Description
These heart-shaped chocolate thumbprint cookies are a delightful treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Soft and buttery with a rich chocolate center, these cookies combine the classic thumbprint cookie method with a romantic twist, making them both charming and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Filling
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Optional Garnish
- Sprinkles
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop the dough into one-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with your hand. Use your thumb, pinky, or the back of a spoon to press two overlapping indentations at the top of each cookie, creating a heart shape. Smooth the edges of the heart as needed for a clean look.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Once out of the oven, immediately reshape the heart indentations using the back of a spoon to ensure they remain distinct as the cookies cool.
- Prepare Chocolate Filling: In a small bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream together by microwaving in 20-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth and glossy.
- Fill the Cookies: Spoon or pipe the melted chocolate mixture into the heart-shaped centers of each cooled cookie. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or chill briefly in the refrigerator.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle your choice of colorful sprinkles or a tiny pinch of sea salt over the chocolate filling for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can add almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor twist.
- For a sweeter filling, substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness.
- Be gentle when creating the heart indentations to avoid cracking the dough.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
