Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies Easy Holiday Dessert Recipe

If you’re searching for an easy cookie recipe that delivers gourmet flavor without the fuss, these Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are your next baking obsession.
Imagine tender, buttery chocolate cookies rolled in toasted hazelnuts, with a glossy pool of warm chocolate hazelnut spread nestled in the center. Each bite offers the perfect blend of crunch, creaminess, and cocoa richness, making them a true family comfort food for chocolate lovers.

These cookies are a showstopper for any dessert table, from holiday baking ideas to quick weeknight desserts. Best of all, they’re simple enough for beginners yet elegant enough to impress guests at your next dinner party. With their deep chocolate flavor and nutty aroma, these cookies prove that homemade desserts can feel indulgent while staying budget-friendly and easy to make.

Whether you’re planning affordable holiday treats, prepping make-ahead desserts, or craving something sweet with your afternoon coffee, this recipe checks every box for easy, budget-friendly baking that tastes bakery-quality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple pantry staples and no chilling required, these cookies come together fast perfect for beginners or last-minute baking.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses common, affordable groceries like butter, flour, and cocoa for a gourmet flavor on a family budget.
• Rich, Chewy Texture: Soft and buttery in the center with a subtle crunch from chopped hazelnuts.
• Perfect for Holidays or Gifts: These cookies look stunning on dessert platters and make thoughtful homemade presents.
• Family-Approved Flavor: Everyone from kids to adults will love the balance of chocolate and hazelnut.
• Great for Meal Prep Recipes: Bake a batch ahead and store for easy treats throughout the week.

Ingredient Breakdown

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Butter is the base of the dough, providing richness and moisture. Always choose unsalted so you can control the salt level. Room-temperature butter ensures even mixing and a smooth, creamy texture.

Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect chewy texture. For a deeper caramel flavor, you can substitute half with brown sugar.

Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A small touch of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and brings balance to the sweetness. Use pure vanilla extract for best results.

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The structure of your cookies. All-purpose flour gives the right balance between softness and stability perfect for easy cookie recipes.

Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup): The star ingredient. Unsweetened cocoa adds depth and a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet hazelnut spread. Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, richer flavor.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A little salt brings out the sweetness and balances the chocolate, ensuring the flavor isn’t overly rich.

Finely Chopped Hazelnuts (1/2 cup):
These give the cookies a nutty crunch and beautiful golden edge after baking. Use toasted hazelnuts for a stronger flavor and aroma.

Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (1/2 cup): Think Nutella or any premium chocolate spread this creamy filling adds irresistible sweetness and a silky finish. It’s the defining element of this recipe and what makes these cookies so indulgent.

Whole Hazelnuts (optional, for garnish): Adds a finishing touch that’s both decorative and crunchy. Perfect for a bakery-style presentation.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Healthy Cooking Tip: For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
• Easy Baking Hack: Chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping to prevent sticky hands.
• Best Kitchen Trick: Toast your hazelnuts before chopping this intensifies their nutty aroma.
• Even Baking Tip: Use a light-colored baking sheet to prevent the bottoms from burning.
• Storage Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers to preserve texture.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour and a sugar-free hazelnut spread for keto-friendly cookies.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Roll cookies in shredded coconut instead of hazelnuts.
• Double Chocolate Variation: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra decadence.
• Festive Twist: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a holiday-ready finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
• Serve alongside coffee or espresso for an elegant after-dinner treat.
• Add them to your holiday cookie tray with other classics like shortbread or sugar cookies.
• For parties, arrange them on a dessert platter with truffles or brownies.
• Enjoy them as a sweet finale to your easy weeknight dinner recipes.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep up to 3 months.
• Baking from Frozen: Bake straight from frozen just add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
• Leftovers: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days.
• Meal Prep Idea: Freeze baked cookies without filling; add the chocolate hazelnut spread after thawing for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Cultural Notes

The thumbprint cookie originated from Scandinavian baking traditions, often filled with jam or nuts. This chocolate-hazelnut version adds a modern Italian twist inspired by the beloved pairing of Nutella and toasted hazelnuts a nod to European comfort desserts that never go out of style.

Frequently Asked Questions