Description
Indulgent and soft, these rich chocolate thumbprint cookies feature a tender cocoa-infused base and smooth ganache centers—perfect for holidays, gatherings, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently press an indent in the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set.
- Gently press the center again if needed and let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
- To make the ganache, heat the cream until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chopped chocolate.
- Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Add vanilla extract if using.
- Spoon the ganache into the center of each cooled cookie and let them set at room temperature or chill until firm.
Notes
Add espresso powder to the dough for a mocha twist.
Use white chocolate or peppermint extract in the ganache for a festive variation.
Top with sprinkles or sea salt for decoration.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to a week.
Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months and fill with ganache after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
