Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
If you love chocolate as much as I do, these Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are going to make your heart skip a beat.
Soft, fudgy chocolate cookies filled with warm, melty chocolate and topped with cheerful multicolored sprinkles — they’re festive, simple, and absolutely irresistible.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion — from Christmas cookie trays to birthday parties or just a cozy night in with a cup of hot cocoa.
The deep chocolate flavor combined with the smooth, creamy filling makes them feel like something from a bakery, but they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.
Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply indulging in a chocolate craving, these thumbprint cookies always turn out beautiful and delicious.
They’re a fun treat to make with kids too — rolling the dough, pressing the centers, and adding sprinkles make baking an experience everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Soft, fudgy centers with a crisp edge for the perfect bite.
- Double chocolate goodness — both in the cookie and the filling.
- Customizable toppings — use rainbow sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or drizzle white chocolate for the holidays.
- Easy to make — no chilling required, and they bake in just minutes.
- Perfect for cookie exchanges or gifting — they look just as good as they taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup melted chocolate chips (for filling)
- Multicolored sprinkles for topping
How to Make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a soft, smooth dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Use your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon to gently press a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. The indentations may puff up slightly during baking — if they do, gently press them again while the cookies are warm.
Step 5: Fill with Melted Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the center of each cookie.
Step 6: Add the Sprinkles
While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the tops with colorful nonpareils or festive sprinkles of your choice.
Let the cookies cool until the chocolate filling firms up slightly before serving.
Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter so your dough mixes evenly.
- Don’t overbake — the cookies should stay soft and fudgy.
- Customize the centers — try caramel, peanut butter, or raspberry jam instead of chocolate for a fun twist.
- Let the chocolate set before stacking or storing to avoid smudging.
Storage
Store your chocolate thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them (before or after filling) for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature until soft.
Variations
- Holiday Version: Use red, green, and white sprinkles or fill with peppermint chocolate.
- Valentine’s Day: Add heart-shaped sprinkles or drizzle pink frosting over the top.
- Double Chocolate Dream: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough before baking.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle crushed pecans or hazelnuts over the melted chocolate filling.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
There’s something magical about a tray of chocolate cookies topped with sprinkles during the holidays. They add color to your dessert table and pair beautifully with everything from hot cocoa to peppermint punch. Plus, they store well and transport easily — making them ideal for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or family gatherings.
These Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful combination of flavor, texture, and charm. With their soft, chocolatey centers, creamy filling, and cheerful sprinkles, they’re a treat everyone will love — from kids to adults.
Whether you make them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just because, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to cookie recipes.
Simple ingredients, big flavor, and a presentation that looks straight out of a bakery — what’s not to love? So, grab your mixing bowl and a handful of sprinkles — it’s time to bake some magic.
