Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485831H14M51S
Total time: PT-485831H14M51S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Chocolate hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella), for filling; Chopped hazelnuts (optional), for rolling or garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Indulge your sweet tooth with Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies that blend rich cocoa and nutty goodness perfectly. These delightful treats combine buttery cookie bases with a luscious chocolate hazelnut filling, creating a delicious balance of flavors that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this classic recipe is simple, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The deep cocoa notes pair harmoniously with the roasted hazelnut filling for a luscious taste experience.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is accessible even for beginner bakers.
Customizable Touch: Easily tweak the filling or dough to suit dietary preferences or flavor cravings.
Great for Sharing: These cookies are bite-sized and perfect for gifting or serving at parties.
Quick Prep Time: Minimal mixing and shaping means you can have cookies in under an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies lies in their simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether adding richness, texture, or that irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor that shines through.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb to the cookie dough.
Cocoa powder: Infuses the dough with a robust, chocolatey base.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender texture when properly creamed.
Sugar: Sweetens while also helping achieve a tender crisp edge.
Egg yolk: Binds the dough and lends a soft, chewy bite.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with aromatic warmth.
Chocolate hazelnut spread: The star filling, delivering nutty, creamy decadence inside each thumbprint.
Chopped hazelnuts (optional): Adds extra crunch and visual appeal when rolled on the outside.

Variations for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Feel free to get creative with your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies. This recipe adapts beautifully to different tastes and dietary needs, so don’t hesitate to experiment with these fun and delicious variations.

Nut-free twist: Swap hazelnut spread for sunflower seed butter mixed with cocoa for a nut-free version.
Fruit filling: Replace the chocolate hazelnut spread with raspberry jam or apricot preserves for a tangy surprise.
Dark chocolate drizzle: Add a touch of melted dark chocolate over the baked cookies for extra indulgence.
Gluten-free dough: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum for those avoiding gluten.
Spiced dough: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder into the cocoa dough for a warm, unique flavor.

Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Made Simple

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming the softened unsalted butter with sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender and airy cookie texture. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, then sift together flour and cocoa powder, folding the dry mix gently into the wet ingredients until a consistent dough forms.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Chill the dough briefly to make handling easier, then roll it into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them adequately to ensure they don’t spread too much.

Step 3: Make Thumbprints

Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, press gently into the center of each dough ball to create a well. Be careful not to press all the way through; this indentation will hold your chocolate hazelnut filling.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Cookies will set around the edges but remain slightly soft in the center, perfect for adding the filling.

Step 5: Add the Filling

Once the cookies have cooled slightly but are still warm, spoon a dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread into each thumbprint. This warmth helps the filling soften without melting too much, ensuring a creamy, luscious center.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Butter temperature matters: Use softened but not melted butter for the ideal dough consistency.
Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough helps cookies keep their shape while baking.
Even portions: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies bake evenly.
Don’t overfill: Add just enough filling so cookies hold their shape and don’t spill over.
Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the filled cookies for a polished look and added texture contrast that impresses every time.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of chilled milk for an irresistibly cozy treat session. They complement hot beverages beautifully, balancing sweet and bitter notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries or edible flowers for a charming presentation, perfect for gifting or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their tenderness and keeps the filling fresh.

Freezing

Freeze unfilled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding chocolate hazelnut spread to ensure texture stays perfect.

Reheating

Warm cookies slightly in a microwave or oven for about 10 seconds to revive that freshly baked softness and soften the filling before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter instead of hazelnut spread?

Absolutely! Almond butter or peanut butter mixed with a bit of cocoa powder works well as delicious alternatives with a similar creamy texture.

Are Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free blend to make a gluten-free version that tastes just as wonderful.

What is the best way to prevent cookies from cracking?

Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and reduces cracking during baking.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, by substituting butter with a vegan margarine and using a flax egg instead of a regular egg yolk, you can create a vegan-friendly batch.

What’s the shelf life of baked Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to 5 days, perfect for enjoying through the week.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies combine the best of rich chocolate, buttery dough, and nutty creaminess in each delightful bite. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings, this recipe quickly becomes a beloved favorite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create these irresistible cookies for your next baking adventure.