Irresistible Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

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🍫 Irresistible Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

✨ Introduction

If you love rich, chocolatey desserts (and I know you do, especially with your baking habits like Cloud Cake and chocolate treats 😉), these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are pure heaven. They combine deep cocoa flavor with a creamy, nutty center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for tea time, gifting, or adding to your cookie collection alongside your favorite chocolate desserts.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella-style)

Optional Toppings:

  • Crushed hazelnuts
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Melted chocolate drizzle

🥣 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, cream the butter until smooth.
  3. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

2. Shape the Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  3. Roll dough into small balls (about 1 inch).
  4. Place on tray and gently press your thumb in the center to create an indentation.

3. Bake

  • Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
  • Remove and let cool slightly.

4. Fill the Centers

  • Spoon or pipe chocolate hazelnut spread into each thumbprint.
  • Add toppings if desired.

🍳 Methods & Baking Tips

  • Chill the dough (15–20 minutes) if it feels too soft.
  • Even sizing ensures uniform baking.
  • Don’t overbake—soft centers keep cookies tender.
  • Use a measuring spoon instead of your thumb for perfect indentations.

📜 History & Origin

Thumbprint cookies are believed to have originated from European baking traditions, particularly in Sweden, where they are known as Hallongrotta (meaning “raspberry cave”). Traditionally filled with jam, modern versions have evolved into chocolate-filled delights. The addition of chocolate hazelnut spread is a contemporary twist inspired by the global love of cocoa-hazelnut combinations.

🧁 Formation & Texture

  • Outside: Slightly crisp with a rich cocoa flavor
  • Inside: Soft, fudgy, and buttery
  • Center: Smooth, creamy, nutty filling

This contrast of textures makes every bite irresistible.

❤️ Why Everyone Loves Them

  • Perfect balance of chocolate and hazelnut
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Elegant yet comforting
  • Great for holidays, gifts, or everyday treats

Honestly, if you enjoy your Death by Chocolate Dump Cake, these cookies will definitely be your next obsession 😍

🍪 Conclusion

Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect combination of classic baking and modern indulgence. They’re easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your baking rotation—just like your favorite quick desserts.

If you want, I can turn this into a bakery-style version, eggless version, or even a stuffed molten center version 🔥

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