Chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies are the perfect blend of rich, indulgent flavors and simple, festive charm. These cookies feature a soft, buttery base that’s delicately sweet, with a generous thumbprint indentation filled with smooth, melted chocolate and topped with chopped hazelnuts. They’re perfect for the holidays or any occasion where you want to add a touch of elegance to your cookie tray.
The dough for these thumbprint cookies is rich and slightly crisp at the edges, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that balances the chocolate and hazelnut fillings. Ground hazelnuts or hazelnut flour can be added to the dough itself to bring that nutty flavor into every bite. The dough is rolled into small balls, then gently pressed in the center to create the thumbprint indentation.
Once baked, the cookies are filled with a luscious chocolate ganache or melted chocolate, which creates a rich, creamy center. To elevate the nutty flavor, each cookie is sprinkled with finely chopped hazelnuts, adding both texture and crunch. The hazelnuts also bring a beautiful contrast to the smooth chocolate, making every bite an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
What makes these cookies so delightful is the balance between the buttery, slightly sweet base, the creamy chocolate center, and the crunch of the hazelnuts. They’re rich without being overwhelming, and the nuttiness pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, but they also make a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. Pack them in a tin, and you’ve got a sweet, homemade treat that’s bound to impress. Whether for a holiday cookie exchange, a special occasion, or just a cozy afternoon treat, chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies are a true crowd-pleaser. They’re the perfect combination of rich flavors and festive spirit in a simple yet stunning cookie.
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are a fantastic choice for any special occasion or celebration. These cookies not only taste amazing but also add a touch of elegance to the dessert table. Their unique appearance and combination of flavors make them a delightful treat that is sure to impress your guests.
Whether you are hosting a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, these cookies are the perfect choice.
Get ready to bake up a batch of these popular and delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies and delight your taste buds with each bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk large
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts toasted and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread such as Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Place hazelnuts in a small bowl. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, then roll in the chopped hazelnuts to coat.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- While the cookies are still warm, spoon the chocolate-hazelnut spread into the indentations. Let cool completely before serving.
I always use butter flavored crisco instead of butter, worked fine!
Is it just me or do hazelnuts taste kinda weird? I skipped that part. Still tasty!
I’m not much of a baker but these were easy! Will make again!
These cookies were a hit at the party! So easy to make and delicious!
Not great for me. Seemed too rich. My husband liked them though.
I think they’re delicious! You might just need to balance them with a cup of coffee or something. My daughter loves them!
Too much work for cookies. Might just buy cookie dough next time.
I get it, sometimes all the steps seem too much! But trust me, these cookies are worth it. 🍪
Followed the recipe exactly but they turned out flat. What’s up with that?
Honestly, they didn’t taste as good as I thought. Maybe it’s the cocoa? 😕
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe you overcooked them? The cocoa should add a nice flavor, but sometimes it’s tricky to get it right.
Mm these were so good! My kids helped and loved the Nutella part!
Super chocolaty! I love them! Perfect for my chocolate cravings.