It’s funny how the smallest desserts can bring back the biggest memories that last a long time. Last winter, when my family went to the mountains, things didn’t go as planned. The cabin heater only worked sometimes, and we forgot half of the grocery list at home, so dessert was supposed to be very easy.
But something unexpected happened : we ended up making Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies because we had a bunch of random ingredients and a group of very impatient cousins waiting in the kitchen. Some of them weren’t shaped well, some of them were a little too golden on the edges, and one batch had too much chocolate that spilled everywhere, but honestly, no one cared.
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Spoon or small spatula
- Optional : Cooling rack
Tips for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
– Butter is key If your butter is too hard, it won’t mix well. Leave it out for 20–30 minutes before starting.
– Don’t overmix the dough Mix just until combined to keep cookies soft.
– Chill the doughIf the dough feels too soft, chill it for 15 minutes to make shaping easier.
– Quick filling trick Warm the chocolate spread slightly so it’s easier to spoon into the cookies.
What to Eat with Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies ??
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are rich, soft, and full of chocolate flavor, so the best pairings are things that balance or complement that sweetness. Like best drink cold milk is the number one pairing or If you really love chocolate, this is a dream combo.
Ingredients you need :
- All-purpose flour builds the foundation of these cookies, giving them structure while still keeping them soft and tender.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder brings that deep chocolate flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
- Butter adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sugar sweetens the cookies and helps them develop a slight crisp on the outside while staying soft inside.
- Finely chopped hazelnuts add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella is the star filling of the thumbprint.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies :
Step 1
At the very start in a large bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because it helps create soft cookies. Add the vanilla extract and mix again. You’ll notice the aroma becoming warm and inviting already.
Step 2
Right after slowly add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. If you are using chopped hazelnuts, gently fold them into the dough at this stage.
Take small portions of dough about the size of a walnut and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking tray, leaving space between each one.
Step 3
Together now comes the fun part: gently press your thumb into the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation. Don’t press too hard just enough to form a little well. Added to bake the cookies for about 12–15 minutes. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the middle.
Step 4
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While they are still warm, gently press the center again if it has puffed up. Then spoon a small amount of chocolate hazelnut spread into each thumbprint. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the filling, making it extra delicious.
Step 5
Let the cookies cool completely. If you like, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Can I make these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies without hazelnuts ?
Yes, absolutely. The cookies will still taste amazing without them.
Can I use whole wheat flour for make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies ?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser.
How do I keep the thumbprint shape ?
Press the center again right after baking if it puffs up.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Course: Dessert, CookiesCuisine: American, EuropeanDifficulty: EasyServings
18
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
15
minutesCalories
150
kcalTotal time
30
minutesThese chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with a creamy chocolate center. They are easy to make, fun to shape, and perfect for a quick sweet treat or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
1 cup (about 225g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella or similar
Optional :
½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts
Powdered sugar
Directions
- At the very start in a large bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because it helps create soft cookies.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix again. You’ll notice the aroma becoming warm and inviting already.
- Right after slowly add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. If you are using chopped hazelnuts, gently fold them into the dough at this stage.
- Take small portions of dough (about the size of a walnut) and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking tray, leaving space between each one.
- Together now comes the fun part: gently press your thumb into the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation. Don’t press too hard just enough to form a little well.
- Added to bake the cookies for about 12–15 minutes. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While they are still warm, gently press the center again if it has puffed up.
- Spoon a small amount of chocolate hazelnut spread into each thumbprint. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the filling, making it extra delicious.
- Let the cookies cool completely. If you like, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Notes
- Always use softened butter, not melted, to get the perfect soft and tender texture.
- If the centers rise during baking, gently press them again while still warm to keep space for the filling.
- Use a small spoon or piping bag to neatly fill the chocolate hazelnut center.
- Let the cookies cool slightly before adding the filling so it doesn’t melt too much and spill over.
These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are rich and nutty, and they have a soft chocolate center that makes them feel warm and comforting like a sweet memory in every bite.
