Irresistible Nutella Thumbprint Cookies

Craving a delightful treat that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate-hazelnut spread with a tender cream cheese dough? Look no further than these heavenly Nutella Thumbprint Cookies! Picture sinking your teeth into a soft cookie, coated in crunchy hazelnuts, with a luscious Nutella center waiting to surprise your taste buds. These cookies are pure bliss in every bite.

From school bake sales to family gatherings, these Nutella Thumbprint Cookies have earned their spot as a crowd favorite. The secret lies in using room temperature ingredients and a touch of patience – ensuring each batch comes out perfect every time. Trust me, I learned the hard way with a cookie puddle mishap that chilling the dough is key!

As the designated ‘Nutella Cookie Mom’ at every event, I’ve seen firsthand how these little delights spark joy and create lasting memories. Whether you’re planning a fancy party or a casual get-together, these cookies are a versatile and surefire way to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let the aroma of freshly baked Nutella Thumbprint Cookies fill your kitchen with happiness.

Quick Benefits

• Irresistible Combination: Perfectly soft cream cheese dough meets rich Nutella filling, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
• Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are a hit at gatherings, bake sales, parties, and playdates, earning you the title of the ‘Nutella Cookie Mom’ and bringing smiles to everyone who tries them.
• Versatile: Suitable for any occasion, whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party, a casual playdate, or a festive holiday gathering.
• Memorable Tradition: Making these cookies can become a fun family tradition, creating priceless moments in the kitchen with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: Perfectly soft cookies with a crunchy hazelnut coating and a warm Nutella center offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
• Rave Reviews: This recipe has received high praise from both avid sweet-lovers and self-proclaimed dessert skeptics, making it a crowd-pleaser for all tastes.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a fancy party or a casual get-together, these cookies can be customized with drizzled chocolate or festive sprinkles to suit any event.
• Family Bonding: Engage your loved ones in the kitchen with designated tasks for kids, creating memorable moments that go beyond just baking cookies.
• Signature Dessert: Be known as the “Nutella Cookie Mom” with a reputation for bringing joy and smiles to every gathering with this standout treat.
• Long-Lasting Freshness: Stored properly, these cookies can stay fresh for days, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert for busy schedules or unexpected guests.
• Tradition and Togetherness: Turn the baking process into a cherished weekend tradition that fosters togetherness and creates heartwarming memories with every batch.
• Bringing People Together: These cookies are more than just a treat; they serve as a common ground that unites people, making any occasion more special and memorable.

Ingredients for Irresistible Nutella Thumbprint Cookies

Cookie Base

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8g)
• ⅓ cup hazelnuts, finely chopped (50g)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (282g)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 whole egg, room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
• 1½ cups granulated sugar (300g)
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (226g)
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract

Coating

• ⅓ cup hazelnuts, finely chopped (50g)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Filling

• Nutella, for filling centers

How to Make Irresistible Nutella Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground hazelnuts. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients

Cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 3: Make Dough

Mix wet and dry ingredients until dough forms. Cover bowl tightly and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix hazelnuts and sugar in a small bowl for coating.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Scoop 25g portions of dough, roll into smooth balls, coat with hazelnut-sugar mixture, and place 2-3 inches apart on a baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake and Shape

Bake for 8-9 minutes until puffy with set edges. After 2 minutes, use a rounded teaspoon to make indents. Let cool for 2-3 more minutes before transferring to a rack.

Step 7: Fill and Finish

Fill the crevices with Nutella. Serve the dish warm or at room temperature.

Storage Tips

After baking a batch of Nutella Thumbprint Cookies, it’s best to store them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. This method helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from sticking together. When stored this way, these cookies can stay delicious and soft for several days, making them perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family.

If you find yourself with extra cookies or want to save some for later, you can freeze the unfilled cookies for longer storage. Once you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out of the freezer and add the Nutella filling before serving. This freezing method allows you to have a stash of these delightful treats on hand whenever the craving strikes or for unexpected guests. By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your Nutella Thumbprint Cookies remain just as delectable as when they first came out of the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Nutella Thumbprint Cookies recipe, you can easily make some ingredient substitutions based on availability or dietary preferences. If you don’t have hazelnuts on hand or need to avoid nuts, you can swap them with other crunchy add-ins like chopped almonds, pecans, or even shredded coconut for a different flavor and texture profile. This substitution will still provide a delightful contrast to the soft cookie base.

If you prefer a different spread for the centers of these cookies, you can replace the Nutella with other options like peanut butter, almond butter, or raspberry jam. Each of these alternatives will bring a unique taste to the cookies while maintaining the fun thumbprint design. Feel free to experiment with different fillings to create a variety of flavors and cater to different preferences among your family and friends.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving these Nutella thumbprint cookies as a dessert platter alongside a variety of toppings like whipped cream, chopped nuts, and fresh berries. Guests can customize their cookies by adding different toppings to the Nutella centers, making for a fun and interactive dessert experience.

Another idea is to use these cookies to create a stunning dessert charcuterie board. Arrange the cookies on a large platter or board and surround them with an assortment of chocolates, candies, fruits, and nuts. Add small bowls of caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, and raspberry coulis for dipping. This visually appealing display will not only impress your guests but also create a delicious and indulgent dessert spread that everyone will love.

FAQs for Irresistible Nutella Thumbprint Cookies

Can I use almond flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe?

Almond flour can alter the texture and structure of the cookies, so it’s best to stick to all-purpose flour for this recipe to achieve the desired consistency.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough before baking is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Make sure to follow the chilling instructions in the recipe to maintain the shape of the cookies.

Can I use a different type of nut instead of hazelnuts for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute hazelnuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans if you prefer. Just make sure to finely chop the nuts to achieve a similar texture and flavor profile.

How should I store the Nutella Thumbprint Cookies to keep them fresh?

Store the cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days, or you can freeze the unfilled cookies for longer storage and add Nutella when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, Nutella Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that will surely impress your loved ones. Don’t be discouraged by any mishaps in the kitchen – we’ve all had our share of cookie puddles and burnt edges. Remember, the key to success lies in patience and a little bit of practice.

So go ahead, preheat that oven and gather your ingredients. Embrace the sweet aroma of hazelnuts and chocolate as these cookies bake to perfection. Let the Nutella filling melt slightly, creating a gooey center that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

The joy of baking these Nutella Thumbprint Cookies goes beyond the kitchen. It’s about creating memories, sharing moments, and bringing smiles to those around you. So whip up a batch, share them with friends and family, and savor the happiness that these little bites of joy bring. Happy baking!