Nutella Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
Try this Nutella Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies recipe.
Try this Nutella Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies recipe.
- Carbohydrate 178.289657251484 g
- Cholesterol 325.366667081246 mg
- Fat 124.57306718226 g
- Fiber 5.03247046624007 g
- Protein 20.5841922232186 g
- Saturated Fat 78.0258078429374 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -4 dozen (374g)
- Sodium 885.674423621117 mg
- Sugar 173.257186785244 g
- Trans Fat 9.19846700081658 g
- Calories 1903 calories
Step-by-step
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add butter and brown sugar. Using paddle attachment on medium-high speed, mix until fluffy and light, several minutes.
- Add 3 1/2 cups of the flour and mix on medium-low speed until combined.
- On a large board, sprinkle 1/2 cup flour. Knead dough by hand for 5 minutes, adding as much of the remaining 1/2 cup flour as needed to make a soft dough. The dough should end up soft and pliable, similar to play-dough, not sticky. (You may not end up using all the flour, depending on how your dough feels.)
- Divide dough in half, wrap tightly, and chill for at least 30 minutes or until firm enough to roll.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325F, with rack on lower middle position. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats; set aside.
- Place enough Nutella in a sandwich-size Ziploc bag to fill it about halfway. Carefully snip a tiny bit off the corner, making a piping bag. Set aside.
- Working in 2 batches, form dough balls with the chilled dough, about 1-inch each.
- Form a deep well in the center using the back of a wooden spoon or index finger (you want it deep, but not too wide.)
- Place 2 inches apart on lined baking sheet and bake 8-10 minutes (these won't brown on top much, but the bottoms should be golden brown.)
- If needed, very gently depress the centers of baked cookies again.
- Fill centers to the brim with Nutella, using your Ziploc piping bag.
- Top with sprinkles, and return to oven for another 3 minutes.
- Let cool completely on baking sheet.
- Cookies keep well when sealed airtight, at room temp.
My Favorite Nutella Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake can feel like a luxury. But sometimes, the simple act of creating something delicious from scratch is the perfect antidote to a stressful day. These Nutella Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies are my go-to recipe when I need a little something sweet to share with my family or bring to a potluck. They're surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight, and the rich, decadent flavor of Nutella is always a crowd-pleaser.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated frosting or intricate decorations—just the perfect blend of buttery shortbread and that irresistible Nutella swirl. The cookies themselves are wonderfully crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The slight chewiness from the brown sugar complements the Nutella perfectly, creating a balanced flavor profile that's not overly sweet. I love how the Nutella filling adds a touch of elegance to the otherwise simple cookie, transforming it from an everyday treat to something special.
The process is straightforward, even for novice bakers. I usually start by making the dough in my stand mixer—it saves time and ensures the butter is properly incorporated. The kneading process is quick and easy; you'll know the dough is ready when it’s soft and pliable, like playdough. Chilling the dough is crucial; this step prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped and satisfyingly thick cookies.
Once the dough is chilled, I roll it into small balls and create a small indentation in the center of each one. This is where the magic happens! I use a simple Ziploc bag filled with Nutella, snipping a tiny corner to create a makeshift piping bag. It's the easiest way to fill the cookies evenly without making a mess. A sprinkle of colorful sprinkles on top adds a festive touch, but they're perfectly delicious even without them.
Baking these cookies is a sensory experience. The aroma of warm butter and Nutella fills the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere. They bake quickly, and you'll know they're done when the edges are lightly golden. Letting them cool completely on the baking sheet allows them to firm up before you carefully fill the centers with even more Nutella. The contrast between the cool, creamy Nutella and the slightly warm shortbread is truly heavenly.
These Nutella Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies are versatile treats that can be enjoyed any time of year. They're perfect for holidays, birthdays, or simply as a sweet pick-me-up during a busy week. They travel well, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family, and they keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. So next time you're looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, give these cookies a try. You won't be disappointed!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use browned butter instead of regular butter.
- Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, comforting twist.
- Get creative with the filling: Try other fillings like peanut butter, caramel, or jam.
- Make them festive: Use holiday-themed sprinkles or decorate with melted chocolate.
These cookies are more than just a recipe; they're a reminder to slow down and savor the simple pleasures in life. The act of baking, the aroma of warm cookies, and the joy of sharing them with loved ones—these are the things that make life sweeter.
