Nutty Chocolate Indulgence: Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery cookies dance with rich chocolate hazelnut spread in this irresistible treat.

These delightful thumbprint cookies invite pure indulgence at first bite.

Decadent swirls of chocolate nestle perfectly in tender, crumbly cookie bases.

Bakers adore how simple ingredients create such elegant results.

The nutty, sweet flavor profile makes these cookies an instant crowd-pleaser.

Each bite promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Serve these delectable morsels and watch smiles bloom across the room.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 183 kcal

Servings: 25

Inside Scoop On Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and creates tender cookie texture with smooth melting properties.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies achieve crisp golden edges.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes deep caramel notes and keeps cookies soft and moist.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity with warm, aromatic undertones.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates cookie's fundamental structure and provides classic tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors in the recipe.
• Baking Powder: Ensures cookies rise and maintain light, delicate texture.
• Hazelnuts: Adds delightful nutty crunch and earthy depth to cookie's overall profile.

• Nutella: Delivers rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor and creates decadent center for thumbprint cookies.

Tools To Make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Mixing bowls: One for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for combining dry ingredients evenly.
• Baking sheet: Large, flat surface for baking cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements for ingredients.
• Teaspoon or thumb: Creates indent in cookie centers.
• Spatula: Helps mix ingredients smoothly.

Steps To Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

• Warm Up Your Kitchen

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for smooth cookie magic.

• Create Creamy Base

Whip butter and sugars together until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture that looks irresistibly smooth.

• Build Cookie Foundation

Gently blend in egg and vanilla, stirring until everything looks perfectly combined and smells heavenly.

• Mix Dry Elements

Whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and chopped hazelnuts in a separate bowl, creating a delightful dry mixture.

• Shape Cookie Gems

Roll dough into adorable one-inch balls, spacing them generously on the baking sheet to let them breathe.

• Create Signature Dents

Press your thumb or a small spoon into each cookie’s center, making a cute little pocket for chocolate goodness.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the tray into the oven for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a beautiful golden hue. After removing, press centers again to enhance the thumbprint.

• Fill with Decadent Spread

Once cookies cool completely, dollop chocolate hazelnut spread into each delightful indentation, creating a mouthwatering final touch.

Tips To Fill Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Just Right

• Nutty Crunch Booster: Toast hazelnuts before chopping to enhance their rich, deeper flavor and add extra crunch to your cookies.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternative to create a dairy-free version that's equally delicious and indulgent.
• Chocolate Swap Adventure: Experiment with different chocolate spreads like salted caramel, white chocolate, or dark chocolate ganache for unique flavor combinations.

Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Anytime

• Nutty Dessert Companion: Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Gourmet Coffee Match: Serve alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino to complement the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors, creating a sophisticated afternoon treat.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, making them a perfect homemade gift for friends and family during festive seasons.
• Elegant Plating Option: Dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar and arrange on a rustic wooden board with fresh hazelnuts scattered around for a professional, Instagram-worthy presentation.

Keep Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Fresh

• Quick Chill Technique: Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
• Freezer-Friendly Storage: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze up to 3 months for spontaneous sweet treats anytime.
• Moisture-Guard Method: Keep cookies crisp by storing in a sealed container with a small piece of bread, which helps maintain ideal texture and prevents staleness.
• Smart Portion Control: Portion unused cookie dough into individual balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.

Gooey Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies combine rich cocoa with creamy nutella centers. Crisp edges and buttery texture create an irresistible treat you’ll crave with afternoon coffee or evening dessert.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (60 g) finely chopped toasted hazelnuts
• ½ cup (120 ml) Nutella or homemade chocolate hazelnut spread
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ cup (30 g) chopped toasted hazelnuts
• Powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat Setup: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
2. Sugar Fusion: Whip softened butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale, creating a light base for the cookies.
3. Liquid Integration: Blend egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring a smooth and uniform consistency.
4. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and finely chopped hazelnuts together in a separate bowl to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Dough Formation: Combine dry and wet ingredients, gently folding until a cohesive dough develops, taking care not to overmix.
6. Cookie Shaping: Craft uniform 1-inch dough balls, arranging them strategically on the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing.
7. Thumbprint Creation: Delicately press an indentation into each cookie’s center using your thumb or a teaspoon, forming a perfect receptacle for filling.
8. Baking Process: Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue.
9. Finishing Touches: Immediately after removing from the oven, reinforce the cookie centers’ indentations and allow complete cooling.
10. Chocolate Hazelnut Finale: Generously fill each cooled cookie’s center with chocolate hazelnut spread, using a spoon or piping bag for precise, elegant application.

Notes

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape during baking.
• Perfect Thumbprint Technique: Use the back of a small measuring spoon for a more uniform and precise indentation, creating a consistent well for the chocolate hazelnut filling.
• Prevent Cracking: Gently reshape the thumbprint immediately after baking while cookies are still warm to ensure a smooth, clean center for filling.
• Customize Filling Options: Swap chocolate hazelnut spread with alternative spreads like caramel, fruit preserves, or white chocolate for diverse flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 183
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 26 mg