Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies – In Bloom Bakery
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a timeless classic, perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding a touch of elegance to your cookie platter. Soft, buttery cookies with a rich chocolate base and a sweet, jam-filled center make them irresistible. Inspired by In Bloom Bakery, these cookies combine a tender texture with a burst of fruity flavor in the thumbprint indentation, creating a beautiful and delicious treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and sweet, fruity jam. The cookies are easy to make, bake up beautifully, and hold their shape well, making them ideal for decorating or giving as gifts. The thumbprint center adds visual appeal and a fun surprise in every bite.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)
Understanding the nutritional content allows you to enjoy these treats responsibly. While indulgent, portioning the cookies carefully ensures you can enjoy them without overdoing it. This section highlights calories, fat, carbohydrates, and sugar per cookie.
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
Values may vary depending on ingredients and cookie size.
Time Breakdown
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are quick to prepare with minimal hands-on time. The dough chills for better shape and texture, and the baking process is short, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade cookies in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour (including chilling)
These cookies are simple to prepare and perfect for making ahead, giving you fresh, bakery-style cookies whenever you need them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and a few key ingredients to create a rich, chocolatey cookie base. The addition of jam in the thumbprint makes each bite delightful and adds a pop of color and flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup fruit jam or preserves (raspberry, apricot, or strawberry recommended)
Condensed Grocery Checklist
Having a concise shopping list ensures you gather all ingredients efficiently. From cocoa powder and flour to jam and butter, this checklist simplifies the preparation process and saves time in the kitchen.
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Flour & salt
- Jam or preserves
How to Make – Step by Step
The method is straightforward, even for beginner bakers. By creaming butter and sugar, incorporating cocoa and flour, chilling the dough, and filling the thumbprints with jam, you can create perfectly shaped cookies with minimal effort.
- Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and cocoa powder, mixing until combined.
- Add flour: Gradually mix in flour and salt until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill dough: Chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Shape cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets. Press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
- Fill thumbprints: Spoon ½ teaspoon of jam into each indentation.
- Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize. Swap jams, add chocolate chips, or incorporate nuts for unique flavors and textures. Gluten-free or alternative options can also be used to suit dietary needs.
- Jam: Substitute with your favorite fruit preserves or chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips into the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Nutty variation: Roll dough in finely chopped nuts before baking for added texture.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies make an excellent addition to cookie platters, holiday gifts, or afternoon tea. Pair them with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk for a delightful treat any time of day.
- Arrange on a decorative platter for holidays, parties, or cookie exchanges.
- Pack in small boxes or jars as gifts for friends and family.
- Pair with tea, coffee, or milk for a delightful snack.
Storing Tips
Proper storage ensures cookies remain soft, chocolatey, and delicious. Whether kept at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen, these tips help maintain flavor and texture for several days or weeks.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Chef’s Special Tips
Small techniques, like chilling the dough and carefully filling the thumbprints, ensure a perfect shape and texture. Tips for even baking and decorating elevate these cookies to a bakery-quality level.
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading and ensure well-defined thumbprints.
- Use a teaspoon or melon baller for even indentations and consistent cookie size.
- Avoid overfilling with jam to prevent spilling during baking.
- For extra flavor, brush a light layer of apricot glaze over the jam after baking for shine and sweetness.
Conclusion
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a classic, elegant, and delicious treat that combines soft, chocolatey cookies with a burst of fruity jam. Inspired by In Bloom Bakery, they’re perfect for gifting, snacking, or holiday celebrations, and their simple preparation makes them ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Bake a batch today and enjoy these timeless, chocolatey thumbprint treats with friends and family.