Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup hazelnut flour; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy cream

Highlighted under: Baked Favorites

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies! The rich, nutty flavor of hazelnut combined with smooth chocolate creates an irresistible treat that everyone adores. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures, with the soft cookie contrasting perfectly against the velvety chocolate ganache. Whether it's for a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make—a perfect recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike!

Created by

Ione Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-01-11T16:49:38.312Z

When I first experimented with these cookies, I knew I wanted to infuse the classic thumbprint concept with something special. That's when the hazelnut idea struck me! Using ground hazelnuts in the cookie dough not only added a unique flavor but also a beautiful crunch. I decided to fill each thumbprint with luscious chocolate ganache, which perfectly complements the nutty cookie base.

The trick is to let the cookie cool before adding the ganache. This way, the ganache holds its shape better. I’ve also found that using high-quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference in flavor, so don’t skimp on this key ingredient!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Decadent chocolate and nutty hazelnut flavor combination
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that delights
Perfectly customizable with your choice of filling

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies lies in the unique blend of hazelnut flour and all-purpose flour. Hazelnut flour not only adds a rich, nutty flavor but also contributes to the delicate texture of the cookies. If you can't find hazelnut flour, you can make your own by grinding roasted hazelnuts in a food processor until finely ground, but be careful not to overprocess it into hazelnut butter.

Butter is another crucial ingredient that brings richness and moisture to the cookies. It's best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in your recipe. Make sure it's softened to room temperature so that it creams well with the sugars, helping to incorporate air into the dough and creating a light texture.

Perfecting Your Technique

When shaping the cookies, ensure that the dough is chilled for a short time if it's too soft to handle. Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. The indentation in each cookie should be deep enough to hold the ganache, but not so deep that it compromises the cookie structure. Aim for about a half-inch depth.

While baking, keep an eye on the cookies as ovens can vary. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers may still seem soft—this is normal and desirable. They will firm up as they cool and will maintain that melt-in-your-mouth texture you're aiming for.

Ingredients

Before you start baking, gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth process:

Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup hazelnut flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg

Chocolate Ganache Filling

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let's move on to the cookie-making process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In another bowl, combine the hazelnut flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.

Bake the Cookies

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Ganache Filling

While the cookies cool, prepare the chocolate ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth.

Fill the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, use a small spoon to fill each thumbprint with the chocolate ganache. Let the ganache set before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Pro Tips

Make sure to let the cookies cool completely before adding the ganache to avoid melting. If you want a twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the ganache for a sweet and salty combination.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These cookies can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for busy schedules. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you'd like to freeze them, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months—just thaw and fill with ganache before serving.

If you plan to make the ganache ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, gently reheat it in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring in between, until glossy and pourable again. This way, you can enjoy the cookies fresh without the stress right before your gathering.

Flavor and Filling Variations

While the chocolate ganache is a classic filling, feel free to get creative! You can substitute the chocolate with other types of melted chocolate, such as white or milk chocolate, or even try a fruit jam or Nutella for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that whatever you use can hold its shape when set, so it doesn’t run out of the cookies.

For a more textured cookie, consider adding chopped hazelnuts into the dough or sprinkling them on top of the ganache once filled. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie and creamy filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! Almonds or walnuts can be great substitutes for hazelnuts.

→ How long do these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container, they can last up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What should I do if the ganache is too thick?

If your ganache is too thick, you can gently reheat it with a little more cream to loosen it up.