These deeply rich and soft Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies melt in your mouth and are filled with chocolate ganache and packed with crispy hazelnuts!
Preheat your oven to 180C / 355F (fan on), 160C / 320F (fan off). Line two large baking trays with baking paper and set aside.
Combine dry ingredients:
Add the flour, cocoa powder and salt into a medium sized mixing bowl and use a whisk to combine. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar:
To a separate bowl, add the butter, powdered sugar, egg yolk and milk and beat on high speed until fluffy and pale, about 3 minutes.
Roll out cookies:
Roll out about thirty 1 1/2 tablespoon sized balls. Using an ice cream scoop to do this will make it an easier process. I used the OXO Good Grips Small ice cream scoop.
Roll in hazelnuts and bake:
Roll each ball in crushed hazelnuts. Space the cookies across two baking trays and bake one at a time, in the middle rack for 8 minutes. Do not flatten the cookies before baking, they will flatten and spread In the oven.
Indent the cookies:
As soon as they come out of the oven grab a measuring tablespoon and indent each cookie. Then shuffle a round cookie cutter slightly larger than the cookie around the cookies to make them round again. Allow to cool completely.
Fill with hazelnut spread:
Add the chocolate hazelnut filling to the center of each cookie using spoons or a piping bag to finish. Let them set completely before serving.
Notes:
How to toast your hazelnuts – to toast your hazelnuts, place on a metal baking sheet and bake in an preheated oven on 180C / 355F (fan off) for 10 minutes or until golden. Take out and allow to cool completely before chopping or adding to a food processor to chop.
Chocolate hazelnut spread – You can use any type you like. Personally, I think a better quality, non-palm oil spread is better and tastes better.
Storage – Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. They can be frozen for up to 2 months! Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition – is an approximate and is based on per cookie. This recipe makes about 30 cookies.
A note on measurements – This recipe uses weight measurements for the most accurate results. Cup measurements can vary depending on where you are, which affects the precision needed for a recipe like this.