Description
These Apricot Almond Thumbprint Cookies are tender, buttery treats filled with sweet apricot jam and topped with crunchy sliced almonds. Perfectly baked to a golden edge with a soft center, they make a delightful snack or dessert that’s easy to prepare for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped sliced almonds
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Almond Extract: Stir in the almond extract for a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the cookie flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to distribute the salt evenly, then gradually add this to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, dip the tops in the chopped sliced almonds to add crunch and flavor, then place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball, which will hold the apricot jam filling.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of apricot jam into each indentation carefully so it stays in place during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked through with a slightly crisp edge and soft center.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and an elegant finish.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can help control spreading during baking, although it is not necessary.
- If apricot jam is not available, other fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry can be used as a filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
