Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy: 12 Divine Recipes

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Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy are a delightful invitation to pure indulgence. These tender, rich chocolate cookies feature a surprise burst of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate ganache in their center, making them a true showstopper on any dessert table. The combination of chewy texture and luscious filling creates a sensory experience that is hard to resist. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, these cookies will become a cherished part of your baking traditions.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy

Here are six reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:

They’re incredibly chewy and satisfying.
Perfectly complement any holiday or special gathering.
Made with simple ingredients, it’s an easy chocolate thumbprint cookies recipe.
They can be customized with various fillings.
These cookies are vegetarian-friendly, making them inclusive for many diets.
Each bite offers a rich, chocolatey flavor that is hard to resist.

Ingredients for Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy

Gather these items:

1 ½ cups (188 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (40 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
¾ cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (200 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (for filling)
½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream (for filling)
Nonpareils, for sprinkling (optional)

How to Make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment. In a stand mixer, cream softened unsalted butter with light brown sugar and granulated white sugar for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined (1-2 minutes).
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: If the dough is very soft or your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator to prevent spreading.
Step 4: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into 1-inch smooth balls. Place them 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 5: Gently press your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon into the center of each dough ball to create a shallow indentation. If edges crack, gently reshape them.
Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the edges are set and lightly firm, but the centers still look slightly soft.
Step 7: Remove baking sheets from the oven and let cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: While cookies cool, finely chop semi-sweet chocolate chips and place them in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat heavy whipping cream until it just begins to simmer around the edges. Do not boil vigorously.
Step 9: Immediately pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Then, gently stir from the center outwards with a whisk or spatula until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, glossy, and emulsified.
Step 10: Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or refrigerate briefly (stirring every 5-10 minutes), until it has thickened enough to hold its shape when filled into the cookies.
Step 11: Once cookies are completely cool and the ganache is thickened, spoon or pipe the chocolate ganache generously into each cookie indentation.
Step 12: Optionally, sprinkle nonpareils (or other desired toppings like flaky sea salt) over the wet ganache.
Step 13: Allow the filled cookies to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes, until the ganache is fully set.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
Don’t skip the chilling step if your dough feels too soft; this helps maintain shape.
Use high-quality chocolate chips for the ganache to enhance flavor.
Experiment with different fillings like jam for chewy chocolate cookies with jam.

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy

These cookies shine when served alongside:

A glass of milk or your favorite coffee.
Vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
As a part of a dessert platter during Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies for holidays.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy

To store these cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them. If you want to reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that chewy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy

What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy?

The secret lies in the balance of ingredients. Ensure your butter is at the right temperature and do not overmix the dough. This will create the perfect moist chocolate thumbprint cookies.

Can I make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it chilled. This will enhance the flavors and make baking easier.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy?

To avoid common mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately and watch the baking time closely. Underbaking will result in a gooey center, while overbaking will make them dry.

Variations of Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Chewy You Can Try

Here are a few variations to consider:

Add crushed nuts for extra texture.
Use different fillings such as peanut butter or caramel.
Try gluten-free flour for a gluten-free chocolate thumbprint cookies option.
Make a vegan version by substituting butter with coconut oil and using dairy-free chocolate chips.