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These chocolate thumbprint cookies combine buttery dough with a silky chocolate ganache for a classic treat that you’ll find beautifully soft and just a little chewy. Each cookie has a smooth chocolate center that firms as it cools, balancing perfectly with the tender base. Thumbprint cookies with chocolate are simple to make and elegant enough for Christmas cookie trays or sharing with loved ones.
Chocolate thumbprint cookies pair soft buttery dough with glossy ganache centers. They’re easy to make and so delicious. Whip some up for your holiday cookie tray.
You might also like to try apple butter thumbprint cookies, raspberry hazelnut thumbprint cookies or maybe one of these thumbprint cookie recipes.
Why You’ll Love It
Rich chocolate flavor: The silky ganache delivers deep chocolate flavor.
Soft and chewy texture: Each cookie stays moist with a tender center.
Easy to make: Simple steps with no chilling or complicated techniques.
Perfect for holidays: They look elegant and always impress at parties.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Butter: Unsalted butter at room temperature creates a soft, rich cookie base.
Granulated sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and sweetness for a chewy finish.
Egg: Helps bind the dough and keeps the cookies soft.
Leavening: Baking powder and baking soda make the cookies rise evenly.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.
Chocolate chips: Melted with cream to make smooth, glossy ganache.
Heavy cream: Creates a rich, silky filling for the centers.
How to Make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the dough: Beat butter and sugar until smooth then mix in the egg.
Add dry ingredients: Stir in baking powder, baking soda and flour until just combined.
Form cookies: Roll dough into balls and space these cookie dough balls out on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet or baking sheet, or you can use silicone baking mats.
Bake: Bake until edges are set and centers are soft, then remove cookies from the oven.
Make ganache: Microwave chocolate chips with cream in a small bowl then stir until silky. You can do this while the cookies bake.
Shape and fill: Press the centers while warm and spoon the chocolate filling into each indent.
Cool: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Substitutions and Variations
Chocolate: Use milk or dark chocolate in the ganache filling for different sweetness levels. Milk chocolate is the sweetest while a dark chocolate ganache reduces the sweetness. I used semi sweet chocolate in mine. You could also add a little cocoa powder for an extra-chocolatey finish.
Flavor twist: Add a drop of peppermint extract for a holiday touch.
Texture tweak: Slightly underbake to get chewier cookies.
Toppings: Sprinkle flaky salt or crushed candy canes on top before the ganache sets.
Add another flavor: A few drops of vanilla extract or almond extract in the dough would give another layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
As a sweet treat: Enjoy this chocolate cookie with a pistachio latte or hot chocolate.
For a Christmas cookie tray: Cucidati cookies, chocolate dipped almond horn cookies and fig X cookies would also be great on a festive cookie tray.
With a festive drink: Indulge in a chocolate cake martini, cozy chai coffee, or gingerbread latte cocktail with your cookies.
How to Store Thumbprint Cookies with Chocolate
Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw: Let cookies sit at room temperature until soft.
Top Tips
Shape while hot: Indent cookies immediately after baking to prevent cracking.
Smooth ganache: Stir until glossy for perfect texture.
Even baking: Bake one tray at a time for consistent results.
Enhance flavor: Add a pinch of sea salt to highlight the chocolate.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies FAQs
Yes. Chill the dough up to 24 hours and let it soften slightly before baking. Another option is to freeze the unbaked cookies. Shape the dough into balls and freeze on parchment paper until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding 1 or 2 extra minutes to the bake time. Make the indent and add the ganache after baking, not before freezing.
You may have waited too long to make the indent. Always press the centers right after baking.
Yes. Jam, caramel or peanut butter filling all work well.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Equipment
- Cookie Scoop 1 ½-Tablespoon
Ingredients
- ½ Cup salted butter
- 1 Cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg, large
- 1 Teaspoon baking powder
- ½ Teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¾ Cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ Cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 Tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Make the Cookie Dough
- Add the butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl.
- Use an electric hand mixer to cream the ingredients together until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, whisk in the egg.
- Gently whisk in the baking powder, baking soda, and flour. Make sure your wet and dry ingredients are fully combined.
Bake the Cookies
- Use a cookie scoop to drop your cookie dough onto a large baking sheet.
- Bake for 11 minutes.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- While your cookies are baking, combine the chocolate and cream in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Microwave the chocolate and cream together for about 40 seconds and then stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the Filling
- When your cookies are done baking, use the back of a spoon or a small dish to create a shallow indent in the center of each cookie.
- Add a spoonful of the chocolate ganache to the center of each cookie.
- Serve immediately or let them cool for about 30 minutes to let the ganache set.
Notes
Smooth ganache: Stir until glossy for perfect texture.
Even baking: Bake one tray at a time for consistent results.
Enhance flavor: Add a pinch of sea salt to highlight the chocolate.
Nutrition
Chocolate thumbprint cookies combine rich flavor with melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them unforgettable. The smooth, rich chocolate ganache center adds luxury to a simple homemade dough, giving each bite a perfect mix of sweetness and depth. They’re an easy recipe for busy bakers who still want something elegant to serve. This is one of the most delicious recipes if you love chocolate cookies.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
