gently press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden around the edges. Allow cooling slightly before filling each thumbprint with chocolate hazelnut spread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider folding in finely chopped hazelnuts into the dough before baking. If you want to switch up the flavor profile, try using almond or peanut butter spreads instead of hazelnut.
