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–+ servings

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Buttery shortbread and velvety ganache join forces in this festive recipe for Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies.
4.94 from 16 votes
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings 40 cookies

Ingredients  

For the cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temp
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the chocolate filling:

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1 Tablespoon corn syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Sprinkles, for topping

Instructions 

Make the cookies:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating between each addition, then add the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
  • Add the flour mixture to the stand mixer, beating just until the dough is combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat baking mats.
  • Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Space the balls 1 inch apart on the baking sheets, then using the back of a measuring spoon (or your thumb), make a deep indentation into each ball.
  • Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are pale golden. 
  • Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a rack to cool completely. (If the indentations have disappeared, make them again while the cookies are still warm.) 
  • While the cookies cool, make the chocolate filling.

Make the chocolate filling:

  • Add the chocolate chips to a medium bowl.
  • In a separate medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, corn syrup and butter. Microwave the mixture until it is steaming, about 1 minute, then pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 5 minutes (without stirring).
  • Whisk the chocolate mixture until it is smooth. (If there are any chocolate chunks remaining, microwave the mixture for 15-second increments until smooth.)
  • Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the chocolate into each indentation and immediately top it with sprinkles. Allow the chocolate to sit until firm and shiny. 
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