Name: Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 56 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened to room temperature); 2/3 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg Yolk; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 teaspoons Cornstarch; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for rolling, optional); 1/3 cup Jam (flavor of your choice)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 62 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that balances rich chocolate flavor with a burst of fruity sweetness, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. These little gems are soft, tender, and irresistible, featuring a perfect cocoa dough with a jammy center that melts in your mouth with every bite. They’re simple to make yet impressively delicious, making them a fantastic go-to for cookie lovers everywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two parts: the top part has a clear glass bowl filled with white sugar, holding a single dark brown sugar-coated round dough ball on top, placed on a white marbled surface with a white and red striped cloth in the blurred background; next to it, there is another clear glass bowl filled with dark red jam. The bottom part features a close-up view of a woman's hand holding a silver spoon spreading the dark red, shiny jam into the center of the same type of round sugar-coated dough ball, which rests on the white marbled surface and is placed on a white tray with small dark specks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial, coming together to create a wonderfully textured cookie with a chocolatey depth and a lovely hint of vanilla. Each component plays an important role in crafting a cookie that’s tender, moist, and rich, with that classic thumbprint filled with your favorite jam.

Butter (1 cup, softened to room temperature): Provides a creamy base and tender crumb.

Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens and helps create a slight crisp on the edges.
Egg Yolk (1 large): Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor complexity with warm, aromatic notes.

Cocoa Powder (1/4 cup): Packs that deep, chocolatey punch.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The structure of the cookie, ensuring a sturdy yet tender bite.
Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Softens the texture for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Granulated Sugar for rolling (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a sparkly sweet crust for contrast.
Jam (1/3 cup, flavor of your choice): The star filling that brings fruity brightness and a touch of tartness.

How to Make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where you start building the cookie’s rich foundation and tender texture, so take your time to get it creamy and well combined.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor depth, transforming your dough into something soft and aromatic.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. The cocoa powder gives your cookies that signature chocolate taste, while the cornstarch keeps them wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until everything comes together. The dough might feel a bit dry at this point, but that is totally normal and crucial for that perfect cookie consistency.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Press the dough into a square and cover with plastic wrap before popping it into the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and enhancing the final cookie texture.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar Roll

After chilling, scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball, ensuring there are no cracks or seams. If you like a bit of sparkle, roll each ball in the optional granulated sugar before placing them spaced out on your cookie sheet.

Step 7: Create the Thumbprint

Use your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon to gently press a small indentation right in the center of each cookie ball. This classic thumbprint shape is what holds the jam and makes these cookies so charming.

Step 8: Fill with Jam

Spoon your chosen jam into each indentation. If the jam is thick, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave loosens it up perfectly without overheating it.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 11 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn a delicate golden brown. This precise timing ensures soft, tender cookies with that perfect slight crunch at the edges.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before digging in. This time lets the jam set and the cookie texture develop fully, so every bite is a luscious combination of soft chocolate dough and sweet fruity filling.

How to Serve Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, try dusting the finished cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. These simple touches elevate the presentation and add layers of flavor that guests will adore.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combo. They also complement a cup of hot coffee or tea beautifully, making for a cozy snack your whole family will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries or edible flowers, or place them in decorative tins to share as gifts. They’re perfect for festive occasions, afternoon tea, or any time you want to show someone you care with a homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining the tender crumb and jammy center that make them special.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They stay delicious for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until soft and slightly warm. Avoid overheating so the jam stays just right and the cookie remains tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jam for the Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry jam work beautifully, each lending a unique twist to the flavor profile. Feel free to experiment according to your preferences or what you have on hand.

Is it okay to substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is key to the rich flavor and delicate texture in this recipe. Margarine might work in a pinch, but oils are not recommended because they change the dough consistency and final cookie texture dramatically.

Why is cornstarch included in this cookie recipe?

Cornstarch helps to tenderize the cookie by softening the flour’s protein, giving the cookie a melt-in-your-mouth feel rather than a chewy or dense texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the dough’s structure and texture.

How do I prevent the jam from spilling over during baking?

Using a slightly thicker jam or heating it briefly before filling helps control its consistency. Also, pressing just a shallow indent in the cookie dough keeps the jam nestled nicely without spilling over the edges.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet made this Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe, you are truly missing out on a simple pleasure that feels like a warm hug. These cookies are quick to whip up, endlessly customizable, and utterly delicious. Give them a try and watch how they quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!