Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful blend of rich chocolate and nutty hazelnuts, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Indulging in these cookies is like taking a bite of pure bliss, with a buttery, crumbly exterior and a decadent chocolate-hazelnut center that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these chocolate hazelnut cookies. For starters, they are:

Quick and easy to make, perfect for beginners.
Versatile, allowing for variations like vegan chocolate hazelnut cookies.
Nutritious, being made with wholesome ingredients like hazelnuts.
Fun to customize, as you can experiment with different fillings.
Ideal for gifting—everyone loves homemade treats!
Perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings.

These cookies also offer a delightful combination of flavors that create a mouthwatering experience, making them one of the best chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies you’ll ever try!

Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped hazelnuts
1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Stir in the chopped hazelnuts.
Step 5: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a shallow indentation in the center of each cookie.
Step 7: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread into the center of each cookie.
Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Allow your butter to soften at room temperature for the best texture.
Chop hazelnuts finely for a more consistent distribution in the dough.
Use a measuring spoon to ensure your chocolate-hazelnut spread is perfectly portioned.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies shine when paired with:

a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
ice cream, creating a delicious dessert combo.
other homemade treats for a sweet platter at parties.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds. These cookies are perfect for meal prep, as you can make a batch ahead of time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies?

The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients, especially the chocolate-hazelnut spread. It enhances the flavor profile and ensures a creamy texture in these chocolate-filled thumbprint cookies.

Can I make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate it, and bake fresh cookies when you’re ready. This also makes it easier to whip up easy chocolate hazelnut cookie ideas for gatherings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies?

To avoid spreading, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your hazelnut thumbprint cookies.

Variations of Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies You Can Try

Experiment with these fun variations:

Replace chocolate-hazelnut spread with fruit preserves for a fruity twist.
Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
Create a vegan version by substituting butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg.

These variations make these cookies suitable for various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious chocolate hazelnut sweets recipes!

Best Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe - Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake or try making Irresistible Orange Zest Cranberry for a delightful twist!

For more tips on baking, you can refer to this Creamy Cauliflower Soup recipe, which highlights the importance of using quality ingredients.

Additionally, you can learn more about the health benefits of hazelnuts here.