Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies! They are everything you could want in a cookie—sweet, nutty, and oh-so-chocolatey! I first made these little gems for a holiday gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could count! The rich flavor of ground hazelnuts combined with a gooey dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread in the center is just pure bliss. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute baking adventures or cozy afternoons at home. I love how they look too, with those cute little thumbprints just waiting to be filled with deliciousness. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen, just like they are in mine!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground hazelnuts (freshly ground for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (for that gooey center)
How to Prepare Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get those taste buds tingling! First things first, you’re going to want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—trust me, this step is key to a delightful cookie texture!
Now, it’s time to add in the flour, ground hazelnuts, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until just combined; you don’t want to overdo it! The dough should come together nicely and feel a bit sticky—that’s what we’re aiming for!
Next, shape the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Here comes the fun part! Use your thumb (or the back of a measuring spoon) to create a little indentation in the center of each ball. This is where the magic happens, as you’ll fill these pockets with that luscious chocolate hazelnut spread.
Once you’ve filled each indentation with the spread, pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want them to be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the middle. After baking, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And voila! You’re ready to enjoy these divine cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a hurry!
- Deliciously nutty flavor from the ground hazelnuts that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Those adorable thumbprints make them look fancy without all the fuss—impressive for gatherings!
- Customizable—feel free to adjust the filling or even swap in different spreads if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Soft, chewy texture with a gooey chocolate center that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoons to special celebrations—everyone loves cookies!
- Leftovers? Not likely! But if you do have some, they store well for a few days in an airtight container.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps achieve that light, fluffy texture when creaming with the sugars. Cold butter won’t mix well, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Don’t Overmix: When you add the flour and hazelnuts, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy!
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to shape those little balls and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Indentation Technique: Be gentle when making the thumbprint! If you press too hard, the cookies may crack. Just create a nice little dip for that delicious chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want them to be lightly golden around the edges while still soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool!
- Experiment with Fillings: While chocolate hazelnut spread is divine, don’t hesitate to try other fillings like fruit preserves or peanut butter. Get creative and find your personal favorite!
- Store Wisely: If you somehow have leftovers (which is pretty unlikely!), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They should last about a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm and impressing everyone with your chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies, and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh. Well, the good news is they store beautifully! Just pop them into an airtight container, and they’ll stay delicious for up to a week. Make sure you separate layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to keep those cute thumbprints intact!
If you happen to have some leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a bit of a miracle), you can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and enjoy. No need to rush back to the oven—these cookies are just as delightful at room temperature!
Now, if you want to warm them up for that fresh-baked feel, I recommend popping them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just enough to get them cozy without melting the chocolate hazelnut spread too much! And if you prefer a bit of a crispy edge, you can always give them a quick toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Trust me, you’ll love how they come back to life!
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookie. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary a bit depending on what you use:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a delightful treat, and while they may not be the healthiest option, they sure are worth every bite when you’re looking for something sweet! Enjoy them in moderation, and don’t forget to savor that rich chocolate and nutty flavor!
FAQ Section
Can I use other nut types instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! While hazelnuts give these cookies their signature flavor, you can swap them for almonds, walnuts, or even pecans. Just make sure to grind them finely for the best texture!
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
To keep your chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies from spreading, ensure your butter is at the right temperature—softened, but not melted. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help maintain their shape.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before shaping and baking.
What should I do if my chocolate hazelnut spread is too thick?
If your spread is giving you a tough time, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it up. A little warmth can make it easier to spoon into those lovely thumbprints!
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! These chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies are a hit, and doubling the recipe is an excellent idea for parties or gatherings. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets on hand!

Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies That’ll Delight You
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies are sweet and nutty treats filled with chocolate.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground hazelnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the flour, ground hazelnuts, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb.
- Fill each indentation with chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use fresh hazelnuts for better flavor.
- Adjust the filling quantity to your preference.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 18g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies, cookies, dessert, chocolate, hazelnut