CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY THUMBPRINTS

Chocolate Strawberry Thumbprints image

Provided by Nancy Allen

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

3/4 c all-purpose flour
1/4 c unsweetened dutch process cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 oz semi sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 c (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 large egg yolk
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
2 Tbsp confectioners' sugar
4 oz strawberries, (about 6 medium), stem removed and finely chopped
1/4 c plus 6 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar

Steps:

1. Sift together flour, cocoa, and salt into a bowl. Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth; set aside to cool.
2. Put butter and 1/4 cup granulated sugar into the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Mix in yolk, vanilla, and chocolate. Reduce speed to low. Mix in flour mixture until just combined. Refridgerate, covered, 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 350F. Put 6 teaspoons granulated sugar into a small bowl. Form dough into 3/4-inch balls; roll in sugar to coat. Space 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment. Press cent of each ball with your thumb. Bake 10 minutes. Press centers again with the end of a wooden spoon, making 3/4-inch indentations. Bake until slightly cracked and set, about 5 minutes more.Cool on wire racks
4. Stir cream cheese and confectioners sugar in a bowl. Toss berries with remaining 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar in another bowl. Spoon cream cheese mixture into centers of cookies; top with berries, dividing evenly.