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    Home » Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

    Published: Dec 9, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Chocolate thumbprint cookies - a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cookie is filled with a rich chocolate ganache. A simple but impressive holiday cookie for chocolate lovers that's easy to make!

    9 Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies on a cooling rack

    When it comes to dessert I firmly believe there is no such thing as too much chocolate - hence these chocolate thumbprint cookies!

    A rich, chocolate, shortbread-like cookie is baked and filled with a luscious chocolate ganache.

    They're easy to make with simple ingredients, and are the perfect Christmas cookie for chocolate lovers.

    5 Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, one with a bite taken out of it

    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: Ingredients & Substitutions

    overhead view of the ingredients in this Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies recipe
    • All-purpose flour. I suspect using an all-purpose gluten-free baking flour would work well, but I have not tried it (report back if you do).
    • Salted butter. Unsalted butter works well in this recipe.
    • Powdered sugar. white granulated sugar also works in this recipe, however I prefer the texture with powdered sugar!
    • Pure vanilla extract. You can substitute up to 1 tsp of the vanilla extract with another extract, if preferred (peppermint, almond, etc.)
    • Semisweet chocolate. I usually use chocolate chips (easy) but you can use discs, chopped bars, etc.
    8 Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies on a wire cooling rack

    How to make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

    Let's walk through this recipe step-by-step, and don't forget to watch the video.

    Make the chocolate thumbprint cookies

    Begin by combining the dry ingredients in a small bowl, then set the mixture aside.

    two photos showing how to make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies - combining dry ingredients

    Next, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy (about 1 minute) either in the bowl of a standing mixer or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer.

    Then, add vanilla and beat to combine. 

    two photos showing how to make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies - beating butter & sugar and adding vanilla

    Next, add the dry ingredient mixture and beat on low speed, then increase to medium-high and beat until the mixture forms large crumbs and easily sticks together when pinched (about 1 minute).

    two photos showing how to make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies - adding dry ingredients to butter

    Then, measure out 1 tablespoon portions of dough and roll each one into a ball, then roll it in granulated sugar.

    Press the center down gently with a round, 1 teaspoon measuring spoon, if the dough cracks around the spoon, gently form it back together with your fingers. Evenly space the cookies on a prepare baking sheet.

    two photos showing how to make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies - dipping in sugar and putting on baking sheet

    Then, bake the chocolate thumbprint cookies for 8-9 minutes. If the wells puff up, gently press them back down with the teaspoon when you remove them from the oven.

    Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

    chocolate thumbprint cookies on a baking sheet

    Make the chocolate filling

    While the cookies are cooling, make the chocolate ganache by heating ½ cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to boil around the edges.

    Then, remove it from the heat and whisk in the chocolate chips until smooth and glossy.

    two photos showing how to make the chocolate ganache for chocolate thumbprint cookies

    Once smooth and all the chocolate chips have melted, whisk in the vanilla and let it cool slightly until it’s thickened.

    Assemble the chocolate thumbprint cookies

    Then, use a 1 tsp measuring spoon to add the slightly cooled filling to the well in each thumbprint cookie.

    Let the cookies sit at room temperature to harden completely, or chill them in the refrigerator.

    two photos showing adding the chocolate ganache to baked chocolate thumbprint cookies

    Store

    Store leftover chocolate thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

    12 Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

    Freeze

    You can freeze these chocolate mint cookies in one of two ways.

    1. Freeze the dough. Roll the cookie dough into balls and place them on a large baking sheet. Transfer to the freezer to flash-freeze. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container to freeze for up to two months. To bake, remove dough from freezer and let it come to room temperature, then roll in sugar, form the wells and bake according to the recipe instructions. 
    2. Freeze baked cookies. Transfer baked and cooled cookies to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw slowly at room temperature.
    a Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie with a bite taken out of it

    Recipe FAQs

    How do I keep my thumbprint cookies from cracking?

    Do not over-bake the cookies and they won't crack.

    Why did my thumbprint cookies go flat?

    Dough that is too warm (usually caused by butter that is too warm), could result in flat cookies. If your butter was too warm, you can chill the dough for 1 hour to ensure it won't spread or go flat while baking.

    6 Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies on a wire cooling rack

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

    Laura
    Chocolate thumbprint cookies - a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cookie is filled with a rich chocolate ganache. A simple but impressive holiday cookie for chocolate lovers that's easy to make, no chilling required!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    setting 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
    Course cookies, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 30 Cookies
    Calories 128 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • glass batter bowl
    • KitchenAid Mixer
    • hand mixer
    • Parchment Paper
    • baking sheet
    • 3 quart saucepan

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup cocoa powder
    • ¼ tsp sea salt
    • 1 cup salted butter
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • ½ cup granulated sugar for coating

    Chocolate filling

    • 1 cup semisweet chocolate
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    Make the chocolate thumbprint cookie

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper, set aside.
    • In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder and sea salt, set aside.
    • In the bowl of a standing mixer, or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, beat butter, and powdered sugar until fluffy (about 1 minute). Add vanilla and beat to combine.
    • Add the dry ingredient mixture and beat on low speed, then increase to medium-high and beat until the mixture forms large crumbs and easily sticks together when pinched (about 1 minute).
    • Measure out 1 TBS portions of dough and roll each one into a ball, then roll it in granulated sugar.
    • Press the center down gently with a round, 1 teaspoon measuring spoon, if the dough cracks around the spoon, gently form it back together with your fingers.
    • Evenly space the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 8-9 minutes. If the wells puff up, gently press them back down with the teaspoon when you remove them from the oven.
    • Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Make the chocolate filling

    • Heat ½ cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to boil around the edges.
    • Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate chips until smooth and glossy.
    • Whisk in vanilla, then let cool slightly until it’s thickened.

    Assemble the cookies

    • Use a 1 tsp measuring spoon to add the slightly cooled filling to the well in each thumbprint cookie.
    • Let sit at room temperature to harden completely, or chill them in the refrigerator.
    • Serve at room temperature.

    Video

    Notes

    Ingredient Substitutions
    • All-purpose flour. I suspect using an all-purpose gluten-free baking flour would work well, but I have not tried it (report back if you do).
    • Salted butter. Unsalted butter works well in this recipe.
    • Powdered sugar. white granulated sugar also works in this recipe, however I prefer the texture with powdered sugar!
    • Pure vanilla extract. You can substitute up to 1 tsp of the vanilla extract with another extract, if preferred (peppermint, almond, etc.)
    • Semisweet chocolate. I usually use chocolate chips (easy) but you can use discs, chopped bars, etc.
    Store
    Store leftover chocolate thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
    Freeze
    You can freeze these chocolate mint cookies in one of two ways.
    1. Freeze the dough. Roll the cookie dough into balls and place them on a large baking sheet. Transfer to the freezer to flash-freeze. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container to freeze for up to two months. To bake, remove dough from freezer and let it come to room temperature, then roll in sugar, form the wells and bake according to the recipe instructions. 
    2. Freeze baked cookies. Transfer baked and cooled cookies to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw slowly at room temperature.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookieCalories: 128kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 68mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Photos in this post were taken by Ashleigh Scott Creative.

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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