Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat combining rich cocoa flavor with a sweet burst of jam. These soft, tender cookies are perfect for sharing and easy to customize with your favorite preserves.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or your choice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together.
4. Step 4: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until set but still soft in the middle. Remove from the oven and press the indentations again if needed.
8. Step 8: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, then fill each indentation with your choice of jam or preserves.
9. Step 9: Return the cookies to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly set the jam.
10. Step 10: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Chilling the dough longer can help prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Try different jams like blueberry or apricot for varied flavors.
• For a richer cookie, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
• If desired, roll the dough balls in sugar before baking for a slightly crunchy exterior.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend freshness but bring to room temperature before serving. These cookies freeze well—place them in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to soften the jam if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can substitute with a gluten-free blend designed for baking if needed. Adjust moisture slightly as gluten-free flours can vary.

What type of jam works best for thumbprint cookies?

Any flavorful jam or preserves you enjoy will work well. Traditional choices include raspberry, strawberry, or apricot, but feel free to use blueberry, cherry, or even marmalade.

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 72 reviews

Delight in these classic Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, featuring a rich cocoa dough with a soft center filled with your favorite jam. Perfectly chewy with a sweet, fruity surprise in every bite, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for any occasion.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or your choice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by creaming the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together.
2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to shape and helps prevent spreading during baking.
3. Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until they’re set but still soft in the middle. Remove from the oven and immediately press the indentations again if needed to maintain the space for the jam filling.
5. Add the Jam Filling: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then fill each indentation with your choice of jam or preserves. Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 2–3 minutes to slightly set the jam.
6. Cool Completely and Serve: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully before serving or storing. This ensures the jam sets nicely without making the cookies soggy.

Notes

• Use softened butter for easier creaming and better texture.
• Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent cookie spreading during baking.
• You can substitute the jam flavor according to your preference.
• Press the indentation again after the first bake to keep the well for the jam.
• Allow cookies to cool completely to prevent sogginess from the jam.
• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.

Keywords: Chocolate Cookies, Thumbprint Cookies, Jam Cookies, Cocoa Cookies, Dessert, Baked Cookies, Homemade Cookies