Why Make This Recipe
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich taste of chocolate with a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are perfect for special occasions, holidays, or just as a sweet snack to enjoy at home. These cookies are fun to make, and the thumbprint filled with chocolate ganache adds a special touch that will impress your family and friends.
How to Make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate ganache (for filling)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Make an indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Fill each indentation with chocolate ganache.
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving.

How to Serve Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be served at room temperature. You can arrange them on a pretty plate for a charming dessert display. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a lovely treat for afternoon breaks.
How to Store Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings like fruit preserves or peanut butter.
Variation
You can try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra texture. Instead of chocolate ganache, you can fill the cookies with caramel or frosting for a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, you can use margarine, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have chocolate ganache?
A: You can use chocolate frosting, or even fruit preserves, as a filling instead.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Delightful chocolate cookies with a rich ganache filling that melt in your mouth—perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate ganache (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Make an indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Fill each indentation with chocolate ganache.
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder. If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, chocolate, dessert, baking, thumbprint cookies