Chocolate thumbprint cookies filled with vanilla cream and topped with chocolate shavings are an elegant and indulgent dessert. These soft, brownie-like cookies have a tender center filled with smooth cream, creating the perfect bite-sized treat for holidays, tea tables, or gifting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, soft chocolate cookies with a creamy center
Eye-catching presentation with contrasting colors and textures
Perfect for holidays, cookie boxes, or afternoon desserts
Customizable fillings: cream cheese, ganache, jam, or caramel
Easy to prepare and make ahead

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Milk (if needed for dough consistency)

For the filling:

Cream cheese, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Optional: white chocolate or whipped cream

Topping:

Chocolate shavings or curls (dark, milk, or white)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Gently press the center of each dough ball with your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indent.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, then remove from oven. Reinforce the indent while warm if it puffed up.
Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
For the filling, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Pipe or spoon the filling into the center of each cooled cookie.
Top with chocolate shavings. Chill before serving for best texture.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Cooling and assembling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour approximately

Variations

Ganache filling: Replace cream cheese with chocolate ganache for a double-chocolate version.
Jam center: Use raspberry or strawberry jam instead of cream filling.
Nutella swirl: Fill with Nutella and top with hazelnut bits.
Peppermint cream: Add peppermint extract to the filling for a holiday twist.
Caramel-filled: Use thick caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt on top.

Storage / Reheating

Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 1 month. Fill after thawing.
Reheating: Not recommended. Best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made a day in advance and kept chilled until ready to bake.

Why do my thumbprints puff up in the oven?

This is normal. Just press the centers again gently while the cookies are still warm.

Can I skip the cream cheese filling?

You can substitute it with ganache, jam, or another filling of your choice.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, they should be kept in the refrigerator.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice texture to the dough.

How do I get smooth chocolate shavings?

Use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar for soft curls or a fine grater for flakes.

Can I freeze filled cookies?

It’s best to freeze the cookies unfilled. Fill after thawing to maintain texture.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s kid-friendly and fun to decorate. Just be cautious with allergens in toppings.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Use a gluten-free flour blend; results may vary slightly in texture.

What’s the best way to pipe the filling neatly?

Use a piping bag with a round or star tip for clean, decorative results.

Conclusion

Chocolate cream-filled thumbprint cookies are rich, elegant, and incredibly satisfying. Their brownie-like base and smooth creamy center make them an irresistible treat that’s easy to customize and even easier to love. Let me know when you’re ready for the sixth recipe.