Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread; Chopped hazelnuts for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Modern Collection

I love whipping up a batch of these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies whenever I want a delightful treat. The combination of rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut brings a luscious twist to the classic thumbprint cookie. Each cookie is filled with creamy hazelnut chocolate spread, which provides both flavor and texture that simply melts in your mouth. It's a perfect recipe for sharing with friends and family, or even just to satisfy my own sweet tooth on a cozy afternoon.

Created by

Lottie Pennington

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:35:36.951Z

When I first made these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, I was blown away by how simple yet indulgent they turned out. The dough comes together quickly, and the key is to chill it before baking. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, allowing them to keep their beautiful shape. I love how the hazelnut spread glistens in the center, promising a hidden delight with every bite.

Another tip I learned is to let the cookies cool slightly before adding the hazelnut spread. This way, the warm cookie creates a slight melting effect, making each bite absolutely divine. I often prepare these cookies for gatherings, and they never last long on the dessert table!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        The perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures
Deliciously rich hazelnut flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate
A delightful treat that impresses at any gathering

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies lies in the balance of dry and wet ingredients. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while the unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich flavor and color. Using softened unsalted butter is crucial; it ensures that the sugars can cream effectively, resulting in a light, fluffy dough. If you're short on time, you can microwave the butter in short bursts, but be careful not to melt it completely, as we want it just soft enough to incorporate easily.

Egg yolk plays a pivotal role in enriching the dough, contributing fat for tenderness and contributing to its rich yellow hue. For those needing a vegan option, a flax egg can serve as a great substitute; simply mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. This swap won't compromise the cookie's texture, allowing for a deliciously nutty treat even while accommodating dietary preferences.

Baking Techniques for Perfect Cookies

When baking these cookies, it’s important to monitor your oven's temperature. An oven thermometer can be a handy tool; sometimes home ovens can be off by as much as 25°F. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes until they firm up but still appear slightly soft in the center. This ensures that they'll have a delightfully chewy texture as they cool on the baking sheet. If they appear too flat after baking, consider slightly chilling the dough longer to allow the butter to firm back up before baking.

Creating the thumbprint indentation is a crucial step that affects not just presentation but also the filling. If you find the dough sticking to your fingers when forming the balls, try lightly greasing your thumb or using a small measuring spoon. This can help make the indentation process smoother. Also, be careful not to press too hard; a gentle push is enough to create a well that holds the luscious hazelnut spread without compromising the cookie's structural integrity.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your cookies:

Cookie Dough

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
Chopped hazelnuts for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready for a smooth cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your cookies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Dough

In a bowl,cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, beating until incorporated. Gradually mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until a dough forms.

Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.

Form the Cookies

Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.

Bake

Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Add Filling

Once cooled, fill each indentation with chocolate hazelnut spread and top with chopped hazelnuts if desired.

Enjoy your freshly baked Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies!

Pro Tips

For a deeper flavor, toast the hazelnuts lightly before using them as a topping.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a great treat to prepare in advance for gatherings. If you're making a larger batch, consider freezing the unbaked dough balls. Freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, no need to thaw; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

For best results, you might want to wait to fill the cookies with hazelnut spread until just before serving. This prevents the cookies from becoming too soft due to moisture absorption. If you do choose to fill them ahead of time, simply ensure they are kept in a cool area away from direct sunlight to maintain their texture.

Creative Variations

While the classic combination of chocolate and hazelnut is irresistible, feel free to experiment with different fillings. Consider using raspberry jam or a peanut butter alternative to mix things up. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile that can redefine these cookies as per your taste preferences. You could also incorporate spices such as cinnamon or espresso powder into the dough for an extra depth of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Another fun twist could be to add a dash of sea salt atop the filled cookies just before serving. The salt not only enhances the sweetness, it also elevates the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, adding complexity. Additionally, swapping out the chopped hazelnuts for other nuts, like pistachios or almonds, can introduce new textures and flavors that keep your cookies exciting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nut butters instead of hazelnut spread?

Absolutely! Almond butter or peanut butter make great substitutes.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the rolled dough balls. Just thaw before baking.

→ What type of chocolate hazelnut spread is best?

Choose one with high-quality ingredients for the best flavor; look for one without added preservatives.