Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s buttery, soft, and just downright irresistible, let me introduce you to this Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out every single time — tender little pillows of dough with that perfect Nutella center that oozes chocolatey hazelnut goodness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, you’ll find these cookies super easy to make and even easier to love. Grab your apron and let’s dive in!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe relies on a balance of buttery richness and just the right amount of flour for softness, plus a hit of vanilla and almond extract for extra flavor depth. I always recommend using high-quality Nutella because it makes all the difference when it comes to the final taste.

• Unsalted Butter: Using softened butter helps the dough cream nicely with the sugars, creating a light texture.
• White Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
• Brown Sugar: Keeps the cookies moist and gives a subtle caramel undertone.
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives warmth and a lovely aromatic hint.
• Almond Extract: A small amount gives a surprising, delightful boost of flavor.
• Corn Starch: Helps keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Flour: Spoon and level it for accuracy to avoid dry or dense cookies.
• Baking Powder: Adds a little lift and helps that perfect cookie shape.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Nutella: The gooey, chocolate-hazelnut star that goes right in the center of each cookie.

Variations

I love playing around with this Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe to keep things interesting. Sometimes, I swap out the almond extract for a little orange zest or add chopped toasted hazelnuts into the dough for extra crunch. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!

• Add a Nutty Twist: I sprinkled chopped toasted hazelnuts on top of the Nutella dollop before baking once, and my family went crazy for it.
• Flavor Swap: If you’re not a fan of almond extract, vanilla alone works beautifully or try a drop of peppermint for a festive twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: I’ve successfully subbed regular flour with a gluten-free blend, just be sure to check the mix ratios for your brand.
• Make It Mini: These cookies are delicious bite-sized, perfect for parties or gift trays.

How to Make Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter with both the white and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy — this usually takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is key because it gives your cookies that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. I learned that skipping this or rushing through it can make your cookies flat or dense, so take your time here!

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated. These are the flavor boosters that bring warmth to the dough, so don’t skimp out on good vanilla — it makes a big difference.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, baking powder, and salt. Adding corn starch is my little trick — it really helps keep the cookies soft. Then, gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients about a third at a time, beating just until combined to avoid overmixing. You can finish by pulling the dough together by hand if it feels a bit crumbly.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough Balls

For the best results, scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough (roughly 22 grams each) and roll them into smooth balls. Then, roll each ball in sugar — this gives a slight crunch and a little sparkle to your cookies once baked. Press a thumbprint indentation in the center using the back of a teaspoon or your thumb. Chilling these dough balls in the fridge for about 30 minutes really cuts down on spreading and cracking while baking.

Step 5: Bake and Fill

Bake your chilled cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 9-10 minutes. You want the edges to be set but the cookies should remain soft and barely golden on the bottom. Let them cool for 5-7 minutes — this is important so the cookies don’t disintegrate when you add the Nutella. Once slightly cooled, spoon about a teaspoon of Nutella into each thumbprint indentation. If you’re feeling fancy, add some sprinkles or drizzle melted white or dark chocolate on top.

How to Serve Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often keep things simple by just dusting the cookie balls in granulated sugar before baking, but I love adding mini chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles on top of Nutella for a festive vibe. Another favorite is drizzling a bit of melted white chocolate — it’s these small touches that make you feel like a pro baker.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a cold glass of milk. For brunch, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit and a light yogurt parfait — a sweet finish to a cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to arrange these Nutella Thumbprint Cookies on a pretty platter with edible gold dust sprinkled lightly on top. Wrapping them individually in translucent cellophane bags tied with a cute ribbon makes a wonderful homemade gift. I even once baked mini versions for a cookie swap and they disappeared instantly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay perfectly soft and fresh for about four days—though honestly, they never last that long at my house!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies. For the dough, I shape and chill first, then freeze them on a tray before transferring to a zip-top bag. When baking from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze beautifully too — thaw for a few minutes at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring a leftover cookie back to life, I warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It softens the cookie and makes the Nutella gooey again—not that I recommend reheating more than a couple at a time because who can resist fresh ones?

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe has become one of those treats I always keep in my regular baking rotation because it hits that sweet spot of simple yet special. I remember the first time I shared these at a family gathering—they disappeared so fast! I hope you enjoy baking and eating them as much as I do. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll have a new favorite cookie to make again and again.

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