Thumbprint Cookies
Fun and festive thumbprint cookies make the sweetest treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp nonpareils sprinkles optional
For the Chocolate Ganache Filling:
- 4 oz milk chocolate chips or dark/semi-sweet if preferred
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- Extra nonpareils sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream for 1 minute. Add in the chocolate chips and stir until smooth and fully combined. Set aside to cool. You can also prepare this in a double boiler for a silkier texture.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Slowly mix in the flour until the dough starts coming together. If using, fold in the nonpareils sprinkles for an extra festive look.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use the back of a tablespoon to make an indent in the center of each cookie. If the dough feels sticky, lightly flour your hands.
- Chill: Place the formed cookies in the freezer for 5 minutes to help maintain their shape while baking.
- Bake: If using chocolate ganache, bake the cookies without the filling for 12 minutes. The centers may puff up slightly—press them down again gently after baking.
- If using jam, fill the indentations before baking and then bake for 12 minutes.
- Cool & Fill: Let the cookies cool completely before filling with chocolate ganache. Once filled, allow the ganache to set for a few hours before stacking or gifting.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
- Chill the dough before baking – This prevents spreading and helps maintain the thumbprint shape.
- Use room temperature butter – Softened butter creates a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
- Don’t overbake – The cookies should be slightly golden on the edges but remain soft in the center.
- Experiment with fillings – Try raspberry jam, lemon curd, or caramel for a twist on the classic!
- Make it gluten-free – Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Add a crunchy texture – Roll the dough in crushed nuts before baking for an extra crunch!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!