(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Salt
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
Heavy cream
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
While the cookies are baking, prepare the chocolate filling by heating the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour it over the chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy.
Once the cookies are out of the oven, if needed, gently press down the indentations again. Let cool slightly, then spoon or pipe the chocolate filling into the center of each cookie.
Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10–12 minutes Cooling and setting time: 20 minutes Total time: Approximately 45 minutes
Variations
Sprinkle the chocolate centers with sea salt for a sweet-salty twist.
Use white or milk chocolate instead of dark or semi-sweet.
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a mocha version.
Fill the thumbprints with Nutella, peanut butter, or caramel instead of chocolate ganache.
Roll the cookie dough balls in chopped nuts or sugar before baking for added texture.
Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate filling for a holiday feel.
Swap in almond or orange extract for a flavored dough variation.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheating is not necessary, but you can warm them briefly in the microwave for a gooey center.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before rolling and baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Too-soft butter or overmixing the dough can cause spreading. Chill the dough if needed and measure flour accurately.
Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely. Caramel, jam, Nutella, or peanut butter all make great alternative fillings.
How do I keep the chocolate center from being runny?
Let the ganache thicken slightly before filling the cookies, and allow it to fully set at room temperature or in the fridge.
Can I use a piping bag for the filling?
Yes, a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off makes filling the cookies neat and easy.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is not required, but if the dough is too soft, a 15–20 minute chill in the fridge can help prevent excessive spreading.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe doubles well. Just ensure you bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
What type of chocolate works best?
Use high-quality chocolate chips or chopped baking chocolate. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate gives the best balance of sweetness and richness.
How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
It typically takes 20–30 minutes at room temperature. You can speed it up by placing the cookies in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes, they hold up well and look beautiful in cookie boxes or jars. Just be sure the chocolate is fully set before packaging.
Conclusion
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a timeless and elegant dessert that’s easy to make yet irresistibly satisfying. With their buttery cookie base and rich chocolate centers, these treats are perfect for holiday trays, special occasions, or just when you’re craving something sweet and homemade. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a staple in your baking rotation.
