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    Home » Cookies » Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

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    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. This twist on classic Jam Thumbprint Cookies is easy to make, absolutely delicious, and perfect for chocolate lovers!

    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com

    These chocolate thumbprints are perfect to make during the holidays as part of a cookie exchange or holiday cookie box, but are the kind of cookie that you can bake any time of the year. Although they require some chilling time, you can serve these bakery-style two-bite cookies in just an hour and a half.

    Why You'll Love these Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

    • Double chocolate flavor. A chocolate cookie dough base and chocolate ganache filling makes these chocolate thumbprints a doubly-decadent experience.
    • Easy to make. These delicious chocolate thumbprints generally follow standard cookie-making procedure until it comes time to shape the dough when you’ll create a shallow indentation in each cookie to fill with simple homemade chocolate ganache once they cool. The whole process takes an hour and a half (1 hour of which is chill time).
    • Made with simple baking staples. If you are an avid baker, then you will likely have the ingredients called for in this recipe. These cookies are made with typical chocolate cookie ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and butter.
    • Classic Christmastime treat. Thumbprint cookies are a time-tested traditional holiday dessert all over the world — along with classic like Peanut Butter Blossoms, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Italian Christmas Cookies, and Ginger Cookies.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ingredient Notes

    To make these delicious Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

    • flour - you can also try a measure-for-measure gluten free flour to make these more friendly to people with gluten sensitivity.
    • cocoa powder - use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness of the cookies.
    • baking powder
    • salt 
    • butter - use unsalted butter to control the flavor of the cookies. If you need to use salted butter, omit the salt called for in this recipe.
    • light brown sugar - you can use an equal amount of dark brown sugar instead for more molasses flavor.
    • white sugar - use your preferred granulated sugar (like cane sugar, date sugar, or coconut sugar), or use a sugar-free substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
    • egg - set the eggs out ahead of time or place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to bring them up to room temperature.
    • vanilla extract - you can use an equal amount of vanilla bean paste for a richer vanilla flavor, or try a different extract flavor such as almond extract or peppermint extract.
    • semi-sweet chocolate - you can substitute with other chocolates such as milk, white, or dark chocolate. Note that milk and white chocolate add a lot of sweetness, so it will make the cookies sweeter.
    • heavy whipping cream - you could subsitute this with whole milk, but it will change the texture of the ganache slightly and make it more soft (wont set as easily).
    • chopped pistachios - you can substitute pistachios with your favorite nuts such as chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com

    Baking Tools and Equipment

    You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

    • measuring cups and spoons
    • mixing bowls
    • hand mixer
    • cookie scoop
    • half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
    • wire cooling rack

    How to Make the Best Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

    1. Combine dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Combine dry ingredients.
    1. Combine wet ingredients. Use a stand mixer (or hand mixer) and cream the butter and sugars together in a mixing bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and continue to beat on medium until fully incorporated.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Cream butter and sugars.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Add egg and vanilla.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Beat until fully incorporated.
    1. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients until just combined.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Combine.
    1. Roll cookies and coat. Place granulated sugar for rolling into a shallow bowl. Take 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll into the sugar to coat.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Roll cookies.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Coat in sugar.
    1. Make indentations. Make an indentation with your thumb (or the back of a small spoon or melon baller) into the centre of each ball.
    2. Chill. Place cookies on a silpat or parchment-lined half sheet baking pan, spaced 2 inches apart. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the cookies for 1 hour (or place in the freezer for 30 minutes).
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Make indentations and chill.
    1. Bake. Bake the cookies in a 350F preheated oven for 10-13 minutes until the edges are set. If the indentations have started to close, use the back of a spoon or melon baller to carefully make the indentation bigger again, while the cookies are still hot.
    2. Cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

    How to Make Chocolate Ganache

    1. Prep chocolate. Place chopped chocolate into a medium mixing bowl.
    2. Heat cream. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Immediately remove from heat before it begins to boil.
    3. Add cream to chocolate. Pour hot cream over top of the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow it to soften the chocolate. Then, use a spoon to slowly stir until completely combined.
    4. Cool. Allow the ganache to cool down and thicken uncovered for 10-20 minutes.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Add chocolate to a bowl.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Pour hot cream over chocolate.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Stir.

    How to Assemble Thumbprint Cookies

    1. Use a small spoon to scoop just under a teaspoon of the ganache into each indentation.
    2. Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top of the ganache.
    3. Allow the ganache to set completely (about 1 hour or faster in the refrigerator) before storing the cookie to avoid smudging.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Add chocolate ganache filling.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Sprinkle pistachios on top.

