Double chocolate thumbprint cookies feature a rich, brownie-like chocolate base filled with a smooth vanilla cream center and topped with elegant chocolate shavings. These decadent cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious — perfect for dessert trays, holiday gifting, or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, fudgy chocolate flavor in every bite
Creamy filling adds a soft, luscious contrast
Visually striking with chocolate curls or sprinkles on top
Customizable with different fillings and garnishes
Easy to prepare and ideal for gifting or entertaining

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 soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Milk (if needed for texture)

For the filling:

Cream cheese, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Topping:

Chocolate shavings, curls, or grated chocolate
Optional: cocoa powder or powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Add egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to form a smooth dough. Add a splash of milk if needed.
Scoop out small portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet spaced evenly.
Press a thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each cookie to make a well.
Bake for 10–12 minutes. Re-indent the center gently if it puffs up during baking. Let cool completely.
For the filling, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add a spoonful of heavy cream for a silkier texture, if desired.
Pipe or spoon the filling into the center of each cookie.
Garnish with chocolate curls or grated chocolate. Chill briefly before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 20–24 cookies
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Cooling and filling time: 30 minutes
Total time: Around 1 hour

Variations

Mocha twist: Add espresso powder to the dough for a coffee-chocolate flavor.
Mint filling: Flavor the cream with mint extract and top with crushed peppermint.
Raspberry center: Fill with raspberry jam instead of cream for a fruity version.
Nutty option: Add chopped hazelnuts or almonds to the dough.
White chocolate: Replace dark cocoa with white chocolate dough and use strawberry cream.

Storage / Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 1 month. Fill after thawing.
Reheating: Not needed — best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use a different filling besides cream cheese?

Yes, options like ganache, Nutella, or flavored buttercream work well.

How do I prevent the cookie from cracking when pressing the center?

Roll the dough smoothly and press gently before baking, not after they’ve set.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

How long does the filling stay fresh?

The cream cheese filling stays fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated.

Can I skip the chocolate shavings on top?

Absolutely, but they add a lovely visual and textural contrast.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, using a gluten-free flour blend works well in this recipe.

Is there a dairy-free version of the filling?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based butter alternative.

Do these cookies travel well?

They’re delicate but can be packed carefully for gifting or events.

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, mini chips work well without overpowering the texture.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly after assembly?

They can be frozen filled, but the texture is best when fresh or filled after thawing.

Conclusion

These double chocolate thumbprint cookies with cream filling are a luxurious and elegant addition to any dessert collection. With their rich base, creamy center, and refined decoration, they’re ideal for holidays, celebrations, or a gourmet treat any time. That completes the full set of 10 recipe articles — let me know if you’d like them compiled or exported in a specific format.