Did you know that chocolate and hazelnuts are like the ultimate dream team? Together, they create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist! These chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies are not just a treat; they’re a cozy hug in cookie form. I remember baking these with my family during the holidays, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of melted chocolate and toasty hazelnuts. It was always a race to see who could sneak the first bite! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a little pick-me-up, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on their rich, chocolatey goodness. Let’s dive into making these delightful bites!
Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, giving them structure.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds that rich, chocolatey flavor that we all love.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Regular granulated sugar to sweeten up the dough.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: For a touch of moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped: These give a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread: This is the star of the show! We’ll use it to fill our thumbprints.
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be on your way to cookie heaven in no time!
How to Prepare Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Preheat and Mix Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture! While it’s warming up, grab a bowl and mix together your dry ingredients: the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. I like to whisk them together for about a minute to make sure everything’s well combined and fluffy. It’s like a little workout for the cookies! Once that’s done, add in the softened butter and vanilla extract. Mix them together until you have a smooth and creamy dough. You can use a hand mixer or just a good old spoon if you’re feeling strong!
Shape and Fill the Cookies
Now for the fun part! Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space in between since they’ll spread a bit. Here’s a little tip: use a melon baller or your thumb to make a nice indentation right in the center of each ball. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; they’ll still taste amazing! Once all your cookies are shaped, it’s time to fill those indents with chocolate hazelnut spread. Go ahead and be generous with it—this is where the magic happens!
Baking and Cooling
Pop those beauties into the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set but the centers still feel slightly soft. Keep an eye on them; every oven is a little different! Once baked, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit more. Trust me, the wait is totally worth it, especially when you can smell that divine chocolate aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor: The combination of chocolate and hazelnuts is a match made in dessert heaven, offering a rich and nutty taste that’ll keep you coming back for more.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up without a hitch!
- Quick baking time: These cookies come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party, these cookies are always a hit!
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or nuts—your creativity can shine through each batch!
- Great for sharing: With 24 cookies per batch, you’ll have plenty to share with friends, family, or just keep all to yourself (no judgment here!).
- Texture perfection: They have a soft, chewy center with a slight crunch from the hazelnuts, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.
Tips for Success
Ready to elevate your chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies? Here are some pro tips to ensure your baking adventure is a sweet success!
- Chill the dough: If you find the dough to be a bit sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape and help the cookies hold their form while baking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your baking supplies, especially the baking powder and chocolate hazelnut spread. Fresh ingredients make a world of difference!
- Experiment with fillings: While chocolate hazelnut spread is a classic, don’t hesitate to try different fillings! You could use raspberry jam, peanut butter, or even a cream cheese frosting for a fun twist.
- Storage tips: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
- Make them ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Just roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. When you’re ready for cookies, bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
- Check for doneness: Remember, cookies will continue to cook a little as they cool, so take them out when they’re just set and slightly soft in the center.
With these tips in your baking toolbox, you’ll be on your way to making the best chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies ever! Enjoy the process and, of course, the delicious results!
Nutritional Information
While I love sharing these delicious chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies with you, it’s important to note that the nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The values provided here are estimates and may not be precise for every batch. That said, each cookie roughly contains 120 calories, along with 8g of sugar and 2g of protein. For the most accurate information, I recommend checking the labels on your ingredients. Enjoy every bite without worrying too much about the numbers!
FAQ About Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Got questions about these delightful chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I substitute the hazelnuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of hazelnuts or have allergies, you can swap them out for chopped almonds, walnuts, or even pecans. Each nut brings a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment!
What if I don’t have chocolate hazelnut spread?
No problem! You can use any chocolate spread you like, or even a fruit jam for a different twist. Think raspberry or strawberry—yum!
How should I store the cookies?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I add spices to the dough?
Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon or even a dash of espresso powder can add a wonderful depth of flavor to your cookies. Get creative and make them your own!
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, it could be due to the butter being too warm. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, when mixing. Chilling the dough for a bit before baking can also help keep their shape!
I hope these answers help you on your baking journey! Remember, the most important part is to have fun and enjoy the delicious results!
Variations on Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
One of the best things about chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies is how easy they are to customize! If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, here are some fun variations to keep your baking exciting:
- Nutty Alternatives: Swap out the hazelnuts for your favorite nuts! Almonds, pecans, or walnuts work beautifully and can bring their own unique flavors to the party.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
- Fruit-filled Thumbprints: Instead of chocolate hazelnut spread, try filling the indents with fruit jams like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot. The tartness of the fruit can balance the sweetness wonderfully!
- Peanut Butter Delight: For a twist on the classic, use creamy peanut butter or a peanut butter spread in the center. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is always a winner!
- Minty Fresh: Mix in a few drops of peppermint extract into your dough for a refreshing mint chocolate flavor. It’s like a holiday treat any time of year!
- Chocolate Lovers: Double the chocolate by adding chocolate chips into the dough along with the hazelnuts. This will take your cookies to a whole new level of indulgence!
- Oreo-Inspired: Incorporate crushed Oreo cookies into the dough for a fun and crunchy texture, and fill the thumbprints with cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of sweetness.
With these variations, you can experiment and find your favorite combinations. Don’t be afraid to get creative—these chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies are a blank canvas just waiting for your delicious ideas!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these scrumptious chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies, let’s talk about how to elevate your cookie experience! Trust me, the right pairing can take these cookies from delightful to downright extraordinary.
First up, a warm cup of coffee is a classic choice. The rich, bold flavors of coffee complement the chocolate beautifully, creating a match made in heaven. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a hazelnut-flavored coffee to really enhance that nutty goodness!
If you prefer something a little sweeter, a glass of cold milk is always an excellent companion. The creamy texture of milk balances the cookies’ rich chocolate perfectly and adds a comforting touch. You can even try almond or hazelnut milk for a fun twist!
For a cozy dessert experience, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cookies paired with cold ice cream create a delightful contrast that will have everyone swooning!
And for a little extra indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top right before serving. These simple touches make each bite even more special. Enjoy your cookies with loved ones, and don’t forget to savor every delicious moment!
Print
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies: 7 Sweet Reasons to Bake
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies filled with creamy chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add softened butter and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in chopped hazelnuts.
- Shape dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill each indentation with chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use a melon baller to create even indentations.
- Experiment with different fillings if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies
