Nutella Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Nutella Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks, 228 g); ¾ cup white sugar (166 g); ¼ cup brown sugar (53 g); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 1 teaspoon corn starch; 2¾ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (343 g); ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup Nutella or preferred chocolate hazelnut spread

By:

Thomas

Published:

November 12, 2025

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Nutella Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth and create some kitchen magic. Imagine soft, buttery cookies with a gooey center filled with rich Nutella. As the smell wafts through your home, it instantly brings back memories of cozy afternoons spent baking. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating with friends, sharing with family, or simply treating yourself after a long day. Plus, the fun twist of making a thumbprint adds a personal touch that makes it enjoyable for bakers of all ages. Grab your apron, and let’s create a batch of these delicious Nutella Thumbprint Cookies that will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces!

Why This Recipe Works

Nutella Thumbprint Cookies bring together the rich, velvety sweetness of Nutella and the buttery softness of homemade cookies, creating a delightful treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. The balance of sugars, butter, and the unique addition of almond extract enhances flavor while keeping the texture tender. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe guarantees success even for novice bakers. You’ll find that making these cookies is not just easy, but also a fun experience filled with anticipation for that first delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Nutella Thumbprint Cookies

These Nutella Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions, from holiday gatherings to cozy evenings at home. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the luscious chocolate-hazelnut filling creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Imagine sharing them with friends while enjoying a warm cup of coffee or milk. Plus, the fun of pressing your thumb into the cookie dough adds a personal touch and makes baking an enjoyable activity for all ages. What’s better than creating something delicious and beautiful? You’ll love the way they look and the way they make you feel!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks, 228 g)
¾ cup white sugar (166 g)
¼ cup brown sugar (53 g)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon corn starch
2¾ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (343 g)
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup Nutella or preferred chocolate hazelnut spread

How to Make Nutella Thumbprint Cookies

Beat the Butter and Sugars

Start by taking softened butter and placing it in a bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the butter along with both the white and brown sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process should take about 3 minutes. The fluffiness of the mixture is key; it helps create a soft texture in your cookies that everyone will love.

Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, crack the large egg into the bowl and add the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat this mixture until it’s fully combined and smooth. The extracts add depth to the flavor, making your cookies taste even more amazing!

Whisk Dry Ingredients

Now, grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, corn starch, baking powder, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients helps to evenly distribute them and avoids any clumps, ensuring that every bite is just right.

Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Do this in about 1/3 of the dry mix at a time, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Once all the flour is added, you may need to pull the dough together slightly with your hands. This step is crucial because it shapes the cookies.

Form the Cookies

For the best results, shape the cookie dough into balls that are about 1½ tablespoons each, or around 22 grams. Once formed, roll each ball in sugar to create a delightful coat. Now, use the back of a rounded teaspoon measuring spoon—or even your thumb—to create a delicious “thumbprint” indentation right in the center of each cookie. This is the fun part where you can get a little creative!

Chill the Dough

After preparing the dough balls, it’s time to chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is essential. Chilling prevents the cookies from cracking while they bake, helping them to hold their beautiful shape.

Bake the Cookies

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, and once your dough is ready, place the chilled cookie balls on the sheet. Bake them for approximately 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the bottoms have a light golden hue. The aroma will be incredible!

Add Nutella Filling

Cool the cookies on the sheet for about 5-7 minutes once they come out of the oven. After they’ve cooled a bit, use a spoon to add about 1 teaspoon of Nutella into each thumbprint. If you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra splash of fun.

Cool the Cookies

Finally, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the Nutella filling to set perfectly and makes for a delightful treat when you take your first bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Nutella Thumbprint Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a cozy treat. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream is a dessert lover’s dream!

Tips for Success

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for better incorporation into the mixture.
Chilling the dough is critical to achieve the best texture and prevent spreading during baking.
Feel free to experiment with various toppings, like sprinkles or a swirl of chocolate drizzle, to match your mood or occasion.

Variations

You can use different nut butters or spreads in place of Nutella, allowing you to personalize your cookies however you wish.
For added texture, consider incorporating chopped nuts into the dough. It enhances flavor and brings a crunchy bite.
Create a holiday version of these cookies by stirring in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.

Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies with Nutella filling. Thaw them before serving to enjoy them at their best.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of Nutella?
Certainly! Any nut butter or chocolate spread works wonderfully with this recipe.

2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking is a great way to limit spreading during the baking process.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making them suitable for everyone.

4. How should I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for a longer shelf life.

5. Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Absolutely! Just freeze the unbaked dough balls. You can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Indulge yourself with these delightful Nutella Thumbprint Cookies that not only satisfy any sweet tooth but also create lasting memories. Perfect for sharing or savoring alone, each bite takes you on a delicious journey into the world of chocolate-hazelnut bliss. Happy baking!