Earl Grey Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a simple, reliable cookie that ships and freezes well. A tender butter cookie is finished with a glossy dark chocolate center flavored with bright, citrusy Earl Grey tea. As a child we called these Brown Eyed Susans. This recipe and photos were refreshed from the original November 2009 post; I’ve kept a bit of the original story because it’s a meaningful memory.
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November 2009
I mailed a batch of these to Chris while he was in the Middle East. They took nine days to arrive and he said they were unbroken and still tasted fresh. The cookie itself is adapted from a recipe in my Everything Cookies and Brownies Cookbook.
Chris and all of my kids love tea, so I wanted a filling without dairy. Instead of milk or cream I used a concentrated Earl Grey infusion to bring floral and citrus notes to the chocolate center.
October 2016
A lot changed between the original post and this update. In 2009 I was going through a personal crisis that left my life unsettled and uncertain. Looking back, those posts read like normal life on the surface while I was navigating a very hard season underneath.
At the time I felt alone and unsure how to support my family. Over time I found a new path, strengthened my faith and resilience, and moved into a life I could not have imagined back then. If you are in the middle of a difficult period, know that it can change and you can come through it stronger.
On to Cookies…
I have many older posts I’m revisiting and updating; this recipe is one of those revived favorites. Chocolate thumbprint cookies have a long history. I adapted the idea of a cocoa-and-confectioners-sugar filling from a late-1930s cookbook and loved how the filling sets firm and shiny. That makes them great for packaging and shipping because the centers don’t smear.
The cookie is buttery and not overly sweet, so the contrast with the dark chocolate filling is pleasant. The Earl Grey adds a subtle floral and citrus finish. Before baking, the dough balls are rolled in sugar; colored sugar makes them festive for the holidays. They’re similar in spirit to peppermint blossom cookies but with a tea-flavored chocolate center.
Earl Grey Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
📖 Recipe
Earl Grey Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Sugar for rolling (regular or colored)
Chocolate Earl Grey Filling
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon strong hot Earl Grey tea infusion (use 1 teabag with ¼ cup water, steep 5 minutes)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Beat the butter, vanilla, and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Blend in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
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Shape teaspoons of dough into balls and roll them in sugar. Use colored sugar for a festive touch if desired.
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Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with a Silpat or parchment.
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Press your thumb into each ball to create an indentation.
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Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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If needed, press the centers again immediately after removing from the oven to deepen the wells.
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Allow cookies to cool completely before filling.
Filling
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Whisk the confectioner’s sugar and cocoa together until well combined.
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Add the hot Earl Grey infusion and vanilla, stirring until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Add the tea slowly to reach the desired consistency.
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Spoon or pipe the chocolate mixture into each cookie indentation.
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Let the filling set completely before storing or packing.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, verify with your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested multiple times. Substituting ingredients or changing technique may alter results.
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