Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup ground hazelnuts; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup chocolate ganache (for filling)

Highlighted under: Sweet Planning

I absolutely adore baking Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies during the colder months. There's something so nostalgic about the rich aroma of hazelnuts and chocolate wafting through the home. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, and the gooey chocolate center creates a delightful surprise with each bite. The combination of textures—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside—makes them an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover. Plus, they make for a perfect gift or festive addition to any gathering!

Created by

Blythe Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:54:41.141Z

Baking these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies has become a cherished tradition in my kitchen. I remember the first time I experimented with hazelnuts instead of the usual ingredients. The result was a cookie that perfectly balanced rich chocolate flavor with a nutty twist. It was a game changer for my cookie recipes!

I found that chilling the dough before shaping helps maintain their lovely thumbprint form for that gooey chocolate center. This reduces spreading during baking, ensuring that each cookie holds its shape beautifully, which is vital for both presentation and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The delightful crunch of hazelnuts paired with smooth chocolate ganache
Easy to make and perfect for baking with kids
Perfectly sweet and nutty, will impress at any gathering

Key Techniques for Perfect Thumbprints

To achieve the perfect thumbprint cookies, the dough's consistency is crucial. Make sure the butter is adequately softened but not melted; it should be creamy and easy to work with. This balance prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in the ideal thickness, which combines crispy edges and a chewy center. If you encounter sticky dough, a light dusting of flour can help, but avoid over-flouring, as it can alter the final texture.

When forming the cookies, it's best to consistently size the dough balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. This ensures even baking and uniform thumbprint sizes, making them aesthetically pleasing. After rolling, the indentation creates a perfect reservoir for the chocolate ganache. Remember, the ball should be about 1 inch in diameter; this size will puff up slightly without losing its shape in the oven, maintaining that desirable thumbprint.

Ingredient Insights

Using ground hazelnuts not only enhances the flavor of these cookies but also contributes texture. If you don't have ground hazelnuts on hand, you can make your own by processing whole hazelnuts until finely ground. Just be careful not to over-process, as they can become pasty. Alternatively, you can substitute with finely ground almonds for a similar nutty flavor, though it will alter the final taste subtly.

The chocolate ganache filling is another star of this recipe. For the best results, use high-quality chocolate, as it directly influences the richness and depth of the flavor. Dark chocolate creates a more intense experience, while milk chocolate offers a sweeter bite. Additionally, infusing your ganache with a hint of espresso or a splash of vanilla can elevate the flavor profile even further, making each bite uniquely indulgent.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious cookies:

Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup ground hazelnuts
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate ganache (for filling)

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your cookies:

Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour, ground hazelnuts, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.

Chill the dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Form the cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each ball.

Bake the cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before adding the chocolate ganache filling.

Add the filling

Spoon the chocolate ganache into the thumbprint of each cookie. Allow the cookies to set completely before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the ganache after filling to balance the sweetness.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you've made a larger batch than you can finish, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw on the counter for about 15–30 minutes before serving.

For serving, these cookies can be dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzled with additional melted chocolate for an extra touch. They make a lovely accompaniment to a cup of coffee or hot cocoa during winter gatherings, or even as a sweet treat in lunchboxes. Their delightful presentation and flavor profile can attract attention as a dessert centerpiece at parties.

Tips for Success

One common issue with thumbprint cookies is that the center can sometimes puff up too much during baking and lose its indentation. To prevent this, ensure that your dough is chilled adequately, and keep an eye on the bake time; you may want to gently press the centers with the back of a spoon immediately after taking them out of the oven. This step will redefine the cups for the ganache without compromising their shape.

If you're looking to add a personal touch, consider experimenting with different fillings in place of classic chocolate ganache. Fruit preserves, caramel, or even peanut butter can provide a delightful twist, enhancing the nutty flavor of the cookies. Just make sure the filling you choose complements the hazelnut well, ensuring a harmonious blend of taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the ground hazelnuts with another nut?

Yes, almond flour or ground walnuts can be used as a substitute.

→ How should I store these cookies?

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

→ Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

→ What can I use instead of chocolate ganache?

You can use any chocolate filling or jam of your choice for a different flavor.