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Mocha Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Mocha Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
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Mocha Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies combine the rich flavors of coffee and hazelnuts in a tender buttery cookie with a silky mocha center and a crunchy hazelnut topping. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and ideal for gifting, parties, or cozy snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
  • 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (55g) ground hazelnuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling & Topping

  • Chocolate ganache or mocha-flavored chocolate spread (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the vanilla extract and instant espresso powder, mixing thoroughly to infuse the dough with mocha flavor. Then, blend in the all-purpose flour, ground hazelnuts, and salt until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
  2. Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small, even balls about the size of a tablespoon. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced comfortably apart. Press your thumb or the back of a spoon gently into the center of each ball to create the signature thumbprint indentation.
  3. Bake the cookies: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake to keep the inside soft.
  4. Add the mocha filling: Let the cookies cool slightly, then fill each thumbprint with chocolate ganache or mocha-flavored chocolate spread, creating a silky, rich center.
  5. Garnish with hazelnuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts over the filled centers for added crunch and an appealing presentation. Allow the filling to set before serving.

Notes

  • Chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and keep thumbprints defined.
  • Use quality instant espresso powder for the best coffee flavor.
  • Toast hazelnuts lightly in a dry pan to amplify aroma and crunch before chopping.
  • Do not overfill the thumbprints; just enough filling to avoid spilling.
  • Cool cookies on a wire rack to prevent sogginess and retain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: mocha, hazelnut, thumbprint cookies, coffee cookies, chocolate ganache, nutty cookies, holiday cookies

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/mocha-hazelnut-thumbprint-cookies/