Nutella Ricotta Thumbprint Cookies: 9 Irresistible Reasons Families Can’t Stop Baking Them

Nutella Ricotta Thumbprint Cookies are one of those recipes that instantly feel like tradition. Soft, lightly sweet cookies enriched with creamy ricotta, finished with a generous spoonful of Nutella right in the center — simple, cozy, and completely addictive.

These are my go-to cookies for relaxed weekends, family gatherings, and “just because” baking days. Ricotta gives them a tender, almost cake-like texture, while Nutella brings that deep chocolate-hazelnut richness everyone loves. They’re easy enough to make with kids, elegant enough to serve to guests, and comforting enough to bake again and again.

If your family loves easy, crowd-pleasing treats like this, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list — I share cozy bakes and timeless favorites straight from my kitchen to yours

Overview of Recipe Content

What Are Nutella Ricotta Thumbprint Cookies?

These are soft thumbprint-style cookies made with ricotta cheese for extra moisture and tenderness. Each cookie is gently pressed in the center and filled with Nutella before baking, creating a melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a rich chocolate center.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, tender cookie texture
• Creamy Nutella center
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for sharing and gifting
• Kid-friendly and party-ready
• Great for holidays or weekends

What Do They Taste Like?

Buttery and lightly sweet with a delicate vanilla flavor, these cookies have a soft bite thanks to the ricotta and a rich, gooey Nutella center that stays luscious even after baking.

Nutritional & Practical Notes

• Ricotta adds moisture and protein
• Nutella provides indulgent flavor in small amounts
• No chilling required
• Ideal make-ahead cookie

Ingredients

PIN IT

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup Nutella (for filling)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Teaspoon or small cookie scoop

Substitutions & Additions

• Use hazelnut spread alternatives
• Add orange zest to the dough
• Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top
• Dust with powdered sugar after baking

How to Make Nutella Ricotta Thumbprint Cookies

PIN IT

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix in the ricotta until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indent in the center of each cookie.

Step 7: Fill with Nutella

Spoon about ½ teaspoon of Nutella into each indentation.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until cookies are set and lightly golden on the bottoms.

Step 9: Cool and Finish

Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

What to Serve with Nutella Ricotta Thumbprint Cookies

• Espresso or cappuccino
• Hot chocolate
• Fresh berries
• Serve alongside:
  • Protein Cookie Dough → https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough/

Pinterest inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use whole-milk ricotta for best texture
• Don’t overfill with Nutella
• Let cookies cool before moving
• Store Nutella at room temperature for easy scooping

Storage Instructions

• Store in airtight container for 4 days
• Refrigerate up to 7 days
• Freeze unfilled cookies up to 2 months

General Information

Thumbprint cookies have European roots and were traditionally filled with jam. This Nutella version is a modern, family-friendly twist that brings chocolate lovers straight to the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat ricotta?

Whole-milk works best, but low-fat can be used.

Do these cookies spread?

Very little — they stay soft and thick.

Can I fill after baking?

You can, but baking with Nutella gives the best texture.

Are these overly sweet?

No — they’re balanced and not cloying.

Conclusion

Nutella Ricotta Thumbprint Cookies are the kind of treat that brings people together — easy to bake, lovely to share, and impossible to resist. Soft, creamy, and just indulgent enough, they’re destined to become a family favorite.

If you loved these, don’t miss my Protein Cookie Dough or Greek Yogurt Chocolate Mousse for more cozy, chocolatey treats.

Interactive Elements

Leave a review below
Share your cookies on Pinterest or tag me — I love seeing your bakes!

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150
Fat	8g
Carbs	18g
Sugar	9g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	75mg

Print