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Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
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Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery, tender cookie dough with a rich, gooey chocolate center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a perfect harmony of crunchy edges and a soft middle, made from simple pantry ingredients and easily customizable fillings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking mix with xanthan gum for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks (milk, dark, or dairy-free for vegan option)

Optional Additions

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (for nutty version)
  • Cocoa powder (to add to dough for double chocolate variation)
  • Spices such as cinnamon or chili powder (for spiced chocolate center)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy to create a tender, buttery crumb. Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  3. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about one inch in diameter. Arrange them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space for spreading.
  4. Create the Thumbprint Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press a small well in the center of each dough ball for the filling.
  5. Fill with Chocolate: Place a few chocolate chips or a small chunk of chocolate into each indentation, forming the cookie’s gooey center.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool briefly on the sheet then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to maintain shape and enhance flavor.
  • Do not overfill the thumbprints to prevent chocolate from spilling over during baking.
  • Use room temperature butter to achieve smooth creaming and a better dough texture.
  • Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even cooking and browning.
  • Experiment with fillings by adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of espresso powder to the chocolate for a gourmet twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate thumbprint cookies, thumbprint cookies, chocolate cookies, easy cookie recipe, gluten-free cookies, holiday cookies, dessert

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/chocolate-thumbprint-cookies/