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Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe Easy Holiday Treat

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies - featured image

These chocolate thumbprint cookies feature a rich, fudgy ganache center nestled in a buttery, crumbly cookie base, making them the ultimate holiday treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (90g) semisweet chocolate chips
  • Optional: Sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies, or flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (226g) of softened butter, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Add 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft but manageable.
  6. Scoop out dough using a teaspoon, roll it into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
  7. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie.
  8. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over 1/2 cup (90g) semisweet chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  10. Spoon or pipe the ganache into the center of each cooled cookie. Let the ganache set before serving or decorating.

Notes

Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if it feels too soft. Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache for the best flavor. Avoid overbaking; the cookies should be just set around the edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate thumbprint cookies, holiday cookies, ganache cookies, easy dessert, Christmas cookies