If you’ve ever had a moment where a cookie just steals your heart, then get ready because this Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is your new lifelong favorite. These cookies are the perfect marriage of tender cocoa-infused dough and crunchy toasted hazelnuts, all crowned with a luscious dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread nestled right in the center. Every bite bursts with a harmony of rich chocolate and nutty warmth that feels like a hug wrapped in cookie form. Whether you’re craving a cozy afternoon treat or planning to impress at your next gathering, this recipe brings simplicity and elegance together effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows a woman’s hand holding a glass bowl with dark brown powdery ingredients being mixed by a spoon. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. The second image shows a woman’s hand holding a glass bowl filled with a bright yellow creamy mixture being whipped with an electric hand mixer, also on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Sometimes the most memorable treats come from the simplest ingredients, and this recipe proves it beautifully. Each component plays a vital role in creating that tender texture, deep cocoa flavor, and irresistible nutty crunch that make these cookies unforgettable.

200 g all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie dough, giving it that perfect chew and structure.
30 g Dutch processed cocoa powder: Adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
250 g unsalted butter: Brings richness and tenderness to the cookies, ensuring they melt in your mouth.
1 egg yolk: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough without making it tough.
40 g milk: Keeps the dough soft and tender while aiding in mixing.
115 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the cookies delicately and helps with that melt-away texture.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Provides a warm, fragrant note that rounds out the chocolate perfectly.
125 g finely chopped toasted hazelnuts: Gives a toasty crunch and nutty depth that complements the chocolate flawlessly.
100 g chocolate hazelnut spread: The luscious finishing touch that fills each thumbprint and makes these cookies utterly addictive.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 180C / 355F with the fan on, or 160C / 320F if your oven doesn’t have a fan. Line two large baking trays with baking paper and set them aside to keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch processed cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures your cocoa is evenly dispersed, setting the stage for a wonderfully chocolaty cookie with no clumps or dry pockets.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and milk at high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy—about three minutes. This fluffy base will give your cookies that light, tender crumb everyone loves.

Step 4: Combine and Form Dough Balls

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Then, roll out about thirty dough balls, each roughly 1 1/2 tablespoons in size—you can make this process easier by using a small ice cream scoop.

Step 5: Roll in Toasted Hazelnuts

Lightly coat each dough ball in the finely chopped toasted hazelnuts. This step adds a delicious, crunchy shell that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Place the hazelnut-coated cookie dough balls on a lined baking tray and chill them in the fridge for one hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking, preventing too much spreading and ensuring that perfect thumbprint form.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies on the middle rack for 8 minutes. Remember to bake them one tray at a time for consistent heat distribution. The cookies will flatten naturally in the oven—in fact, resist the urge to flatten them yourself beforehand.

Step 8: Create the Thumbprints

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, use a measuring tablespoon to press a shallow indentation in each cookie. Then, gently circle around the edges with a cookie cutter slightly larger than the cookie to neaten up their roundness. Let the cookies cool completely before filling.

Step 9: Fill with Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each thumbprint with the chocolate hazelnut spread. This luscious filling is the star that turns these cookies into an irresistibly gooey treat. Allow the filling to set completely before serving.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

The image shows three close-up steps of making a chocolate peanut cookie on a white marbled surface. The first step features a woman's hand pressing a small metal scoop into a round cookie base that is dark brown with crunchy crushed peanuts scattered on top. The second step has a woman's hand holding a small round metal cutter pressing into the cookie base with crushed peanuts around the edges, showing the hollowed center clearly. The last step displays glossy, smooth dark chocolate being poured by a narrow stream into the hollow center of the cookie, filling it up on top of the peanut-studded base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate spread to bring out the nutty and chocolate flavors even more. For a festive touch, you can dust the cookies lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar, adding a delicate visual and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Their rich chocolaty texture makes them a perfect companion to any warm drink during a cozy afternoon break or after-dinner dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your thumbprint cookies on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper for a charming display. For parties, place them in colorful mini cupcake liners so guests can easily pop them out without crumbling. You could also serve them alongside fresh berries or whipped cream for a delightful dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them away from humidity to preserve that perfect crunchy-soft texture we all crave.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a tray first. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies as if fresh from the oven, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 150C / 300F for 5-7 minutes. This will soften the chocolate filling beautifully without overbaking the cookie itself.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch processed?

Yes, but Dutch processed cocoa powder offers a smoother, less acidic flavor that makes these cookies extra rich. Using regular cocoa will still result in tasty cookies, but the flavor profile might be a bit brighter and tangier.

Do I need to toast the hazelnuts first?

Toasting the hazelnuts brings out their natural oils and intensifies the nutty flavor, which perfectly complements the chocolate. While you can skip this step, the cookies will be even better with toasted nuts.

Can I substitute the chocolate hazelnut spread with something else?

Absolutely! You could use plain melted chocolate, a fruit jam like raspberry for a fruity twist, or even peanut butter if you want to switch up the nutty flavors. Just keep in mind the signature charm comes from that classic chocolate hazelnut combo.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough solidifies the butter and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking. It prevents spreading, giving you those perfect, thick cookies ready for filling and eating.

Is this recipe suitable for making smaller or larger cookies?

You can definitely adjust the size! Just keep in mind that baking times will vary. Smaller cookies may need only 6 minutes, while larger ones could take 10 minutes or a bit more. Watch for that perfect set on the edges and softness in the center.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a cookie that hits just the right notes of flavor and texture, and this Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe does exactly that effortlessly. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these little bites of chocolaty, nutty goodness are sure to brighten your day and warm your heart. Don’t hesitate to dive in and let these cookies become your new go-to indulgence!