Nutella Thumbprint Cookies: A Festive Treat for Every Occasion
Soft chocolate treats with a creamy hazelnut surprise to brighten any celebration.
There’s nothing quite like the joyous decadence of Nutella thumbprint cookies on a holiday cookie tray. These chocolate-packed treats combine a rich, cocoa-infused dough with a creamy chocolate-hazelnut filling, all finished off with colorful sprinkles for that extra touch of festive cheer. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a party, or just to satisfy your chocolate cravings, these cookies offer irresistible flavor and delightful texture with each bite.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love Nutella Thumbprints
- Ingredients Overview
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Decorating Ideas
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Troubleshooting & Baking Tips
- Variations and Customizations
- Serving Suggestions
- Nutella Thumbprint Cookies FAQ
Why You’ll Love Nutella Thumbprints
- Festive Appearance: Colorful sprinkles make these cookies an eye-catcher at any party or holiday gathering.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: The cocoa-rich dough pairs perfectly with the creamy Nutella center.
- Customizable Decor: Change up the sprinkles or even add a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for different celebrations.
- Fun to Make: Rolling, pressing, and filling—this recipe is both hands-on and enjoyable, making it great for baking with kids or friends.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and tender cookies with crisp edges, luscious center, and a satisfying crunch from the sprinkles.
Ingredients Overview
Gather your basic pantry items and a jar of Nutella to make these ultra-decadent treats. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key ingredients:
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the base structure of the cookie, providing the right balance of tenderness and chew.
- Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Gives deep, rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark hue.
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp.): Enhances and balances the sweetness and chocolatey notes.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp.): Helps the cookies puff and stay soft.
- Unsalted butter, room temperature (3/4 cup): Produces tender, flavorful results; bring to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Packed light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds richness and softness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and supports cookie structure.
- Large egg, room temperature (1): Binds ingredients, promotes browning, and tender texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp.): Rounds out flavors and adds warmth.
- White nonpareils or other sprinkles: For decoration and a pop of crunch; can experiment with color and type.
- Nutella or other chocolate-hazelnut spread (about 1/2 cup): The creamy, dreamy filling that makes these thumbprints truly special.
Step-by-Step Directions
For cookie perfection every time, follow this thoroughly-tested procedure:
- Prep the baking sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and encourages even baking.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, blend flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until well mixed. This distributes the leavening and cocoa throughout the dough.
- Cream butter and sugars: In another bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, scraping down your bowl as necessary to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, working in three batches and mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Get creative with sprinkles: Pour a layer of nonpareils or sprinkles onto a flat plate. Scoop out the dough into 20 even portions (using a cookie scoop or tablespoon). Roll each portion into a ball, then roll it in the sprinkles or sprinkle the tops with them, pressing gently to adhere (or decorate after baking for a different effect).
- Space and shape: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press a deep thumbprint or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each cookie to create a well for the filling.
- Chill (optional, for best shape): If the dough is too soft, refrigerate the tray for 10–15 minutes before baking.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9 to 11 minutes, until set but still slightly soft in the centers. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Re-press centers: If the wells have risen or closed up during baking, gently press them down again with a spoon while the cookies are still warm.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Fill with Nutella: Once completely cool, spoon or pipe about 1 teaspoon Nutella into the center of each cookie. Decorate with extra sprinkles if desired.
Decorating Ideas
The way you decorate these cookies is one of the best parts. Here are some simple and festive ideas:
- Pre-bake sprinkles: Roll the dough balls in nonpareils before baking for a colorful, all-over crunch.
- Post-bake decorating: After filling the cooled cookies with Nutella, add gold or colored sugar, edible glitter, or themed sprinkles for events and holidays.
- Holiday variations: Use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or red, white, and blue for Fourth of July celebrations.
- Personalize: Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the Nutella center for even more flair.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
| Stage | Method and Timing |
|---|---|
| Unbaked Dough | Refrigerate (up to 3 days) or freeze (up to 2 months). Thaw before scooping and baking. |
| Baked, Unfilled Cookies | Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days. Fill just before serving for freshest flavor. |
| Fully Assembled Cookies | Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. |
| Freezing | Freeze unfilled, cooled cookies for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw and fill as desired. |
Tip: If stacking cookies, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking and preserve the Nutella center.
Troubleshooting & Baking Tips
- Keeps spreading? Chill the dough before scooping or refrigerate the tray before baking.
- Too dry or crumbly? Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should be just set when pulled from the oven.
- Closed up wells? While cookies are warm, re-press the centers gently with a spoon.
- Sticky dough? Lightly flour your hands, especially if the kitchen is warm.
- Nutella too runny? Refrigerate the Nutella briefly before filling the cookies for neater centers.
Variations and Customizations
Get creative with these possible twists:
- Jams and spreads: Substitute some or all of the Nutella with raspberry jam, almond butter, or dulce de leche for flavor variety.
- Nuts: Add finely chopped toasted hazelnuts to the dough, or sprinkle over the Nutella center after filling.
- Double chocolate: Stir in mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
- Salted caramel: Fill with a puddle of caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty treat.
- Gluten-free: Try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
What others are reading
Serving Suggestions
- Cookie trays and exchange parties: Nutella thumbprints stand out visually and taste-wise among assorted holiday cookies.
- Afternoon tea or coffee breaks: Their rich flavor pairs beautifully with coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate.
- Gift boxes: Package them in festive tins for an irresistible homemade gift.
- Dessert platters: Arrange alongside brownies, biscotti, or other bite-sized sweets for a show-stopping party spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different chocolate-hazelnut spread or brand?
Yes! While Nutella is classic, any preferred chocolate-hazelnut or similar creamy spread will work.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely. The dough can be prepared, wrapped tightly, and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to two months before baking.
How can I get perfectly round thumbprints?
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop for even sizes, and roll the dough into smooth balls before imprinting the centers with your thumb or the back of a rounded measuring spoon.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, both the unfilled baked cookies and the raw dough freeze well. For best texture, assemble with Nutella after thawing.
What kind of cocoa powder works best?
Dutch-process cocoa gives a deep color and mellow chocolate flavor, but you may use natural cocoa powder for a slightly tangier result.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Double all ingredients and bake in batches, ensuring even spacing and bake times.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or plant-based spreads?
Yes, but for best flavor and structure, stick with real butter. Plant-based butters with similar fat content can make a suitable swap for dairy-free options.
How do I prevent the Nutella from smearing when storing?
Allow the filled cookies to set, then layer with parchment in airtight containers. Store in a single layer if possible.
In Summary
Few cookies capture the spirit of celebration quite like Nutella thumbprint cookies. Their bold chocolate base, creamy Nutella centers, and festive sprinkles make them a must-bake for holidays, parties, or cozy nights at home. With customizable decorating options, simple ingredients, and forgiving technique, they’re destined to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a66025085/nutella-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a40710703/nutella-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a45896661/nutella-thumbprints-recipe/
- https://www.aol.com/fun-chocolate-nutella-thumbprint-cookies-174000600.html
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