As I stood in my kitchen, the enticing aroma of melted chocolate and toasted hazelnuts began to envelop me, beckoning me back to my favorite moments of culinary creation. Today, I’m thrilled to share my beloved recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies—a treat that perfectly harmonizes the rich flavors of cocoa with the delightful crunch of hazelnuts. Not only are these cookies a serious crowd-pleaser, but they also offer a simple, enjoyable baking experience that anyone can master. Whether you’re spoiling yourself or crafting a memorable homemade gift for loved ones, these indulgent morsels won’t disappoint. Are you ready to dive into the blissful world of chocolate and hazelnut? Let’s get baking!
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Heavenly Indulgence: Every bite of these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies offers a luxurious blend of rich cocoa and creamy fillings that will make your taste buds dance.
Quick and Easy: With a straightforward recipe, even novice bakers can whip these up in no time and impress their friends with delightful homemade treats.
Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment with fillings! Try strawberry jam or caramel for a refreshing twist, or switch up the nuts for added flavor diversity.
Perfect for Gifting: Whether for holidays or special occasions, these cookies make charming gifts that look as delightful as they taste, perfect alongside other baked favors like Chocolate Banana Bread.
Crowd Favorite: Serve them up at parties or casual gatherings, and watch as they disappear—everyone will be coming back for more!
Dive into this delightful baking experience; you won’t regret it!
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake some delight!
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup/2 sticks) – Provides moisture and richness for the dough. Use salted butter if unsalted is unavailable, but reduce added salt.
- Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup) – Sweetens the cookies and aids in texture. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Adds aromatic sweetness. Vanilla bean paste or another flavor extract can be substituted.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – Forms the main structure of the cookies. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup) – Enhances the chocolate flavor in the dough. Dutch-processed cocoa can also be used for a milder taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors. Omit if using salted butter.
- Hazelnuts, finely chopped (1/2 cup) – Coats the dough, adding texture and flavor. Almonds or walnuts can be substituted for a different nut profile.
For the Filling
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (1/2 cup, e.g., Nutella) – Serves as the indulgent center filling. Fruit jams (raspberry or strawberry) or caramel can be used for alternative fillings.
Optional Garnish
- Extra whole hazelnuts – For garnish, adding visual appeal and extra crunch.
Now that you have all the ingredients for these incredible Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, let’s roll up our sleeves and get that oven ready!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 2/3 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, then gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Shape Cookies
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. As you shape the dough, gently coat each ball in 1/2 cup of finely chopped hazelnuts, ensuring they are well covered. Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie for spreading during baking.
Step 3: Create Indentations
Once all the cookie dough balls are on the baking sheet, use your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each ball. This thumbprint will hold the luscious filling later. Be gentle but firm to ensure a nice cavity without breaking the dough.
Step 4: Bake
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges look set but the centers remain slightly soft. Keep an eye on them; they should not harden completely in the oven. Once done, remove them and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Filling
After the cookies have cooled slightly, gently re-press the indentations if necessary to create room for the filling. Spoon about 1/2 cup of chocolate hazelnut spread into each center, ensuring a generous amount for that delicious bite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For an optional finishing touch, press a whole hazelnut into the chocolate hazelnut spread of each cookie, adding both flavor and aesthetic appeal. If desired, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate just before serving, turning your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies into a stunning treat!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for making ahead, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. If you’ve baked the cookies ahead of time, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, just fill the thumbprints with chocolate hazelnut spread and garnish with whole hazelnuts. This way, you’ll have scrumptious treats ready to go without any last-minute stress!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
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Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature, as cold butter can lead to dry, crumbly dough and affects the texture of your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies.
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Re-Press After Baking: After baking, gently re-press the centers of the cookies while they are still warm. This helps them hold the filling better once they cool down.
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Finely Chop Hazelnuts: For the best texture and to ensure they stick, chop hazelnuts very finely. This enhances the crunch in each bite and gives a beautiful finish.
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Creative Fillings: Don’t hesitate to mix it up! Try using fruit jams or caramel for the filling; just avoid overly runny options that might spill out too much.
