If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting combo of nuts and chocolate, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. These little bites are pure magic—soft buttery dough with a delicate indentation filled with rich, creamy hazelnut chocolate spread that melts ever so slightly, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether it’s an afternoon treat or a charming addition to your cookie jar, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite you’ll want to make time and time again.

Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the greatest things about this recipe is how straightforward and achievable it is. Every ingredient plays a vital role, from the buttery base that gives these cookies their tender crumb, to the nutty filling that brings all the flavors together beautifully.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft yet sturdy dough that holds its shape nicely.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and lends a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar: Provides a gentle sweetness that balances the nutty spread perfectly.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and helps keep the cookies moist.
Egg yolk: Enriches the dough and binds everything together for a luscious bite.
Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with a sweet, aromatic note.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and complements the chocolate hazelnut spread.
Hazelnut chocolate spread: The star of the show, filling each cookie’s thumbprint with creamy, nutty bliss.
Chopped toasted hazelnuts (optional): For a delightful crunch and extra nutty flair on top.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating together the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars. Do this until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This important step creates a tender, airy texture that makes these cookies so delightful. Next, mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined, infusing the dough with rich flavor and moisture.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with the salt. Gradually add this into your wet mixture, stirring gently just until you get a soft, pliable dough. Resist overmixing here—that’s the secret to keeping your cookies tender and not tough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step does double duty; it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps maintain those charming thumbprint wells that will cradle the chocolate hazelnut filling.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press down in the center of each ball to create a small indentation. This thumbprint is where all that delicious hazelnut chocolate spread will go later—so make it count!

Step 5: Bake until Just Set

Place your cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for the edges to turn a lovely golden color while the centers remain set but soft. This precise timing helps the cookies maintain their perfect shape and texture.

Step 6: Add the Hazelnut Filling

Right after taking the cookies out of the oven, spoon about a teaspoon of hazelnut chocolate spread into each thumbprint. Then, pop the cookies back in the oven for another 2 minutes to gently warm the filling so it melts into the dough just slightly, locking in all that rich flavor.

Step 7: Cool and Garnish

Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack. If you want to elevate things even more, sprinkle some chopped toasted hazelnuts over the warm filling before it sets. That crunchy, nutty topping adds an irresistible contrast in both taste and texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or even a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate your cookies to something really special. A little sea salt pinch on top of the chocolate filling can also bring out the hazelnut’s sweetness magnificently.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy latte. For a cozy afternoon snack, serve them with a glass of cold milk or a hot chocolate. Their buttery nutty flavor pairs beautifully with warm drinks that complement their richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color. Stacking them in pretty mason jars makes a charming gift idea, or sandwiching them with a layer of whipped cream or marshmallow fluff adds playful texture for a dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your thumbprint cookies will stay fresh if stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Just keep them away from heat or sunlight to preserve that tender crumb and creamy filling.

Freezing

Want to keep these delightful treats around longer? You can freeze baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. For dough storage, shape the balls and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a bag, baking straight from frozen—but you might need to add a minute or two to bake time.

Reheating

To enjoy the hazelnut spread warm and gooey again, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the dough too soft or chewy.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter instead of hazelnut spread?

Absolutely! While hazelnut chocolate spread gives the signature flavor to these thumbprint cookies, you can try almond butter or peanut butter for a different but equally delicious twist. Just choose a creamy variety for the best texture.

Why is the dough chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which prevents spreading in the oven and helps the thumbprint cavities hold their shape so you get those perfect little wells for the filling.

What if I don’t have an egg yolk? Can I substitute?

The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the dough. You might try using a whole egg, but the dough could be slightly different in texture and spread. For egg-free options, a flax egg can be experimented with, though results may vary.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking should work well. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or other binders for proper texture.

How long do these cookies keep their texture?

They’re best enjoyed within a few days of baking when the dough is still soft and the chocolate spread fresh. After about 4 days at room temperature, they might start to lose their tender quality, though they’ll still taste great.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about homemade cookies that bring together the classic flavors of chocolate and hazelnut, especially when made with love and a few simple ingredients. This Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is a lovely way to treat yourself or your loved ones to a sweet moment. Trust me, once you try making these cookies, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for every season and celebration. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and start baking your way to cookie bliss!