Description
Delight in these irresistibly buttery and soft Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies. Featuring a tender cookie base with a rich hazelnut chocolate center, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor topped with optional toasted hazelnuts for extra crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling & Garnish
- Hazelnut chocolate spread (e.g., Nutella), about 2 teaspoons per cookie
- Chopped toasted hazelnuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt separately, then gradually add them to the wet mixture. Stir just until a soft, pliable dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking and to maintain the thumbprint cavity.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to create a small well for the filling.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until just set and golden around the edges.
- Add the Hazelnut Filling: Remove the cookies from the oven and, while still warm, fill each thumbprint indentation with about a teaspoon of hazelnut chocolate spread. Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 2 minutes to slightly melt and lock in the flavor.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Optionally, sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts over the filling before it sets for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to prevent tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is essential to maintain shape and prevent spreading during baking.
- Customize the filling by using your favorite hazelnut chocolate spread or even other nut butters.
- For extra crunch and flavor, toast the hazelnuts lightly before chopping and sprinkling on top.
