Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: Perfect Holiday Treats
Rich, buttery cookies with a soft chocolate center, perfect for holidays or gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips or chocolate wafers (for filling)
1 tablespoon heavy cream (for melting chocolate)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
4. Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets.
6. Press a thumbprint into the center of each dough ball.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Melt chocolate and heavy cream together until smooth.
9. Spoon or pipe chocolate into the warm thumbprints.
10. Allow cookies to cool completely so the chocolate can set.
Notes
Chill dough for 15 minutes if it’s too soft to shape.
For a flavored variation, fill thumbprints with raspberry jam instead of chocolate.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.