These Chocolate Thumbprint Christmas Cookies are a festive classic soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie shells filled with warm, silky chocolate. Whether you’re searching for Christmas cookies recipes chocolate, dark chocolate holiday cookies, or the perfect Christmas cookies recipes thumbprint, these cookies belong in every December baking lineup. They’re simple, cozy, and perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or holiday dessert trays.

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You can easily turn them into hot cocoa thumbprint cookies, create foodie variations like gingerbread thumbprint cookies with chocolate, or stick to the classic thumbprint cookies recipe chocolate lovers adore. If you want to learn how to make chocolate thumbprint cookies with zero stress, this recipe is the easiest holiday win.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients List

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt

Chocolate Filling

• 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• Optional: mini marshmallows for hot cocoa version

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just simple kitchen basics.

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Spoon for filling

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Make the dough
   • Beat butter and sugar until creamy.
   • Add egg yolks + vanilla.
   • Mix in flour and salt until dough forms.
2. Shape the cookies
   • Roll into 1-inch balls.
   • Use thumb or spoon to press a well into the center.
3. Bake
   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
4. Make the chocolate filling
   • Melt chocolate + cream until smooth and glossy.
5. Fill the cookies
   • Add warm chocolate into centers.
   • Let cool until set.
6. Decorate 🎄
   • Add sprinkles, crushed candy cane, or mini marshmallows.

Pro Tips

1. Chill dough 10 minutes for cleaner thumbprint edges.
2. For gingerbread variation → add 1½ tsp ginger + 1 tsp cinnamon.
3. Want shiny chocolate? Add 1 tsp butter to the melted chocolate.
4. Don’t overbake they firm up while cooling.

Nutrition (per cookie)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Sugar
110	1g	12g	6g	6g

Disclaimer

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods. Always check labels for allergens and dietary needs.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Thumbprint Christmas Cookies are a festive must-bake — soft, buttery, simple, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you choose classic dark chocolate, hot cocoa style, or gingerbread variation, they bring instant holiday magic.

FAQs