Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are the delightful little wonders that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine the rich, creamy chocolate melting in your mouth, perfectly balanced by the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. chocolate-filled cookie balls These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a hug for your taste buds, perfect for any occasion from cozy nights in to festive gatherings.
Growing up, my grandmother made these cookies every holiday season, filling our kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baking chocolate and toasted nuts. I can still hear my family’s laughter and the clinking of coffee cups as we devoured these delicious morsels together. Now, as I recreate this recipe, I can’t help but smile at those sweet memories while eagerly anticipating the heavenly flavor explosion that awaits.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy bakers
- They boast a rich flavor profile that combines sweet chocolate with nutty hazelnuts
- Visually appealing with their glossy chocolate centers, they’ll impress anyone who sees them on your dessert table
- Perfect for any occasion and versatile enough to adapt with different fillings or nuts!
Every time I bake these cookies, friends and family rave about how delicious they are. One friend even declared it was his new favorite cookie!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookies. red velvet cookie dough Sift it well to avoid lumps for a smooth dough.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor that balances nicely with sweetness. rich chocolate muffins.
Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for a rich texture; softened butter mixes well into the dough.
Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar enhances sweetness and creates a delightful crunch when baked.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; choose light brown sugar for a subtle caramel note.
Egg Yolk: Just the yolk helps bind everything together while keeping the cookies tender.
Hazelnuts: Toasted and chopped hazelnuts give these cookies their signature nuttiness; don’t skip this step!
Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: For filling; use semi-sweet chocolate chips or spread for an indulgent center.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Create Your Dough: In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and cocoa powder to the creamed mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
Incorporate Hazelnuts: Stir in toasted hazelnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The added crunch makes every bite exciting.
Form Cookie Balls: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Create Thumbprints: Use your thumb (or other finger) to create an indentation in each ball; don’t be shy—make it deep enough to hold all that delicious filling!
Bake & Fill Cookies : Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until slightly firm around edges. Remove from oven and fill each thumbprint with chocolate chips or hazelnut spread while still warm.
After you’ve filled them up with chocolate goodness, let them cool completely before serving (if you can wait). Enjoy these delectable treats that will surely become a cherished part of your cookie repertoire!
This amazing chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home. Italian-inspired tiramisu cookies With the right touch, these cookies can be a delightful treat everyone will love. For more inspiration, check out this white chocolate desserts recipe.
You Must Know
- The secret to perfect chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies lies in the balance of texture and flavor
- A light crunch on the outside with a soft, chewy center ensures every bite is deliciously satisfying
- Don’t forget to let them cool slightly before indulging!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, mix your dough and chill it for about 30 minutes. This step prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out hazelnuts for walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Adding a pinch of sea salt on top boosts the flavor profile significantly!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter to achieve a creamy texture when mixing your dough
- Don’t overbake; keep an eye on them after 10 minutes to maintain that chewy center
- Let your cookies cool completely before adding chocolate for perfect thumbprints!
I remember the first time I made chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies; my friends devoured them in minutes! Their smiles were worth every minute spent baking. For more inspiration, check out this chocolate peanut butter treats recipe.
FAQ
What can I use instead of hazelnuts?
Almonds or walnuts work great as substitutes for hazelnuts in this recipe.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers appear soft and slightly set.
Can I freeze these chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months, then thaw before enjoying.
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts in a tender cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies bring back fond memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and warmth. With their glossy chocolate centers, they’re not just delicious, but visually stunning as well.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg yolk
- 3/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate hazelnut spread
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder until just combined.
- Stir in toasted hazelnuts until evenly distributed.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb to create an indentation in each ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm. Remove from the oven and fill each indentation with chocolate chips or spread while still warm. Allow to cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (28g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