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Dust for Presentation: For a final flourish, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving. This adds a visual appeal that’s sure to impress!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This maintains their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, thaw them at room temperature and then heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving. Enjoy the indulgence of Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies again!
What to Serve with Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
These delightful morsels are perfect for creating an unforgettable dessert spread that will enchant your loved ones.
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Rich Espresso: A cup of bold espresso perfectly balances the sweetness and complements the chocolate with its deep, roasted flavors.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts the warmth of freshly baked cookies, enhancing every decadent bite.
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Berry Compote: The tartness of a berry compote adds a refreshing touch, cutting through the indulgent chocolate and hazelnut flavors for a vibrant finish.
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Milk: A classic companion, a tall glass of milk enhances the nostalgic joy of enjoying cookies, balancing the rich chocolate indulgence nicely.
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Red Wine: For a sophisticated touch, serve with a light, fruity red wine like Pinot Noir, enhancing the nuts while harmonizing beautifully with the chocolate.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle extra chocolate sauce over your thumbprint cookies to intensify their chocolatey flavor and create an elegant presentation.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel not only enhances the richness but adds an exquisite depth of flavor that will leave everyone craving more.
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Coconut Macaroons: Pair with soft, chewy coconut macaroons for a delightful textural contrast that complements the nutty notes in your cookies.
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Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea offers a soothing contrast, with flavors like chamomile or mint enhancing your indulgent experience beautifully.
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Lemon Sorbet: The refreshing zing of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate after the rich cookies, providing a zesty counterpoint to your sweet treat.
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Variations
Feel free to play with flavors and ingredients to make these cookies your own!
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Jam-Filled: Swap the chocolate hazelnut spread with raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity burst. This adds a delightful freshness that complements the rich cocoa beautifully.
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Nut-Free: Substitute almonds or walnuts for hazelnuts to cater to nut allergies. They both bring unique flavors, with almonds offering a subtle sweetness.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture. They’ll still be just as delightful and indulgent.
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Salted Caramel: Replace the filling with salted caramel for a sweet and salty treat. The richness of caramel pairs excellently with the chocolatey dough. Drizzle extra caramel on top for added decadence!
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Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dough for a warm, spicy twist. This unexpected heat contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate spread.
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Double Chocolate: Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for an extra chocolatey experience. Each bite will have delightful pockets of melted chocolate, elevating the cookie’s richness.
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Fruity Crunch: Include chopped dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, to add chewy texture. This brings a fruity dimension that harmonizes beautifully with the nuttiness.
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Chocolate-Covered: After filling with chocolate hazelnut spread, dip the tops of the cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts for a luxurious finish. It creates a stunning visual and an even greater taste sensation.
Why not try them all? You might find a new favorite way to enjoy these delightful cookies! And while you’re at it, consider serving these alongside a slice of Chocolate Banana Bread or some Tiramisu Cookies Steal for a truly decadent dessert spread. Happy baking!
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of hazelnuts should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using raw or lightly toasted hazelnuts. Toasting them enhances their nutty aroma and crunch. If you’re in a pinch, other nuts like almonds or walnuts can work as substitutes, adding a different flavor profile.
How do I store Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you prefer, refrigerate them for up to 10 days—just be sure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze the cookies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies for up to 3 months! Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly, it may be due to not enough moisture or not creaming the butter and sugar adequately. Add a tablespoon of milk to the dough and mix well. If it’s still too dry, continue adding small amounts of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough is workable but not sticky.
Are there any allergy concerns with this recipe?
Indeed! The recipe contains nuts (hazelnuts) and wheat (from the all-purpose flour). If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies, opt for seed butters or a different nut-free filling like fruit jam. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free blend, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I change the filling for different flavors?
Very much so! Feel free to experiment with various fillings. You can use fruit jams like raspberry or strawberry, caramel for a sweet twist, or even coconut cream for something unique. Just make sure any alternative filling isn’t too runny to avoid spills!
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 2/3 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, then gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until thoroughly combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Coat each ball in 1/2 cup of finely chopped hazelnuts. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
- Create a small indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
- After cooling slightly, re-press the indentations if necessary. Spoon about 1/2 cup of chocolate hazelnut spread into each center.
- Press a whole hazelnut into each cookie's filling, and if desired, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
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