Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Thumbprints are the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. These delightful cookies feature a rich cocoa dough with a crunchy hazelnut coating and a luscious chocolate hazelnut spread center that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. The thumbprint technique creates the perfect little wells to hold the creamy filling, making these cookies not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these thumbprints are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies bring together the irresistible combination of chocolate and hazelnuts in the form of a soft, chewy cookie with a crisp nutty exterior and a creamy filling. The balance of textures—from the melt-in-your-mouth center to the crunchy hazelnut coating—makes each bite a delightful experience. The best part is that they’re incredibly easy to make and require simple ingredients, yet they look and taste as though they came from a professional bakery. Whether served at a holiday gathering, as a gift, or just enjoyed with a cup of coffee, these thumbprints will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Milk
Vanilla extract
Hazelnuts
Chocolate hazelnut spread

Variations

Nut-Free Version: If you prefer to avoid nuts, roll the cookies in finely chopped coconut flakes or sprinkles for a unique twist.
Dark Chocolate: Swap the chocolate hazelnut spread for dark chocolate ganache for an even more decadent flavor.
Flavored Thumbprints: Experiment with different fillings such as raspberry jam, caramel, or peanut butter for a variety of flavor profiles.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and combine until well incorporated.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

In a small bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, dip each ball into the egg white, and then roll in the finely chopped hazelnuts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Make the Thumbprint

Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation in the center of each cookie ball. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set and firm to the touch.

Step 4: Re-indent the Cookies

Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press the centers down again to ensure the thumbprint remains deep. Allow the cookies to cool completely.

Step 5: Fill with Hazelnut Spread

Once the cookies are completely cool, fill the indentation of each thumbprint with a generous amount of chocolate hazelnut spread.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the chocolate hazelnut spread set slightly before serving. Enjoy these rich, decadent thumbprints with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to work with, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.
Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure the dough balls are the same size for even baking.
Perfect Indentation: Make the indentation gently but deep enough to hold the filling. Re-indent the cookies immediately after baking to maintain their shape.
Hazelnut Coating: If you prefer a finer nut coating, pulse the hazelnuts in a food processor before rolling the dough balls in them.
Storage: These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

How to Serve

Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Thumbprints are perfect for any occasion. Serve them on a dessert platter at a holiday party or bring them to a potluck. They also make a wonderful gift for friends or family members who appreciate homemade treats. These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay fresh and flavorful when kept in a cool, dry place.

Freezing

These thumbprints freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave the cookies at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy the cookies warm, reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Once warmed, add more chocolate hazelnut spread if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought hazelnut spread?

Yes, store-bought hazelnut spread such as Nutella works perfectly for this recipe.

2. Can I use another type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute hazelnuts with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different texture and flavor.

3. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or an egg replacer to make these cookies vegan.

4. How do I keep the thumbprints from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough is chilled before baking, and avoid overworking it to prevent spreading.

5. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just freeze them on a baking sheet and then transfer to a bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

6. How do I ensure the hazelnuts stick to the dough?

Make sure to dip the dough balls in egg white first, as this helps the chopped hazelnuts adhere properly.

7. Can I add extra flavors to the dough?

Yes, you can add a teaspoon of espresso powder, almond extract, or orange zest to the dough for extra flavor complexity.

8. Are these cookies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour.

9. How do I prevent the chocolate from running out of the thumbprint?

Fill the thumbprint with a small amount of chocolate hazelnut spread and avoid overfilling it to prevent spillage.

10. Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. They keep well in an airtight container for several days.

Conclusion

Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Thumbprints are an irresistible combination of rich chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and creamy chocolate hazelnut spread. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to delight your taste buds. With their elegant appearance and decadent flavor, they make the perfect addition to any dessert spread. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these thumbprints will become a favorite in your baking repertoire.