Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

With the holidays just around the corner, what better way to get into the festive spirit than by baking some delightful Christmas treats? Whether you’re looking for a sweet indulgence to enjoy yourself or a homemade gift to share with loved ones, these Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are sure to be a hit. The rich cocoa flavor combined with a gooey center makes these cookies a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!

Title: Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, separated
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
– 1/3 cup chocolate chips
– Your favorite jam or jelly (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work well)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
4. Add the egg yolk (reserve the egg white for later), milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. In a small bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Place the chopped nuts in another bowl.
7. Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Dip each ball into the egg white and then roll in the chopped nuts, coating evenly.
8. Place the nut-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
9. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until set.
11. While the cookies are still warm, gently press the back of a spoon into the indentation to redefine it, if necessary.
12. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Once the cookies are cooled, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth.
14. Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the center of each cookie.
15. Fill each chocolate-filled indentation with a teaspoon of your favorite jam or jelly.
16. Let the chocolate set before serving or packaging these delectable Thumbprint Cookies for gifting.

These Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of chocolate richness and fruit sweetness. Customize them with your favorite jams or jellies to create a variety of flavors. Whether you enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace or gift them in a festive tin, these cookies are sure to spread joy this holiday season. Make a batch today and let the cozy aromas fill your home with Christmas cheer!