Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies are just what the name implies, a cookie with a thumbprint in the middle which is filled will delicious homemade cherry filling.

Yield: Makes 2 to 3 dozen

Ingredients

Cherry Jam:

1 pound fresh bing cherries, washed and pitted (about 2 cups)

1/8 cup water

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 cup granulated sugar

Cookie Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract

2 cups flour

Directions:

For Jam:
Combine bing cherries and water in a small pot and simmer over low heat until fruit is tender, about 10 minutes.

Add lemon juice, zest, and sugar and stir gently until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and boil rapidly for 10 minutes, stirring on occasion, until thick and syrupy. Pour into a shallow bowl and cool, or alternately refrigerate until jam is set. This can be made a day ahead.

For Cookies:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla or almond extract. Add flour and mix until just combined.

Form dough into 1- inch balls and arrange on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using your thumb, make an impression in the center of each ball. Fill each cookie with cherry jam making sure each has a cherry in the center.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is set and lightly browned on bottom. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.

Recipe and Photo Courtesy of The California Cherry Advisory Board - www.calcherry.com

Please note that some ingredients and brands may not be available in every store.