Irresistible Chocolate Thumbprint Christmas Cookies Recipe

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Indulging in the sweet, rich aroma of freshly baked Chocolate Thumbprint Christmas Cookies transports you right to a festive wonderland. These delightful treats are not only visually captivating with their glossy chocolate centers, but they also melt in your mouth, bursting with chocolatey goodness that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. coconut chocolate delight alternative festive treat

Picture this: it’s a chilly December afternoon, and your home is filled with the scent of chocolate wafting from the oven. You can almost hear the joyful laughter of friends and family as they gather around the table, eagerly awaiting these delectable cookies. The excitement builds as you promise they are worth every calorie (and trust me, they are!).

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These Chocolate Thumbprint Christmas Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday baking
  • Their rich flavor combines smooth chocolate with buttery dough for an irresistible treat
  • Visually stunning with their glossy chocolate centers, these cookies will wow your guests at any gathering
  • They are versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, not just during the holidays!

Every time I whip up these cookies, my family acts like I’ve just won the lottery. savory snack suggestion The smiles on their faces? Priceless.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious dessert pairing. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe.

  • Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy creaming; it creates a rich and tender cookie base.

  • Granulated Sugar: This sweetener gives our cookies that delightful sweetness we all crave during the holidays. For more inspiration, check out this Delightful Lemon Lavender Cookies recipe.

  • Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds depth and moisture to your cookies.

  • Large Eggs: They bind all ingredients together perfectly and help achieve that tender texture.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it first for lighter cookies!

  • Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.

  • Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps give the cookies a lovely lift.

  • Chocolate Chips or Melts: Choose semi-sweet or milk chocolate depending on your preference for sweetness.

  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla enhances the overall flavor; avoid imitation if possible!

  • Powdered Sugar: For dusting, because every cookie deserves a little snow on top!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time while adding vanilla extract until well mixed. This will create a luscious base full of flavor.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet mixture until combined smoothly.

Scoop it Out!: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, dollop tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets. Make sure they have some space between them because they’ll spread out!

Create Thumbprints**: Using your thumb (or back of a spoon), gently press down in the center of each dough ball to create an indentation that will hold all that glorious chocolate.

Bake and Fill**: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly firm around edges. Remove from the oven and immediately fill each thumbprint with chocolate chips or melts while still warm.

Let them cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar for that perfect snowy finish!

Now go ahead and indulge! These Chocolate Thumbprint Christmas Cookies are not just treats; they’re memories waiting to happen during this festive season!

You Must Know

  • Chocolate Thumbprint Christmas Cookies are a delightful blend of rich chocolate and sweet filling
  • They bring joy to your holiday gatherings, and their charming appearance makes them an instant favorite
  • Get ready to impress with these festive treats!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the cookie dough and chilling it for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking while ensuring a deliciously chewy texture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chocolate for flavored fillings like raspberry or caramel. Experimenting with different nuts or spices can elevate your thumbprints to another level of deliciousness.

Storing & Reheating

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them warm again, pop them in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor payoff; it makes a huge difference
  • Make sure to chill the dough long enough for easy handling and perfect texture
  • Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost that balances sweetness beautifully

Sharing these delightful cookies brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, filled with laughter and love during Christmas time. Her secret ingredient? A pinch of joy in every batch!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use different fillings for Chocolate Thumbprint Christmas Cookies?

Absolutely! Try peanut butter, fruit preserves, or even whipped ganache.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

They will stay fresh for about one week when stored properly.

Can I freeze Chocolate Thumbprint Christmas Cookies?

Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months without losing flavor.

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Chocolate Thumbprint Christmas Cookies


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  • Author: Larissa W.
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

Description

Experience the joy of the holidays with these delightful Chocolate Thumbprint Christmas Cookies. Featuring a rich chocolate cookie base and a glossy chocolate center, these treats are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy afternoons at home. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they will become a cherished addition to your holiday baking traditions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup chocolate chips or melts (semi-sweet or milk)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
  5. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets with space in between.
  6. Press your thumb into the center of each dough ball to create an indentation.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm. Remove from oven and fill each thumbprint with chocolate chips while still warm.
  8. Allow cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Tags:

baked goods / chocolate dessert / Christmas cookies / cookies recipe / festive recipes / holiday baking / sweet treats

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