Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies: A Sweet Delight You’ll Crave

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup hazelnut flour (or ground hazelnuts); ½ cup cocoa powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread

If you’re anything like me, cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a whole mood! Chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies, in particular, are the kind of treat that can turn even the dullest of days into a delightful experience. You know, the moment you realize the universe has blessed you with nutty chocolate goodness nestled in a buttery cookie? Yeah, it feels pretty epic. So, let’s bake some of these gems together, shall we? 😄

What Are Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies?

Before we head straight into the oven, let’s chat about what makes these cookies so special. Essentially, chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies are buttery cookies that get a cozy little fingerprint indentation filled with luscious chocolate hazelnut spread (hello, Nutella!). Sounds dreamy? Oh, it gets better!

These cookies are easy to make, oh-so-tasty, and they tend to disappear faster than the latest Netflix series you binge-watched. Yep, they’re that good.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

So, what sets chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies apart from your average cookie? Here’s the scoop:

1. Decadent Flavor Combination

The rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut flavors create a match made in cookie heaven. Honestly, who wouldn’t want that?

2. Easy to Make

Even if you’re the resident “I Burn Everything” chef, I promise you can nail these cookies with minimal effort. Is it possible to mess them up? Spoiler alert: No.

3. Versatile Treat

These cookies shine at parties, during holidays, or just as a pick-me-up snack. You really can’t go wrong here!

Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our supplies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful treats:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup hazelnut flour (or ground hazelnuts if you’re feeling fancy)
½ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread (because why skimp?)

Pro-tip:

If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some crushed hazelnuts for extra crunch! 😋

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Seriously, don’t skip this step unless you want your cookies to have a passionate love affair with the baking sheet.

Step 2: Cream That Butter

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Isn’t it amazing how quickly that transforms? It’s like magic! ✨

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. The dough may look a bit dry, but trust me, it’s perfect!

Step 4: Add Hazelnut Flour

Fold in the hazelnut flour (or ground hazelnuts, if you went that route). You want that nutty goodness to be evenly distributed throughout your dough.

Step 5: Shape Those Cookies

Scoop small balls of dough (about 1 inch wide) and place them on the prepared baking sheet with enough space in between. Now here comes the fun part: use your thumb (or the back of a spoon) to create a little indentation in the center of each cookie.

Step 6: Bake Time

Pop those bad boys into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. They’ll puff slightly, and the edges should look set. You can almost smell the yumminess, right?

Step 7: Fill ‘Em Up

Once out of the oven, let them cool for a minute or two, then fill each thumbprint with a dollop of your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread. What’s better than warm cookies and melted chocolate? Not much, I tell ya!

Step 8: Let Them Cool (If You Can)

Allow them to chill on the baking sheet for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’ve made it this far without devouring one, well done!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve conquered the art of making chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies, how do you serve them? Here are a few ideas:

With a Glass of Milk: Because, let’s face it, this combo is timeless.
Top ‘Em with Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt will kick up that flavor profile. Sweet and salty is the dream team, right?
Gift Them: Wrap these cookies up in a cute box or jar and make someone’s day! (Just don’t expect any to come back…they might find a new home!)

Storage Tips

You’ll want to make these cookies last, right? Here are my top-secret storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store these gems in an airtight container for up to a week. They’ll maintain their deliciousness, promise!
Freezer Friendly: Want to save some for later? Freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and enjoy a brief taste of heaven again!

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it, folks! Chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies that are bound to impress your taste buds and those of anyone lucky enough to try them. These cookies definitely hold a special place in my heart (and stomach), and I bet they will in yours too.

Next time you’re in the mood for baking or just need something to cheer you up, remember these little nuggets of joy. Got any cookie creations of your own? I’d love to hear about ’em! 🍪

Now go on, preheat that oven, and let’s make some magic happen! Happy baking! 🎉