Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg yolk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

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I absolutely love making Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, especially during the festive season. The rich chocolate combined with the nutty flavor of hazelnuts creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. I am always amazed at how the warm, gooey chocolate filling adds a luxurious touch to each bite. A touch of orange zest enhances the flavor profile, making these cookies perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether for a special occasion or just as an indulgence, these cookies are always a hit!

Created by

Celia Winterbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:02:36.623Z

When I first tried making Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, I was amazed by how simple yet impressive they turned out. The combination of buttery cookies with a rich chocolate center was a revelation. I realized that lightly toasting the hazelnuts before grinding them adds an incredible depth of flavor, elevating the cookies to another level of deliciousness.

Additionally, using high-quality chocolate for the filling is essential; it really makes a difference in taste. I love experimenting with different fillings, but the classic chocolate ganache is where my heart lies. These cookies are always a favorite at gatherings.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor that balances perfectly with hazelnuts
Unique thumbprint design that impresses guests
Perfect for holiday gifting or festive occasions

      

Perfecting the Dough

Achieving the right texture in your dough is crucial for the success of these cookies. The key is to cream your butter and sugars until it's light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Proper aeration is essential as it creates a delicate cookie that will hold together well but still melt in your mouth. If your dough seems too crumbly after mixing in the flour, a teaspoon of milk can help bind it without altering the flavor significantly.

When shaping the dough, keep in mind that the size of your cookie balls will directly affect the baking time. Aim for consistent tablespoon-sized portions to ensure even cooking. If you prefer smaller or larger cookies, adjust your bake time accordingly—about 2-3 minutes less for smaller and potentially 2-4 minutes more for larger ones. Watch for golden edges before pulling them from the oven.

The Chocolate Filling

The dark chocolate filling is what truly elevates these cookies. Using high-quality chocolate chips or a finely chopped dark bar will impact the flavor and texture significantly. I recommend using chocolate with at least 60% cacao for a rich and balanced bite. Melting the chocolate slowly with warm cream prevents it from seizing and ensures a smooth finish. If you find your filling too thick, adding a splash more cream while stirring can help achieve the desired consistency.

Infusing the filling with orange zest not only enhances the chocolate but also adds a refreshing brightness. Be careful to use only a small amount of zest to avoid bitterness—about 1/2 teaspoon is ideal. If orange isn’t your favorite, you can swap it with other citrus flavors like lemon or even a hint of peppermint for a holiday twist. Experimenting with extracts such as almond or hazelnut could also bring exciting variations to this classic treat.

Storing and Serving

These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. To maintain their texture, place a piece of parchment between layers if stacking them. If you're looking to extend their lifespan, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply freeze the unfilled cookies in an airtight container, and they can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them and fill them with the chocolate mixture for a fresh treat any time.

Serving these cookies is a delight in itself. For a fun presentation, sprinkle a little extra ground hazelnuts on top of the chocolate filling before it sets, giving a lovely crunch and enhancing the nutty flavor. You can also pair them with coffee or a glass of milk, making them perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. If gifting, consider placing them in a decorative tin lined with tissue paper for an appealing presentation.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for the best results:

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create delicious thumbprint cookies:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and egg yolk, mixing well. Gradually stir in the flour, ground hazelnuts, and salt until the dough comes together.

Chill and Shape

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet.

Create Thumbprints

Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press into the center of each cookie to create an indent.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

While the cookies cool, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Remove from the heat and add in the dark chocolate chips and orange zest. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Fill the Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled, spoon the chocolate filling into the indents of the cookies. Let set before serving.

Enjoy these delectable cookies with a cup of coffee or share them with friends!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can try mixing different nuts for the dough or using flavored chocolate for the filling.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in these cookies serves a distinct purpose. Unsalted butter provides the rich, creamy base, allowing you to control the sodium content. Using both granulated and brown sugar not only impacts sweetness but also contributes to the cookie's texture. Brown sugar increases moisture and gives a slight chewiness, which balances the crispness of the cookie perfectly. Be sure to measure accurately, as too much flour can lead to a dry texture.

Ground hazelnuts add a unique depth and nuttiness to the cookie base. If you find that hazelnuts are difficult to source or want to experiment, consider substituting with ground almonds or pecans. Just remember that different nuts may alter the flavor slightly. Toasting them before incorporating adds a delightful crunch and enhances their flavor profile, so it's a step worth considering if you want extra richness.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you notice that your cookies are spreading too much during baking, it may be indicative of the dough being too warm. Be sure to chill your dough for the full 30 minutes, and if your kitchen is particularly warm, consider chilling it longer. This helps maintain their shape and allows for a nice thumbprint to hold the filling perfectly.

Another common issue is the chocolate filling becoming too hard after cooling. If this happens, a gentle reheating with a small amount of cream while stirring can bring it back to a smooth consistency. It’s always best to fill the cookies immediately after the filling is made to enjoy the gooey texture, but with quick adjustments, you can rescue your chocolate if it sets harder than desired.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?

Yes, almonds or walnuts also work well in this recipe.

→ How should I store the cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies before filling them. Just make sure to thaw before adding the filling.

→ What can I use as a filling besides chocolate?

Caramel or fruit preserves are great alternatives for the filling.