why make this recipe
These Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are quick and easy. They give rich chocolate flavor and a soft center of chocolate ganache. You can make them for a snack, a gift, or a simple dessert. They use common ingredients and a short bake time.
introduction
These cookies are small, chocolate, and easy to make. The dough is simple and the thumbprint hold a smooth chocolate filling. If you like small chocolate cookies, try a recipe like these heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies for another fun treat.
how to make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Follow the steps below. Work in a clean kitchen and use room temperature butter for best results.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for ganache)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- While the cookies cool, make the ganache by heating the heavy cream until just boiling and pouring it over the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, fill each indentation with ganache.
- Let the chocolates set before serving.
how to serve Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Serve them at room temperature so the ganache is soft but set. Put them on a small plate or a cookie tray. They go well with milk, coffee, or tea.
how to store Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 10 days. If you refrigerate, let them sit at room temperature 15 minutes before serving so the ganache softens.
tips to make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Use room temperature butter for an even dough.
- Cool the cookies fully before filling so the ganache does not melt.
- Press a deep but not wide thumbprint so the ganache sits well.
- If dough is sticky, chill it 10-20 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Warm ganache spreads easier; stir it until smooth before filling.
variation (if any)
- Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the ganache for coffee flavor.
- Mix chopped nuts into the ganache for crunch.
- Use white chocolate chips for a different look and taste.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. Wrap the dough and chill it up to 2 days, or freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for ganache?
A: Heavy cream makes a smooth ganache. Milk is thinner and may not set as well. Use cream for best results.
Q: Can I bake bigger cookies?
A: Yes. Bake time will increase. Check after 15 minutes and add time until they are set.
Q: How do I fix cracked tops?
A: Bake a little less time or chill the dough before baking to reduce cracks.
Q: Can I use dark chocolate for the ganache?
A: Yes. Dark chocolate gives a richer, less sweet filling. Adjust to taste.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate cookies with a soft center filled with rich chocolate ganache, perfect for snacks, gifts, or desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for ganache)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- While the cookies cool, make the ganache by heating the heavy cream until just boiling and pouring it over the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, fill each indentation with ganache.
- Let the chocolates set before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg