Description
Rich, chewy dark chocolate cookies filled with smooth, creamy ganache for an indulgent bite. Deep Dutch-processed cocoa combines with velvety semi-sweet chocolate ganache centers, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
1½ cups (188 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (40 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
¾ cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (165 g) packed light brown sugar
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 egg yolks, room temperature
1½ tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
Chocolate Ganache
1 cup (200 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
Optional Toppings
Nonpareils or festive sprinkles
Instructions
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Prepare dough: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
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Cream butter & sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla; beat until light and creamy.
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Combine mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
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Shape cookies: Roll dough into 1‑tbsp balls (about 34 pieces). Press the center of each with a ¼‑teaspoon to create an indent.
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Chill: Refrigerate cookie dough balls for at least 1 hour to help maintain shape during baking.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange cookies 1½ inches apart on prepared sheets and bake 9–11 minutes. Immediately after baking, re‑press centers gently while cookies are hot to maintain indent. Cool 5 minutes on pan, then transfer to a rack.
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Make ganache: Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat cream until nearly boiling, pour over chocolate, and let sit 1 minute. Stir gently until smooth.
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Fill & set: Fill each cookie center with 1 tsp ganache. Add sprinkles if desired. Chill 10–15 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate for best flavor.
Chill dough well to maintain shape.
Re-press centers immediately after baking.
Cool ganache slightly before filling.
Store in airtight containers up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (1/34 recipe)
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: chocolate thumbprint cookies, ganache filled cookies, cocoa cookies, festive holiday cookie recipe, chewy chocolate cookies