Decadent Double Chocolate Thumbprint Delights

Indulge in the rich, deep flavors of these **Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies** – a true delight that, while perfect for dressing up your holiday dessert table, is equally wonderful to bake and savor any time of the year. This recipe has earned enthusiastic approval from my family, and it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your home too!

Thumbprint Cookies are renowned for their incredible adaptability and versatility. Their charm lies in the small well created in the center, ready to be filled with an array of delectable treats. Depending on the occasion or your personal preference, you can choose your favorite chocolate kiss variety, a rich ganache, or even a different type of candy to make each batch uniquely yours.

Why You Absolutely Must Bake These Decadent Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

These Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies aren’t just another treat; they’re a revelation for any chocolate lover. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking repertoire:

• A Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Double the Decadence! These cookies truly live up to their “double chocolate” name. The rich, cocoa-infused cookie dough provides a deep chocolate base, beautifully complemented by either a luscious chocolate ganache filling or a melty chocolate candy center. This combination ensures an intense chocolate experience that is always a hit, satisfying even the most discerning chocoholic.
• Endless Customization with Your Favorite Candies: The beauty of thumbprint cookies lies in their customizable center. While classic Hershey’s Kisses of all varieties are absolutely fabulous, the possibilities extend far beyond. Imagine the delight of biting into a cookie filled with caramel-filled Rolos, festive chocolate stars, mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a salty-sweet kick, or even soft caramel squares. Each choice adds a unique flavor and texture dimension, allowing you to tailor these cookies for any holiday, special occasion, or simply to suit your mood.
• A Recipe Rooted in Excellence: This exceptional cookie recipe is proudly adapted from the renowned Fine Cooking magazine, guaranteeing a foundation of culinary excellence. Their original version featured a sophisticated chocolate ganache filling, which remains a wonderfully rich and elegant alternative. This pedigree ensures that you’re working with a well-tested, expertly crafted base recipe that promises delicious results every time.
• Proven Family Favorite: The real testament to a recipe’s success comes from those who enjoy it most. When I initially considered replacing the ganache with Caramel Kisses for a batch, my husband gave me what my friend Patti affectionately calls the “hamster look”—a subtle, yet unmistakable, pout of disappointment. Acknowledging his preference, I made a batch with ganache, and the reward was immediate: his reaction after the first bite was priceless. He even suggested adding these decadent thumbprints to the cherished collection of “tried and true” cookies I gift to friends each holiday season. This personal endorsement speaks volumes about their irresistible appeal.

Mastering the Art of Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process. When my son, Nick, was home for Thanksgiving break, he eagerly anticipated these treats, and I promised him the majority to share with his dorm friends. Being a caramel enthusiast like myself, he gave them an enthusiastic two thumbs up after his taste test. Trust me, these cookies are truly amazing, and here’s how you can make them too!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the freedom to customize. You can choose any flavored Hershey’s Kiss you’d like, opt for mini-Reeses for a peanut butter twist, or stick with the classic, elegant ganache filling. The key to perfection is to allow the freshly baked cookies to cool for just a few minutes before carefully inserting your chosen candy or filling the well with ganache. This ensures the cookie structure is firm enough to hold its shape and the candy melts just slightly, creating that perfect, soft center.

Let’s walk through the simple steps to create these perfect chocolatey wonders:

1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by gathering your ingredients and following the recipe card instructions to create the rich, double chocolate cookie dough. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smooth consistency.
2. Portion and Shape: Utilize a reliable cookie scoop to portion out consistent rounds of dough. This not only ensures uniform baking but also makes the process incredibly efficient. Place these dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving adequate space between them.
3. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies as directed in the recipe. Keep an eye on them; they should be slightly puffed and show a subtle crackling on the surface, indicating they are perfectly cooked through but still soft.
4. Create the Thumbprint and Fill: This is where the magic happens! Once the cookies are hot out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for just a few minutes (typically 4-5 minutes). While still warm and pliable, either gently press the back of a rounded measuring spoon to create a well for ganache, or carefully press your unwrapped candies (like Hershey’s Kisses) into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will help the candy to slightly soften and adhere perfectly.
5. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. If using ganache, give it time to set. Once cooled, these double chocolate delights are ready to be savored. Dive in and experience the ultimate chocolate indulgence!

