Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. These cookies not only look beautiful with their thumbprint centers but also offer a perfect balance of textures. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet snack, this recipe will satisfy your cravings.
Why We Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies bring together two beloved flavors: chocolate and hazelnuts. The contrast between the soft, chewy cookie and the creamy filling captures your attention from the first bite. They are easy to make and provide a charming touch to any dessert table. The thumbprint design allows for creativity with fillings; you can use not only chocolate but also fruit jams or nut butters. Additionally, their lovely appearance makes them great for gifting. Every cookie feels like a piece of art, making them perfect for holidays or special gatherings. Overall, this recipe is a glorious blend of flavor, texture, and elegance.
Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
- In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in the finely chopped hazelnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using your hands, form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create an indentation.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but still soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, fill each thumbprint with chocolate hazelnut spread. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
You can serve these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies in various delightful ways. They make an excellent accompaniment to tea or coffee, perfect for an afternoon gathering with friends or family. Placing them on a decorative platter adds visual appeal, especially when paired with fresh fruits or a scoop of ice cream. For celebrations, arrange them in gift boxes or treat bags for a thoughtful homemade gift. During the holidays, these cookies can be part of an assortment alongside other baked goods. Their unique design enhances any dessert table, making them a standout treat. Whether you enjoy them solo or share with others, they are sure to brighten your day.
Expert Tips for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
To ensure your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies turn out perfectly, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, use room temperature butter for an easier blend and better texture. When measuring your flour and cocoa powder, spoon them into measuring cups and level off with a knife to avoid compacting. For the dough, if it feels too soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. When pressing your thumb into the dough, make sure to create a deep enough indentation to hold the filling but avoid going all the way through. If you want to enhance the flavor of your cookies, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough. Experimenting with toppings or different fillings can lead to exciting variations that you and your guests will love.
How to Store Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
To store your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, allow them to cool completely before packing them away. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay fresh for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them. You can freeze the unfilled cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and fill them with chocolate hazelnut spread just before serving. This method helps maintain their fresh texture and beautiful appearance.
Variations of Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are versatile, allowing you to play with ingredients and fillings. For a twist, you can replace hazelnuts with other nuts like almonds or walnuts, giving different textures and flavors. You could also zoom in on the chocolate aspect by using different types of chocolate hazelnut spread, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate varieties. Consider adding dried fruits or seeds as an additional mix-in to the dough for added flavor. If you like a fruity twist, swap the chocolate hazelnut spread for fruit jams like raspberry or apricot for delightful flavor contrast. You could also add some zest from orange or lemon into the dough for a refreshing hint. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize your cookies to suit different tastes and preferences.
FAQ about Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
If you’re looking for more information about Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, you might have a few questions. One common question is whether you can make these cookies ahead of time. Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. Another query concerns the filling; can you use different flavors? Absolutely! You can experiment with various fillings, including fruit jams, caramel, or even other nut spreads. People also often ask about alternative flours; while all-purpose flour works great, you can use almond flour for a gluten-free option, but adjust the quantity accordingly. Lastly, some wonder how to achieve the perfect thumbprint. Just remember to create a deep enough indentation to hold more filling while the cookies cool to prevent cracking. These tips should help you navigate your baking journey with Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies seamlessly!
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Spoon and level while measuring to avoid compacting.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature butter for better texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, finely chopped Can be replaced with almonds or walnuts.
Filling
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread Consider using dark or white chocolate varieties.
- powdered sugar for dusting Powdered sugar Optional for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer.
- Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in the finely chopped hazelnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using your hands, form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create an indentation.
Baking
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but still soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Finishing Touch
- Once cooled, fill each thumbprint with chocolate hazelnut spread. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!