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 all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Highlighted under: Cozy Cooking

I absolutely adore making Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies! This delightful treat combines the luxurious flavor of chocolate with the rich, nutty essence of hazelnuts, creating a cookie that's perfect for any occasion. The thumbprint adds a unique touch, allowing rich hazelnut chocolate ganache to nestle in the center. I love how simple the preparation is, yet the end result feels so gourmet. Whether it's for a special gathering or just an afternoon indulgence, these cookies never fail to impress and satisfy my sweet cravings.

Created by

Isla Weatherford

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:29:35.091Z

Every time I bake these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, I’m reminded of the comforting aroma that fills my kitchen. I discovered that using ground hazelnuts in the dough elevates the flavor to new heights, providing a wonderful crunch that complements the smooth chocolate ganache. I also learned that chilling the dough helps maintain that perfect shape during baking, ensuring that my thumbprints hold the decadent filling beautifully.

One of my fondest memories is sharing these cookies with friends during a chilly evening gathering. As we savored each bite, I realized how the combination of textures—the tender cookie base with the silky ganache—creates a delightful experience. I particularly enjoy using high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache, which adds depth and richness, making each cookie truly irresistible.

        Why You Will Love These Cookies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with the nuttiness of hazelnuts
Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for gifting or making any occasion special

      

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When making Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies, the quality of the ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor. Use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache, as this will impact the depth of flavor in your cookies. Look for chocolate that contains at least 60% cocoa solids to balance the sweetness of the cookies with rich, intense chocolate flavors. Freshly ground hazelnuts also add a unique nuttiness that pre-ground versions might lack, so consider grinding them yourself if possible.

Additionally, unsalted butter is preferable in cookie recipes because it allows you to control the saltiness of the final product. The butter must be at room temperature to cream well with the sugars, which creates tiny air pockets that help your cookies rise and gives them a soft texture. If you're short on time, you can soften the butter quickly by cutting it into smaller pieces and letting it sit at room temperature or using the microwave in short bursts.

Perfecting the Dough Consistency

Achieving the proper dough consistency is vital for the shape and texture of these thumbprint cookies. The dough should be soft but not sticky; if it feels too sticky after mixing, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up. This resting period will not only enhance the flavors but also help maintain the integrity of the thumbprint shape during baking. If the dough is too dry, a tablespoon of milk can be mixed in to achieve the desired consistency.

When rolling the dough into balls, make sure to keep them uniform in size—about 1 inch in diameter—to ensure even baking. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve uniformity. Remember to create a deep enough indentation when making the thumbprint; this will prevent the ganache from overflowing while allowing a sufficient amount to sit within the cookie's surface.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful baking experience!

For the cookies:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the ganache:

1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Make sure to have all ingredients measured before starting!

Instructions

Prepare dough

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together flour, ground hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just incorporated.

Shape cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Using your thumb, create an indentation in the center of each ball.

Bake

Bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes until set. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make ganache

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it simmers. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let sit for a minute. Stir until smooth, then mix in the butter until fully incorporated.

Fill cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon a small amount of ganache into each thumbprint. Let the ganache set before enjoying.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the ganache for a mocha twist. You can also garnish the filled cookies with chopped hazelnuts for extra texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent option for busy bakers. Once baked and filled with ganache, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies without the ganache for up to 2 months. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.

If you prefer to freeze the cookies after they’ve been filled, consider doing so before the ganache fully sets. After thawing, you can reheat the ganache gently in a microwave or a small saucepan to restore its creamy texture before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These cookies make a beautiful dessert when served alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast with their rich chocolate flavor. For an extra flair, sprinkle some crushed hazelnuts or sea salt on top of the ganache before it sets to add texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

For a different twist, experiment with flavor variations by substituting the hazelnuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans, or replace the dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter version. You can also incorporate a hint of espresso powder into the dough for added depth or experiment by mixing in a few chocolate chips for an even chocolateier experience!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Yes, you can substitute ground almonds or walnuts for a different flavor profile.

→ How should I store the cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.