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Imagine biting into a perfectly soft cookie, rolled in crunchy hazelnuts, with a pool of warm Nutella nestled in the center. These thumbprint cookies combine the best of both worlds - tender cream cheese dough and rich chocolate-hazelnut spread - creating little bites of pure joy that disappear almost as quickly as you can make them.
After bringing these to my son's bake sale last week, three moms cornered me for the recipe. Even my mother-in-law, who claims she 'doesn't like sweets,' asked to take some home!
Perfect Ingredient Selection
- Full-fat cream cheese: creates an incredibly tender, rich cookie base
- Room temperature butter: ensures perfect creaming with sugar
- Fresh hazelnuts: provide better flavor than pre-ground ones
- Quality Nutella: makes all the difference in the final taste
- Cornstarch: keeps these cookies soft and tender for days
A pastry chef once taught me that using cold ingredients is like trying to mix oil and water - it just doesn't work. Now I always plan ahead and let everything come to room temperature.
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Creating Cookie Magic
- Begin The Base:
- Cream together butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, taking your time for the perfect texture.
- Sugar Symphony:
- Add sugars gradually, letting each addition fully incorporate.
- Egg Enhancement:
- Mix in eggs one at a time, ensuring smooth incorporation.
- Nutty Addition:
- Fold in ground hazelnuts gently, preserving their texture.
- Shape With Care:
- Roll dough balls in hazelnut-sugar mixture for that perfect crunchy coating.
- Final Touch:
- Create perfect indents and fill with warm Nutella.
My first batch turned into one giant cookie puddle because I skipped chilling time. Now I plan ahead and the results are always perfect!
Sweet Success Stories
These cookies have become my signature bring-along dessert at every gathering. That time I made them for my daughter's ballet recital? The other dance moms practically begged for the recipe. Now I'm known as the 'Nutella Cookie Mom' at every school function, and honestly, I'm not mad about it. Every batch brings new stories and happy faces.
Kitchen Chronicles
The process of making these has turned into a weekend tradition in our house. My kids have their own special jobs - one makes the perfect thumbprints while the other handles the Nutella filling (and somehow manages to get it everywhere!). Even with the mess, these moments in the kitchen are priceless.
Creating Cookie Joy
I've found these cookies work perfectly for any occasion. Sometimes I'll drizzle extra chocolate on top for fancy parties, or add festive sprinkles for holidays. They're equally at home at a casual playdate or an elegant dinner party.
Sweet Storage Solutions
Keep these treasures in an airtight container with wax paper between layers, and they'll stay fresh for days. Though honestly, they rarely last that long! For longer storage, you can freeze the unfilled cookies and add Nutella when ready to serve.
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Chef's Wisdom
- A wine cork makes perfectly sized indents every time
- Warm your Nutella slightly for easier filling
- Use a piping bag for neat, clean centers
After countless batches of these Nutella thumbprints, I've learned they're more than just cookies - they're little bites of joy that bring people together. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because it's Tuesday, they never fail to make people smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I skip the chilling time?
- No, chilling for 2-3 hours is essential for proper texture and to prevent spreading.
- → Can I use pre-ground hazelnuts?
- Yes, you can use pre-ground hazelnuts or hazelnut meal for both the dough and coating.
- → When should I add the Nutella?
- Add Nutella after making indents and letting cookies cool slightly, about 4-5 minutes after baking.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, freeze unfilled cookies for up to 3 months. Add Nutella after thawing.
- → Why use both cream cheese and butter?
- The combination creates a softer, more tender cookie with rich flavor and great texture.