Print

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews

Delight in these rich and decadent Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, featuring a soft, cocoa-infused cookie base with a luscious homemade chocolate ganache filling. Perfectly tender with a hint of vanilla and an optional sprinkle of nonpareils for a festive touch, these cookies are a chocolaty treat ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 cup (40 g) cocoa powder (Dutch process)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

Wet Ingredients and Sugars

  • 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
  • 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

Ganache Filling

  • 1 cup (200 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream

Optional Toppings

  • Nonpareils for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until combined. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar together for approximately two minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Mix in the two room-temperature egg yolks and vanilla bean paste or extract until the mixture pale in color and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to form the cookie dough.
  5. Shape Cookies: Divide the dough into 34 portions, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll each portion into a ball.
  6. Create Indents: Place dough balls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Using a 1/4 teaspoon, press down on each ball to create an indent for the ganache filling.
  7. Chill Dough: Refrigerate the prepared dough balls for at least one hour to firm up. Optionally, chill them all together on one baking sheet and separate onto multiple sheets before baking.
  8. Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Arrange for Baking: Space the chilled dough balls about 1 1/2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
  10. Bake Cookies: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, with 10 minutes as the ideal bake time, until just set.
  11. Refine Indents and Shape: While cookies are still hot, gently press down again on the centers with a 1/4 teaspoon if needed. Use a circular cookie cutter to perfect their shape and size.
  12. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. Prepare Ganache: Place chocolate chips in a small bowl. Heat heavy cream until just about boiling, then pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth and glossy ganache forms.
  14. Fill Cookies: Using a teaspoon, fill each cookie indent with about 1 teaspoon of ganache or more if space allows.
  15. Add Toppings: Sprinkle nonpareils on top of the ganache if desired for a decorative touch.
  16. Set Ganache: Chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow the ganache to firm up.
  17. Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • For best texture, spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
  • Room temperature egg yolks incorporate better into the dough, giving a smoother texture.
  • Chilling the dough helps to maintain the indent shape during baking and enhances flavor development.
  • Pressing down the cookie centers again after baking ensures the perfect indent for filling.
  • Use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor and deeper color.

Keywords: chocolate cookies, thumbprint cookies, chocolate ganache, chocolate dessert, holiday cookies, cocoa cookies

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/chocolate-thumbprint-cookies-with-chocolate-ganache-recipe/