Baking Success: Expert Tips for Perfect Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• PRO-Tip: Achieve Uniformity with a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly consistent-sized cookies, which ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation, a medium cookie scoop is your best friend. It takes the guesswork out of portioning and makes the process much quicker.
• For Perfectly Round Cookies: If you desire impeccably round cookies, a little extra step goes a long way. After portioning the dough with your scoop, consider chilling the dough balls for about 10-15 minutes. Once slightly firm, you can gently roll them between your palms to smooth out any imperfections and create perfectly spherical shapes before baking.
• Combat Sticky Cookie Scoops: It’s a common frustration: after a few uses, dough can build up in your cookie scoop/disher, making it difficult to release the dough cleanly. While a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray like Pam often helps, when that’s not enough, here’s a trick: use your hot water dispenser or a cup of hot water to rinse and heat up the gadget. The heat helps to loosen any stuck dough, allowing for perfectly round, consistent-sized balls every time.
• PRO-Tip: Reshaping Warm Cookies with a Spatula: Don’t despair if your cookies don’t come out perfectly round from the oven! When the cookies are still hot and pliable on the baking sheet, you can carefully (using an oven mitt or hot pad in one hand to stabilize the pan) use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently tap them back into neat rounds. This quick fix enhances their aesthetic appeal significantly.
• Explore Hershey’s Kisses Flavors: The versatility of Hershey’s Kisses is unparalleled for thumbprint cookies. While classic milk chocolate and rich caramel-filled Kisses are always a hit, don’t hesitate to experiment with other flavors. Peppermint Kisses are fantastic for the holidays, Hugs add a white chocolate swirl, and even seasonal varieties can make your cookies extra special and unique.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and baking chocolate. The difference in taste and richness will be noticeable in your final product.
• Don’t Overbake: Double chocolate cookies can be tricky to tell when they’re done because of their dark color. They are typically ready when the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.
• Storage and Freshness: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider placing parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
• Gift-Giving Perfection: These Double Chocolate Thumbprints make an exquisite homemade gift. Package them in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful and delicious present during the holidays or for any special occasion.

Explore More Delicious Cookie Recipes and Baking Inspiration

If you’ve enjoyed baking these Double Chocolate Thumbprints, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic cookie and dessert recipes, perfect for expanding your baking skills and delighting your taste buds:

• Adorable Mice Cookies from Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic – A fun and festive treat, especially for the holidays!
• Unique Cranberry Sauce Cheesecake Brownies from Chung-Ah of Damn Delicious – A delightful twist on classic brownies with a holiday touch.
• The Best Gingerbread Cookies – A timeless classic, perfect for spicy and warm flavors.
• Festive White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies – Bursting with minty freshness and white chocolate.
• Essential Guide: How to Freeze Cookie Dough – A super handy tip for make-ahead baking and fresh cookies anytime.
• Discover all my Best Cookie Recipes for endless baking inspiration.

The Recipe:

Double Chocolate Thumbprints Recipe

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Yield
5 dozen cookies

Rich chocolate-laden cookies, a delightful adaptation from Fine Cooking magazine.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 4 reviews

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly

For the Chocolate Filling (Ganache option) or Candy Centers:

• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (approximately ½ cup)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 3 pieces
• M&M’s, optional garnish for ganache-filled cookies
• Alternatively, use Caramel or Classic Milk Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses instead of the ganache

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and set them aside for later use.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined. This ensures leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. Cream Butter, Sugar & Cocoa: Using an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer), beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and sifted cocoa powder on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended, typically about 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate Eggs & Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until just blended. Once all eggs are incorporated, mix in the vanilla extract until fragrant.
5. Add Melted Chocolate & Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the cooled, melted semisweet chocolate until just combined. Then, gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed, or by hand with a spatula, just until incorporated and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Portion & Bake Cookies: Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 ½ inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed up and show slight crackling on the surface. They should still be soft in the center.
7. Create Wells for Ganache (if using): As soon as the cookies are removed from the oven, if you plan to use the ganache filling, immediately use the rounded side of a half-teaspoon measuring spoon to make a deep, distinct well in the center of each hot cookie. Allow the cookies to sit on the cookie sheet for 4-5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
8. Add Kisses (if using): If you are opting for Hershey’s Kisses, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 4-5 minutes after baking. Then, gently press an unwrapped Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat will slightly soften the chocolate, helping it adhere and create a smooth, melty center.
9. Prepare Ganache Filling: To make the ganache filling, melt the chopped semisweet chocolate and cut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring with a rubber spatula until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Set aside and allow it to cool and thicken slightly to a spoonable consistency.
10. Fill Cookies with Ganache: Once the cookies are fully cooled and the ganache has slightly thickened, spoon the chocolate mixture into the wells of the cooled cookies. If desired, place a colorful M&M in the center of the ganache for a festive touch.
11. Set the Ganache: Allow the ganache-filled cookies to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate filling firms up. Then, they are ready to serve and enjoy!

Notes

You have the flexibility to fill your double chocolate thumbprints with either a rich homemade ganache or any delightful flavor of Hershey’s Kisses that you love. Experiment with different varieties to find your perfect match!

Recommended Baking Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• OXO Good Grips Medium Cookie Scoop
• USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan
• KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

30

Serving Size:

1 cookie

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 134
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 23mg
Sodium: 82mg
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 2g

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