Orange Almond Thumbprint Cookies: A Sweet and Zesty Treat

1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest, and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
2. Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
3. Add the Filling
Fill each indentation with a small dollop (about ½ teaspoon) of orange marmalade or jam.
Avoid overfilling to prevent the jam from spilling over during baking.
4. Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success