    Thumbprint Cookie Variations

    • Drizzle chocolate. Want to up the chocolate factor? Drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top of the thumbprint cookies.
    • Use different nuts. Substitute the pistachios with chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
    • Fill with caramel. Instead of a chocolate ganache filling, fill these thumbprint cookies with Salted Caramel Sauce.
    • Add sprinkles. Instead of adding pistachios on top, add sprinkles instead. Then you can customize these cookies based on the holiday that you are making them for. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, red and pink for Valentine's Day, and so on.
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    • Make sure the dough is completely smooth before pressing it. Many people find that the cookie dough cracks when it’s pressed down. To prevent this, take the time to really work and smooth each dough ball before applying pressure.
    • Freeze before mailing them out. These are a popular type of cookie to send to family during the holidays, but there’s a trick to making sure they arrive intact and unmelted: freeze them right up until you’re ready to ship them. They will slowly thaw in transit and be ready to eat (depending on the distance) when they arrive!
    • Get the kids involved! This recipe is very kid-friendly. Children can help with making and shaping the dough (many of us have childhood memories of pressing our thumbs in cookie dough to make the indentations), as well as adding the chocolate ganache filling.

    Storing and Freezing Instructions

    How to Store

    Store chocolate thumbprint cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 4 days (the kitchen counter is usually fine). You can store them longer in the refrigerator, about 10 days.

    How to Freeze

    Freeze thumbprint cookies uncovered on a parchment lined baking sheet for 1-2 hours until the cookies are completely solid. Then, transfer to an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Cookie Recipes

    • 50 Best Cookie Recipes
    • Jam Thumbprint Cookies
    • Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
    • Oreo Truffles
    • Hot Chocolate Cookies
    • Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

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    Recipe

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    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    • Yield: 30 cookies
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Print Recipe
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    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup natural cocoa powder, unsweetened
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
    • ¼ cup granulated white sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    For rolling:

    • ½  cup granulated sugar

    For the chocolate ganache:

    • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (⅔ cup), chopped
    • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
    • ¼ cup pistachios, chopped 

    Instructions

    Make the cookies:

    1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
    2. Use a stand mixer (or hand mixer) and cream the butter and sugars together in a mixing bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
    3. Add egg and vanilla and continue to beat on medium until fully incorporated.
    4. Gradually add the dry ingredients until just combined.
    5. Place granulated sugar for rolling into a shallow bowl. Take 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll into the sugar to coat.
    6. Make an indentation with your thumb (or the back of a small spoon or melon baller) into the centre of each ball.
    7. Place cookies on a silpat or parchment-lined half sheet baking pan, spaced 2 inches apart. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the cookies for 1 hour (or place in the freezer for 30 minutes).
    8. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
    9. Bake the cookies for 10-13 minutes until the edges are set. If the indentations have started to close, use the back of a spoon or melon baller to carefully make the indentation bigger again, while the cookies are still hot.
    10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

    Make the ganache filling:

    1. Place chopped chocolate into a medium mixing bowl.
    2. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Immediately remove from heat before it begins to boil.
    3. Pour hot cream over top of the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow it to soften the chocolate. Then use a spoon to slowly stir until completely combined. Allow the ganache to cool down and thicken uncovered for 10-20 minutes.
    4. Use a small spoon to scoop just under a teaspoon of the ganache into each indentation.
    5. Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top of the ganache.
    6. Allow the ganache to set completely (about 1 hour or faster in the refrigerator) before storing the cookie to avoid smudging.

    Notes

    How to store: Store chocolate thumbprint cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 4 days (the kitchen counter is usually fine). You can store them longer in the refrigerator, about 10 days.

    How to freeze: Freeze thumbprint cookies uncovered on a parchment lined baking sheet for 1-2 hours until the cookies are completely solid. Then, transfer to an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    • Prep Time: 30 minutes
    • Chill Time: 50 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Cookies
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. | aheadofthyme.com
    Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
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    Comments

    1. Nicole says

      December 22, 2022 at 12:51 pm

      These are fantastic! I was looking for something different this year to change things up. Not only do these look pretty, (I truly nailed it, haha) they are the *perfect* decadence. Not at all heavy and while at the same time, the perfect amount of sweetness. Thank you!

      Reply

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