Looking for a delightful treat that will impress your family or friends without consuming your entire afternoon? Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect answer! These scrumptious cookies combine a rich chocolate flavor with creamy ganache, creating a sweet bite that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate craving.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a cocoa lover’s dream! They boast a soft, chewy texture with a rich and indulgent chocolate flavor. The special twist comes from the chocolate ganache filling that sits in the center of each cookie, making every bite decadently smooth. Whether you’re preparing a nice dessert for a gathering, or just treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Here are a few top reasons to whip up a batch of these cookies:
- Perfect for gatherings, they impress guests while being simple to make.
- The ingredients are likely already stocked in your pantry.
- They’re customizable with various fillings for a different twist each time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under an hour: Get cookies in no time!
- Made with pantry staples: No need for special trips to the store.
- Family favorite: Everyone will love these delicious treats.
- Simple to customize: Add your favorite nuts or use different types of chocolate ganache.
Ingredients for Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate
Step-by-Step Instructions of Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the ganache by heating the heavy cream until simmering, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Fill each cookie’s thumbprint with ganache once cooled.
Tips for Success
- Let the dough chill for a few minutes in the fridge for easier handling.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to enhance the flavor.
- Store the cookies in a single layer to prevent the ganache from smudging.
Substitutions & Variations of Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use gluten-free flour. Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Variations: Try adding a teaspoon of mint extract for a mint-chocolate twist or throw in chopped nuts for added texture.
Storage Instructions of Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough a day ahead, wrap it tightly, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What can I use for the filling besides ganache? Nut butters, fruit jams, or even cream cheese frosting work great too!
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust your baking sheets and oven space accordingly.
Final Toughts
These Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding! They bring a special treat to any occasion or provide a sweet escape in the middle of a busy week. So grab your ingredients, and indulge in this delicious recipe today! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and fillings — and if you love the recipe, drop a comment or a star rating to share your thoughts!
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Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Delightful chocolate cookies filled with creamy ganache, perfect for gatherings and easy to make.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 8 oz dark chocolate (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the ganache by heating the heavy cream until simmering, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Fill each cookie’s thumbprint with ganache once cooled.
Notes
Let the dough chill for easier handling and use high-quality chocolate for the ganache.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian