There’s something undeniably magical about cookies that combine richness, decadence, and a playful touch of customization. Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are just that—a show-stopping dessert with a fudgy, chocolaty base and endless possibilities for filling. Whether you’re baking them for a festive holiday party, a quiet weekend indulgence, or a thoughtful gift, these cookies never fail to impress.
What makes these cookies so special is their versatility. Not only do they bring double the chocolate, but their cute thumbprint design creates a little edible cup ready to be filled with your favorite flavors. From creamy ganache to tangy fruit preserves, the options are endless, and every bite is a perfect balance of crisp edges, soft centers, and indulgent toppings.
I first stumbled upon this recipe years ago when looking for a dessert that felt festive but wasn’t too complicated. These cookies quickly became a family favorite—not just for the taste but for the fun of making them together. Rolling the dough into balls, pressing the thumbprints, and deciding on the fillings became a creative, collaborative effort. Now, it’s a recipe I return to time and again, tweaking the fillings depending on the occasion or my mood.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies check every box on the “must-make” dessert list. First off, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers. The dough comes together quickly, and the shaping process is both simple and fun. Plus, you only need basic pantry ingredients to get started.
Another reason to love them is their incredible texture. The cookie base is slightly crisp on the outside but soft and tender on the inside, with a rich chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth. Once you add the filling—whether it’s a silky ganache or a bright fruit preserve—the flavors elevate into something truly unforgettable.
Not only are they a delight to eat, but they’re also visually stunning. The contrast of the dark chocolate cookie with the glossy ganache or colorful fruit filling makes them look as though they came straight out of a fancy bakery. They’re perfect for gifting, party trays, or even an everyday treat.
And let’s not forget the customizable factor! You can change up the filling to suit different occasions or preferences. Feeling fancy? Go for a salted caramel or hazelnut spread. Looking for something fruity? Raspberry or apricot jam is a perfect match. There’s truly no wrong way to make these cookies.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and assembling)
- Servings: Makes approximately 20 cookies
Calories per cookie: 120 kcal
Key nutrients: 2g protein, 16g carbs, 7g fat
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 4 ounces (115g) dark or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- Optional: 1/4 cup fruit preserves (raspberry, apricot, or your favorite flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this step is key for a tender cookie. Next, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls using your hands. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Now for the fun part—creating the thumbprints! Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently press into the center of each ball, forming a small well. Be careful not to press all the way through; you want to create a little “cup” that can hold the filling later.
Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as this can make the cookies too firm.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If the thumbprints lose some definition during baking, you can gently press them again with a teaspoon while the cookies are still warm.
Prepare the Ganache
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the filling. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it just begins to simmer—don’t let it boil! Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl, letting it sit for a minute. Then, stir the mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly so it thickens enough to spoon into the cookies.
Assemble the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon about 1 teaspoon of ganache into each thumbprint. If you’re using fruit preserves, add a small dollop on top of the ganache for a pop of color and flavor. Let the ganache set for 10-15 minutes at room temperature or speed up the process by placing the cookies in the fridge.
Serve and Enjoy
Your Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are ready to serve! Arrange them on a platter, store them in an airtight container, or package them up as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape better during baking, especially if your kitchen is warm.
- Avoid overbaking: For soft, tender cookies, take them out of the oven while they’re still slightly soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Use good-quality chocolate: Since ganache is a key flavor component, using high-quality chocolate makes a big difference.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Get creative: Try filling the cookies with peanut butter, caramel, or Nutella for a twist on the classic recipe.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter alternative and coconut cream for the ganache.
- Nutty Variation: Add a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts or almonds on top of the ganache for extra crunch.
- Peppermint Twist: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the ganache for a festive holiday flavor.
How to Serve this Double Chocolate Cookies
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot drink like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For a party spread, serve them alongside other treats like sugar cookies or brownies for a dessert table that appeals to everyone. They also make a delightful addition to holiday cookie boxes or as an after-dinner treat with a tall glass of milk.
Freezing and Storage
To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze them, arrange the unfilled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, let the cookies thaw and add the filling fresh for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a fun and creative way to bring people together in the kitchen. Their rich chocolate flavor, customizable fillings, and eye-catching appearance make them a hit every time. Whether you stick with the classic ganache or experiment with new flavors, these cookies are guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your collection.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let the chocolatey goodness begin! Don’t forget to share your creations—tag me on social media, and let me know your favorite variations. Happy baking!
Print
Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: A Treat Worth Indulging In
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a rich, fudgy treat with a tender chocolate base and customizable fillings like ganache or fruit preserves. Perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting, they’re simple to make and utterly indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 4 ounces (115g) dark or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- Optional: 1/4 cup fruit preserves (raspberry, apricot, or your favorite flavor)
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes if needed.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet. Use your thumb or a spoon to create an indentation in each ball.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until set. Let cool completely.
- Heat cream until simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth to make ganache.
- Fill cookie indentations with ganache, and top with fruit preserves if desired. Let set before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough prevents cookies from spreading during baking.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best ganache.
- Add a pinch of sea salt or crushed nuts on top for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American