Description
These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies combine a rich cocoa dough with crunchy hazelnuts and a sweet chocolate hazelnut center. They are perfect for any occasion, from holiday baking to an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts (for rolling)
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- Extra whole hazelnuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in the finely chopped hazelnuts.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Remove from oven and immediately press the indentation again to ensure it’s deep enough for the filling.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spoon or pipe the chocolate hazelnut spread into the center of each cookie.
- Garnish with whole hazelnuts if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is truly softened for easy creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added.
- The indentations should be made while the cookies are still warm from the oven.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before filling to prevent the spread from melting too much.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approx. 180-200 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 15g
- Sodium: Approx. 30mg
- Fat: Approx. 12g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 18g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 2g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 30mg