If there’s one cookie recipe that instantly fills our kitchen with warmth, it’s chocolate thumbprint cookies. I remember the first time I baked them, the scent of buttery dough mixed with melting chocolate had my husband hovering by the oven like a kid. These cookies became more than a holiday dessert. They were the sweet punctuation to cozy evenings, unexpected guests, and lazy Sundays.
Every batch is made with love and simplicity, just how we like it around here. And if you’re craving an easy but show-stopping cookie, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Let’s dive into this crowd-favorite that’s festive enough for gifting, yet easy enough for a weeknight bake.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Rich flavor, minimal fuss
These chocolate thumbprint cookies are everything you want in a holiday cookie: rich, buttery, slightly crisp on the outside, and decadently soft in the middle. The deep chocolate center is the star, and it takes minutes to make.
What’s even better? You won’t need fancy tools or rare ingredients. Just a bowl, your thumb, and a sweet tooth.
Perfect for the holidays (and beyond)
Though often labeled Christmas thumbprint cookies, they’re a year-round winner. They’re festive on a platter, pretty enough to package as gifts, and simple enough to whip up with kids.
Looking for a fuss-free dessert for Christmas or cozy fall nights? Try this Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake, another comforting crowd-pleaser you might love.
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Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate thumbprint cookies are buttery, rich, and filled with a soft chocolate center. Perfect for the holidays or everyday sweet cravings.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla.
2. Add flour and salt. Stir until combined. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on lined baking sheet.
4. Press a thumbprint into each dough ball.
5. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Melt chocolate chips and heavy cream until smooth.
7. Let cookies cool slightly, then fill centers with warm chocolate.
8. Top with sprinkles, candy cane, or salt if desired.
Notes
Chill dough to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
Add festive toppings before chocolate sets for holiday flair.
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
These pantry staples come together for the ultimate chocolate thumbprint cookie experience.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Semisweet chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | 3 tbsp |
Optional toppings: Crushed candy canes, flaky salt, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for festive flair.
How to Make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Step-by-step instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla.
- Add flour and salt, stirring just until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or a spoon handle to gently press a well into each cookie.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
- While cookies bake, melt chocolate chips with cream over low heat or in the microwave until smooth.
- Let cookies cool slightly, then fill each center with warm chocolate.
- Add toppings before chocolate sets, if using.
These cookies firm up as they cool; the center stays soft and glossy, just like a ganache.
Tips & Flavor Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Chill the dough. It helps maintain the shape during baking.
- Press gently. If the indent is too deep, the cookie might crack.
- Let the chocolate filling set before storing or stacking.
Tasty Twists to Try
- Swap the chocolate: Try white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even Nutella.
- Make them festive: Add peppermint extract or dip edges in crushed candy cane.
- Double the batch: They freeze beautifully; just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container.
Craving another comforting dessert to pair with these? You’ll enjoy how these Lemon Pound Cake Cookies balance fruitiness and richness, a great match for your cookie tray.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best chocolate to use in thumbprint cookies?
Semisweet or dark chocolate chips work best for a rich flavor. You can also melt chocolate bars for a smoother center.
How do I keep my thumbprint cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is key. If your kitchen is warm, chill again after shaping.
Can I freeze chocolate thumbprint cookies?
Yes! Freeze fully cooled cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Thaw at room temperature.
Can I make these Christmas thumbprint cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. They stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze and enjoy as needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a cookie that delivers both nostalgia and indulgence, these chocolate thumbprint cookies are it. They’re buttery, chocolatey, and endlessly giftable. No piping bags, no rolling pins; just a simple scoop and a press, and you’re on your way to something sweet.
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