Irresistible Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Q: Can I use a different type of preserves?
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Q: How should I store these cookies?

Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of these cherry thumbprint cookies. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a sweet treat for any occasion, these cookies are sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cherry preserves
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract.
3. Slowly mix in the flour until a dough forms. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of cherry preserves.
5. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Helpful tips:

1. For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the cherry preserves before baking.
2. Experiment with different flavors of preserves for variety.
3. Make a double batch and freeze half of the dough for later use.

Expert Secrets:

1. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling into balls to prevent spreading.
2. Use a small melon baller to create perfect indentations in the cookies.
3. Don’t overfill the indentations with preserves to prevent them from overflowing during baking.