Cherry Almond Thumbprint Treat (Print Version)

Buttery almond-flavored thumbprints filled with sweet cherry jam. Easy, festive, and satisfying.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cookies

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg yolk
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Filling

08 - 1/2 cup cherry jam
09 - 1 to 2 tablespoons water (optional, if jam is thick)

→ Garnish (optional)

10 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until fully combined.
04 - Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
05 - Roll dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
06 - Press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
07 - If jam is thick, loosen it by stirring in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of cherry jam.
08 - Sprinkle sliced almonds around the edges of the cookies if desired.
09 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10 - Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Budget-friendly and festive
  • Easy to customize with different jams
02 -
  • For a nut-free version, omit almond extract and almonds.
  • Double-check jam and almond extract for hidden allergens.
03 -
  • Try with apricot, raspberry, or strawberry jam as alternatives.
  • Drizzle with simple icing for extra sweetness.
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