Description
Homemade chocolate thumbprint cookies blend rich cocoa with sweet raspberry jam in a delightful treat. Swiss chocolate and European baking techniques elevate this classic dessert for cookie enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 oz (113 g) semisweet chocolate
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter
- powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in egg yolks and vanilla until fully incorporated, then gently fold in flour and salt to create a soft dough. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape Cookies: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Roll chilled dough into uniform spheres. Optional: Roll cookies in finely chopped nuts for added texture. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Create Indentations: Press a thumb or rounded tool into the center of each cookie, forming a deep well. The indentation should be wide enough to hold chocolate filling.
- Bake and Modify: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden. Immediately upon removal, gently redefine the indentations if they’ve flattened. Transfer to a cooling rack.
- Craft Chocolate Filling: Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream and butter using short microwave intervals, stirring between each to achieve a smooth, glossy ganache.
- Final Touch: While cookies are slightly warm, fill the centers with the molten chocolate mixture. Allow chocolate to set at room temperature or expedite by chilling in the refrigerator.
Notes
Optimize Butter Whipping: Ensure butter is at room temperature for maximum aeration, creating a lighter, fluffier cookie base that guarantees tender texture.
Control Dough Chilling: Refrigerate dough for exactly 30 minutes – not longer – to prevent excessive hardening and maintain optimal cookie consistency.
Perfect Thumb Technique: Use the back of a small measuring spoon instead of your thumb to create uniform, precise indentations without potential inconsistencies.
Chocolate Filling Precision: Allow chocolate mixture to cool slightly before filling to prevent cookie base from melting and maintain clean, attractive presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 152
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg