Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from chocolate lovers and holiday bakers)
Deep Chocolate Flavor | Soft and Tender | Family-Approved
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a holiday classic, featuring rich cocoa cookies with soft centers and a sweet filling tucked into each thumbprint. Whether filled with chocolate ganache, caramel, or jam, these cookies are elegant, easy to make, and perfect for cookie exchanges and festive dessert tables.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Makes: 24 cookies
Budget-Friendly
Texture: Soft centers with slightly crisp edges
Perfect For: Holiday baking, cookie exchanges, and dessert platters
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients – Simple and Decadent
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Filling Options
- Chocolate ganache
- Caramel sauce
- Raspberry or strawberry jam
- Hazelnut spread
How to Make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla, mixing until combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
Step 3: Shape and Roll
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and roll each one in granulated sugar. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently press a thumb or spoon into the center of each cookie.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft. If indentations puff up, gently press again while warm.
Step 5: Fill and Set
Allow cookies to cool completely, then fill centers with ganache, caramel, or jam. Let filling set before serving.
Filling Ideas and Helpful Tips
- Use seedless jam for a smooth finish
- Add espresso powder to deepen chocolate flavor
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft
- Fill cookies just before serving for best texture
What Everyone’s Saying About These Cookies
“Rich chocolate flavor and beautiful presentation.” – Megan L.
“Perfect balance of soft cookie and sweet filling.” – Daniel K.
“These disappeared first from our holiday tray.” – Rachel S.
🍫 Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies – Rich, Fudgy, and Holiday-Perfect
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg yolk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Cover and chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into each cookie.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes. Re-press centers gently if needed while warm.
- Cool completely, then fill centers with ganache or jam.
- Ganache: Heat cream until steaming (not boiling), pour over chocolate chips, let sit 2 minutes, then stir smooth.
Notes
FAQ – Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze dough balls for up to 2 months and bake as needed.
Why use only egg yolk?
The yolk adds richness and keeps the cookies tender.
Can I fill before baking?
For best results, fill after baking to prevent overflow.
How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Balance rich chocolate with Cristal Recipes’ Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, a soft and festive holiday favorite.
