These rich, chewy dark chocolate thumbprint cookies are filled with smooth, velvety ganache for a luxurious treat. Perfect for chocolate lovers and ideal for sharing, each bite melts in your mouth with deep chocolate flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate thumbprint cookies are a decadent treat that combines the best of both worlds: soft, chewy cookies paired with a rich, velvety chocolate ganache. The deep, intense cocoa flavor in the cookie dough is complemented by the glossy, smooth ganache filling, making each bite an indulgent experience. These cookies are not only a delight to the taste buds but also visually stunning with their shiny ganache and optional sprinkle of nonpareils. Whether you're sharing them with friends and family or enjoying them solo, they are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings and leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies:

1 ½ cups (188 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (40 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
¾ cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (165 g) packed light brown sugar
¼ cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
2 egg yolks, room temperature
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup (200 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
Nonpareils for sprinkling on top (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cookies:

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add egg yolks and vanilla, mixing until pale and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).
Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough (about 34 cookies), roll into balls, and place them on the baking sheets.
Use a ¼ teaspoon to press an indent in each dough ball. Chill for at least 1 hour.

Bake the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place chilled dough balls about 1 ½ inches apart on the baking sheets.
Bake for 9-11 minutes. If needed, gently re-press the indents with the ¼ tsp.
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Prepare the Ganache:

Place the chocolate chips in a small bowl.
Heat the heavy cream until almost boiling, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.

Assemble the Cookies:

Once the cookies have cooled, fill the indents with 1 teaspoon of ganache.
Optionally, top with nonpareils.
Chill the cookies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to set the ganache.

Servings and timing

Servings: 34 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Nutty Chocolate Thumbprints: Add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the cookie dough for a crunchy texture. You can also sprinkle the top of the ganache with chopped nuts for extra flavor.
Flavored Ganache: Spice up the ganache by adding a dash of flavored liqueur like Chambord or Grand Marnier, or infuse the heavy cream with a vanilla bean or cinnamon stick before combining it with the chocolate chips.
Dark Chocolate Thumbprints: If you prefer an even richer chocolate experience, swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for bittersweet or dark chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds, making sure not to overheat the ganache.

FAQs

How can I make these cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and freeze it before baking. Simply scoop and roll the dough into balls, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply bake the cookies from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use milk chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter ganache. However, the flavor will be different from the original rich, dark chocolate ganache.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps maintain the thumbprint shape.

How do I prevent the ganache from being too runny?

Make sure the heavy cream is hot enough to melt the chocolate but not boiling. Stir the ganache gently until smooth, and allow it to cool slightly before filling the cookies.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

For the best flavor and texture, it is recommended to use unsalted butter. Using margarine may alter the taste and texture of the cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should have a firm exterior and a soft center. If you're unsure, check the edges—they should be slightly set but still soft. You can also gently press on the indents and if the cookies spring back, they are ready.

Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

Dutch-process cocoa powder is preferred for its rich flavor, but you can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder if needed. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

How do I store leftover ganache?

If you have leftover ganache, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It can be re-warmed and used as a dip or spread.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, once the cookies have cooled completely, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to allow the ganache to set before freezing.

What should I do if the thumbprint indents disappear during baking?

If the indents begin to flatten out during baking, simply re-press the indents with a ¼ teaspoon when they come out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before filling with ganache.

Conclusion

These chocolate thumbprint cookies are an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover. With their soft, chewy texture and indulgent ganache filling, they are perfect for special occasions, holiday baking, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Easy to make, versatile with different variations, and sure to impress, these cookies are a must-try for anyone who enjoys rich, homemade baked goods.