Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Thumbprints

Introduction

These Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Thumbprints are a luxurious combination of rich chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and a silky, sweet cream filling that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Perfect for any special occasion, holiday, or as an indulgent treat for yourself, these thumbprint cookies offer a unique twist on a classic favorite. The deep chocolate flavor of the cocoa powder and chocolate-hazelnut spread is complemented by the toasty crunch of finely chopped hazelnuts, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.

What makes these cookies even more irresistible is the smooth, creamy filling tucked into each thumbprint—giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you reaching for one cookie after another. Whether you’re a baker looking for a new recipe or simply craving something special, this treat is guaranteed to impress.

Not only do they look elegant with their glossy chocolate centers and toasted nut coating, but they also come together easily, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. These cookies also freeze well, so you can enjoy them long after you’ve baked them. So, grab your ingredients and prepare to make a batch of these incredible thumbprint cookies that blend two of the best flavors around—chocolate and hazelnut!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent Chocolate-Hazelnut Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate-hazelnut spread delivers a rich, indulgent taste that chocolate lovers will adore.
2. Elegant and Impressive: These cookies look elegant with their glossy chocolate centers and crunchy hazelnut coating, making them perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or dinner parties.
3. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of a buttery cookie base with a smooth, creamy filling results in a soft and satisfying texture that is simply irresistible.
4. Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, these cookies come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive dessert.
5. Great for Gifting: These cookies are perfect for gifting during holidays, birthdays, or other special occasions, offering a homemade touch that everyone will appreciate.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Hazelnuts, finely chopped
• Chocolate-hazelnut spread

Variations

• Nut-Free: Replace the chopped hazelnuts with crushed graham crackers or a different type of nut, like almonds or pecans, for a different twist.
• Vegan: Use dairy-free butter, a flax egg, and a plant-based chocolate-hazelnut spread to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
• Different Nut Filling: If you’re not a fan of hazelnuts, you can try using walnuts or almonds, which will still add a delicious crunch and flavor to the cookies.
• Different Chocolate Spread: Experiment with other flavored spreads like peanut butter or caramel for a unique and fun variation.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will help create a soft, tender cookie base.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolk, Milk, and Vanilla

Beat in the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually stir in the dry flour mixture, mixing until the dough is well combined. The dough should be soft but firm enough to shape into balls.

Step 6: Prepare for Rolling

In a small bowl, whisk the egg white until foamy. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, dip each ball into the egg white, and then roll in the finely chopped hazelnuts to coat evenly.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Use your thumb to press into the center of each cookie, creating a small indentation.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set. Remove from the oven and immediately press down the centers again using the end of a wooden spoon to deepen the indentations.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough for Easier Handling: If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping the balls.
• Use Fresh Egg Whites: For the best results, make sure your egg whites are fresh and foamy to help the hazelnuts stick.
• Press the Centers Twice: Pressing the centers after baking ensures there’s a deep enough well for the chocolate-hazelnut spread to fill later.
• Check Your Oven: Ovens vary in temperature, so check your cookies at the 10-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake.

How to Serve

These Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Thumbprints are perfect for serving at parties, as a gift for loved ones, or as a sweet afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. They can be served on their own or paired with other baked goods for a dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will keep them fresh and maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies without the filling. Simply freeze the unfilled cookies on a baking sheet, and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them and fill with chocolate-hazelnut spread.

Reheating

To bring back the fresh-baked taste, reheat the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a few seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use other nuts besides hazelnuts?

Yes, you can use other nuts like almonds or walnuts, depending on your preference.

2. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Can I use a different spread instead of chocolate-hazelnut spread?

Yes, you can use any spread you like, such as peanut butter or even caramel sauce.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

5. How do I get the cookies to keep their shape?

Make sure you don’t overwork the dough and chill it if it becomes too soft while rolling.

6. What can I substitute for egg whites if I want to make these vegan?

You can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or a store-bought egg replacement.

7. Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the dough balls, but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

8. Can I add more filling to the centers?

Feel free to add more filling if you prefer a richer center, but don’t overfill to avoid overflow while baking.

9. Why is my dough too crumbly?

If your dough is too crumbly, try adding a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, to bring it together.

10. How do I make sure the centers don’t lose their indentation during baking?

Press the centers immediately after baking while the cookies are still soft and pliable.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Thumbprints are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, buttery dough, and crunchy hazelnuts, all topped with a smooth, sweet cream. They make the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a delicious and elegant twist on a classic favorite. Easy to make and full of flavor, these cookies will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply craving something indulgent, these thumbprints are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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