Chocolate Orange Thumbprint Cookies
I tested four versions of this dough before landing on the one that keeps a perfect thumbprint with a soft and rich chocolate texture. The chocolate orange filling melts beautifully and gives you a bright citrus note that tastes nostalgic and impressive.
Servings: 35 cookies
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 ¾ cup (210g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (40g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (213g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar for rolling
Filling
- 2 Chocolate Oranges I used Terry’s Dark Chocolate Chocolate Oranges
- Candied orange pieces
Instructions
Cookies
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and cornstarch. Set aside.1 ¾ cup (210g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (40g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cornstarch
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, 1 cup (213g) brown sugar
- Beat in the egg and egg yolk for 30 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed.1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be very thick.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough (use a #60 cookie scoop) and roll into smooth balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- Use the back of a teaspoon to press a divot into the center of each cookie before baking. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up the dough. You can freeze longer if needed.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Remove from the oven and immediately use the teaspoon again to gently deepen the center indentation as it disappears while baking.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before filling.
Filling
- Unwrap 2 chocolate oranges and break them into pieces. Place the pieces in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute at 50 percent power. Stir, then microwave for another 1 minute at 50 percent power. Continue microwaving in 20 to 30 second bursts at 50 percent power, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.2 Chocolate Oranges, Candied orange pieces
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate orange into the center of each cookie. Top each cookie with a few candied orange pieces. Let the chocolate set before serving or storing.
Notes
Gluten Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. I use King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour.
To Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to four days.
To Make Ahead: Chill the dough for up to twenty four hours before shaping and baking.
To Freeze: Flash freeze the finished cookies, once frozen transfer to a freezer safe container or bag. To thaw, place a single layer of cookies on a baking sheet and thaw on the counter overnight. To freeze the cookie dough, roll into balls and flash freeze on a baking sheet. Then transfer to a freezer safe container or bag. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight, then roll in granular sugar, make the indent and bake.
How to Properly Measure Flour: The most accurate way to measure flour is by using a kitchen scale and weighing it in grams. If you do not have a scale, use the spoon and level method. Start by aerating the flour with a whisk or spoon because flour becomes compact as it sits. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup without tapping or shaking the cup, since that packs in extra flour. Level off the top with the back of a butter knife. Re fluff the flour each time you scoop so you get a consistent and accurate measurement.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 136IU | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg