Chocolate Kiss Thumbprints
Delightful chocolate kiss thumbprints combine rich melted chocolate with crunchy nuts, offering a sweet, nutty treat perfect for holiday gatherings or as an elegant homemade gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a baking pan with butter flavor Crisco.
- Set aside.
- Combine butter flavored Crisco, sugar, milk, vanilla, and egg yolk in a mixing bowl.
- Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended.
- Add melted and cooled unsweetened chocolate to the mixture.
- Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until set.
- Remove from oven and shape each cookie into a thumbprint while still warm.
- Fill each thumbprint with chopped nuts or chocolate kisses if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the unsweetened chocolate with dark chocolate. If you're looking for a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with mini chocolate chips. Ensure the butter flavored Crisco is softened for easier mixing. If you want a touch of spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Kiss Thumbprints are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving them on a platter with other treats like Best Hot Chocolate or cookies from your favorite American recipes. They make great gifts as well, beautifully packaged in a decorative box.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their softness, you can place a slice of bread in the container. If you prefer them warm, microwave for a few seconds before serving to refresh their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Kiss Thumbprints contains roughly 82 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chocolate for the filling?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of chopped nuts for the thumbprint filling. Just melt your chosen chocolate and drizzle it into the thumbprint once the cookies have cooled. This offers a delicious twist on the classic recipe and caters to different taste preferences.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
Alternatively, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and shape.
Can I freeze the thumbprint cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! Shape the dough into balls and freeze them before baking, or freeze the baked cookies after they've cooled. Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven until warm.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).