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!
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 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 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
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.
StoreStore 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
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.
Freeze baked cookies. Transfer baked and cooled cookies to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw slowly at room temperature.