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Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Hazelnuts

Rich and fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies coated in crunchy hazelnuts and filled with smooth, silky chocolate ganache for an irresistible bite-sized treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the cookies:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
  • For the chocolate ganache filling:
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
  4. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in chopped hazelnuts, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Place on prepared baking sheet and press a thumbprint into the center of each cookie.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes. If the centers puff up, re-press gently with the back of a spoon after baking. Let cool completely.
  8. For the ganache: Heat heavy cream until steaming (not boiling), then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
  9. Spoon ganache into the center of each cooled cookie.
  10. Allow to set at room temperature or chill slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting the hazelnuts before chopping enhances their flavor.
  • Ganache can be flavored with a touch of espresso or liqueur for variation.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate thumbprint cookies, hazelnut cookies, ganache-filled cookies, holiday cookie, chocolate hazelnut dessert