Cherry Almond Thumbprint Delight (Printable version)

Buttery almond-flavored thumbprints filled with cherry jam, perfect for festive occasions.

# What you need:

→ 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 (to thin jam if necessary)

→ Garnish (optional)

10 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds

# Steps to follow:

01 - Set oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
03 - Mix in egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.
04 - Stir in all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
05 - Roll dough into 1-inch diameter balls and space 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
06 - Press thumb or teaspoon back into center of each ball to create an indentation.
07 - If jam is thick, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to loosen. Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon into each indentation.
08 - Sprinkle sliced almonds around edges of each cookie if desired.
09 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
10 - Let rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks until completely cooled.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Easy to make in under 40 minutes
  • Customizable with your favorite jams or almond-free options
02 -
  • Nut-free substitution: Leave out almond extract and almonds for allergy-friendly cookies
  • Variety: Swap cherry jam for apricot, raspberry, or strawberry to make new flavors
03 -
  • Chill dough if it's too soft before rolling
  • Add simple icing drizzle for extra sweetness after cooling
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