There’s something truly enchanting about the combination of chocolate and hazelnuts, and these Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache bring that magic to life in every bite. Imagine a soft, cocoa-infused cookie, perfectly cradling a creamy chocolate hazelnut spread that melts in your mouth, while a crunchy hazelnut coating adds a delightful texture. These cookies aren’t just a feast for the senses; they’re also an eye-catching addition to any dessert table, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home. Best of all, they’re egg-free, allowing everyone to indulge without worry. Let’s dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that will turn your kitchen into a haven of delicious aromas and sweet memories!
Why choose Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and hazelnuts creates a taste sensation that leaves everyone craving more!
Easy to Make: This straightforward recipe is perfect for bakers of any skill level, allowing you to impress friends and family without a fuss.
Versatile Treat: Though delicious as is, feel free to switch up the filling or toppings for a unique spin each time or try different nut coatings!
Gorgeous Presentation: With their eye-catching design and beautifully glossy ganache, these cookies elevate any dessert table with elegance.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser—think holiday parties or casual coffee get-togethers!
Egg-Free Delight: Enjoy without worry; these cookies cater to a variety of dietary needs, ensuring everyone can indulge in this sweet treat!
Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache Ingredients
Get Ready for Baking Bliss!
For the Cookies
- Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich buttery flavor, ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to its delightful texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor, making each bite divine.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Cocoa Powder – Infuses a deep chocolate flavor and velvety color into the dough.
- Salt – Elevates the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Finely Chopped Hazelnuts – Adds a delicious crunch and nutty flavor, perfect for coating the dough.
For the Filling
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread – The star of the show; its creamy texture and rich taste create a luscious center for each cookie.
For the Garnish
- Whole Hazelnuts – An optional topping that adds texture and an elegant finish to your cookies.
These Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes! Get ready to impress with these delightful bites!
How to Make Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a perfectly baked cookie that’s golden brown and delicious.Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, then blend in the vanilla extract.Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the butter-sugar mixture until just combined.Chill the Dough (if needed):
If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. If it holds its shape, proceed to the next step!Form Dough Balls:
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.Coat with Hazelnuts:
Roll each dough ball in the finely chopped hazelnuts, ensuring they are well-coated, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Create Thumbprints:
Using a rounded spoon or melon baller, gently press down in the center of each cookie to make an indent for the filling.Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are firm. If the thumbprints puff up, carefully re-press them as soon as they come out of the oven.Fill with Ganache:
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then fill each thumbprint with the creamy chocolate hazelnut spread.Garnish (Optional):
For an elegant touch, place a whole hazelnut on each thumbprint before serving.
Optional: Drizzle leftover chocolate hazelnut spread over the cookies for extra flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache
Use Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a creamy texture. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies that don’t hold their shape.
Roll Hazelnuts Finely: Finely chop the hazelnuts for the coating; this helps them adhere better to the dough and enhances the cookie’s delightful crunch.
Re-Press Thumbprints: If your cookies puff up during baking, gently press the centers down right after removing them from the oven to maintain the perfect thumbprint shape.
Chill the Dough: If working in a warm kitchen, chilling the dough for a bit will make it easier to shape and prevent spreading during baking.
Experiment with Fillings: While the chocolate hazelnut spread is divine, try incorporating fruit jams or caramel for a fun twist on your Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache.
Variations & Substitutions for Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache
Customize your cookies to create delicious surprises that will delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones!
Fruit Filling: Swap chocolate hazelnut spread for raspberry or strawberry jam for a refreshing fruity twist.
Gourmet Indulgence: Use caramel or dulce de leche as a filling for an ooey-gooey center that takes these cookies to the next level of sweetness.
Nutty Alternatives: Try using finely chopped almonds or walnuts in place of hazelnuts for coating or garnish, giving a unique flavor profile.
Cocoa-Free Option: Substitute cocoa powder with carob powder for a delightful alternative that maintains the cookie’s richness without the chocolate.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cookie dough for a warm flavor boost and a surprising hint of heat.
Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with margarine or plant-based butters to make the recipe dairy-free while keeping the delicious taste intact.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing taste or texture.
Nut-Free Version: Substitute chopped hazelnuts with crushed oats for a nut-free cookie that still delivers a satisfying crunch and hearty flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while still indulging in a delicious treat! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply roll it into balls, coat them in finely chopped hazelnuts, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Additionally, the cookies can also be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, just fill the thumbprints with the chocolate hazelnut spread and enjoy these delectable cookies just as delicious as when they were freshly made!
What to Serve with Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache?
Imagine a warm kitchen filled with sweet scents—a perfect backdrop for hosting friends and family.
Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of indulgent hot chocolate creates a cozy pairing that enhances the chocolatey goodness of the cookies.
Creamy Coffee: A smooth latte or cappuccino complements the cookies with its rich flavors while balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright and refreshing fruit salad adds a light, fruity contrast, providing a burst of freshness that harmonizes with the rich cookies.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream offers a luscious creaminess that elevates each bite of the delightful cookies.
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve your cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious temperature contrast—warm cookies meeting cold, creamy bliss.
Cheesecake Bites: These little bites bring a tangy richness that balances the cookies’ sweetness, making for an appealing dessert spread.
Dessert Wine: Pair with a glass of sweet dessert wine for a touch of sophistication, enhancing both the flavor of the cookies and your tasting experience.
Chocolate Truffles: For an elevated treat, chocolate truffles add a gourmet flair, preparing your palate for the cookies’ luscious silkiness.
These pairings promise to make your gathering unforgettable, ensuring that each bite of Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache becomes a sweet memory!
How to Store and Freeze Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This ensures they remain soft and delicious.
Fridge: If you prefer your cookies chilled, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If desired, reheat the cookies slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft, fresh-baked goodness. Enjoy your Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache!
Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! You should use unsalted butter for this recipe, as it provides a rich flavor and allows you to control the salt content in your cookies. Make sure to soften the butter before mixing to achieve that lovely, creamy texture that helps create the perfect dough.
How should I store my hazelnut thumbprint cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer a chilled treat, you can refrigerate them, just remember to let them warm up a bit before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I freeze hazelnut thumbprint cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your delicious cookies, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them into the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth!
What should I do if my cookies puff up and lose their thumbprint shape?
Very! If your cookies puff up while baking, don’t worry! As soon as they come out of the oven, gently re-press the thumbprints using a rounded spoon or melon baller to create that signature indentation. This will ensure your cookies hold their beautiful shape and are ready for the silky ganache filling.
Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
Indeed! These hazelnut thumbprint cookies are egg-free, making them a great option for those avoiding eggs. However, they do contain nuts, so be mindful of potential allergies to hazelnuts. If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies, you can experiment with alternative coatings like finely chopped seeds or even omit the nuts altogether for a different texture.
Indulgent Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Silky Ganache Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a perfectly baked cookie that’s golden brown and delicious.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, then blend in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the butter-sugar mixture until just combined.
- If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. If it holds its shape, proceed to the next step!
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll each dough ball in the finely chopped hazelnuts, ensuring they are well-coated, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using a rounded spoon or melon baller, gently press down in the center of each cookie to make an indent for the filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are firm. If the thumbprints puff up, carefully re-press them as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then fill each thumbprint with the creamy chocolate hazelnut spread.
- For an elegant touch, place a whole hazelnut on each thumbprint before serving.
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