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Nutella Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are small, buttery, and crumbly with a golden exterior, featuring a central indentation filled with creamy Nutella. The dough is mixed and chilled before being shaped into balls, then baked until crisp. The finished cookies have a tender crumble with a gooey Nutella center that creates a delightful contrast in texture.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup Nutella for filling

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Round spoon or cookie scoop
  • Thumb or small bowl for indenting

Method
 

  1. Cream together softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, and you can see the sugar starting to dissolve.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, then beat until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl to distribute evenly.
  4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
  5. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and shape.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out small balls of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Use your thumb or a small round tool to gently press into the center of each dough ball, creating an indent for the Nutella filling.
  9. Fill each indent with about half a teaspoon of Nutella, being careful not to overfill.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies have set.
  11. Remove the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Once cooled, enjoy these buttery, crumbly cookies with a rich, gooey Nutella center—perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.

Notes

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes shaping easier. Feel free to sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking for extra flavor.