Christmas Cookies: Cocoa Thumbprints

In case you are still in the baking mood, here are some chocolate cookies that are a nice take on traditional thumbprints!  This is not my favorite chocolate Christmas cookie recipe but they are tasty.  I think I like a richer chocolate flavor.  For those of you who are not chocoholics, this might be the Christmas cookie for you!  Tim thinks they are delicious!

Cocoa Thumbprints
Food Network Magazine

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/2 cup for rolling
• 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• Sprinkles, mini marshmallows, mini candies or dried fruit, for filling

Whisk the flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, the cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and eggs and stir until combined. Cover and refrigerate the dough until firm, about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Place the confectioners’ sugar and the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar in 2 separate small bowls. Roll scant tablespoonfuls of dough into balls; roll in the granulated sugar and then in the confectioners’ sugar. Place 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Lightly flatten each ball with your fingers and make a deep 1/2-inch-wide indentation in the centers with your thumb. Place your choice of filling in the indentation.

Bake the cookies until puffed and slightly cracked, about 10 minutes. Let cool 3 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to racks to cool completely.