These easy to make Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are a beautiful on holiday cookie trays or fun to eat anytime! This soft, buttery cookie is topped simply with cherry pie filling and a sweet vanilla glaze.
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Ingredients
2cupsall-purpose flour
½teaspoonkosher salt
1cupunsalted butter,softened
⅔cupgranulated sugar
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
¼teaspoonalmond extract
1cupcherry pie filling(using mostly cherries)
For the Icing
1cuppowdered sugar
3tablespoonsheavy cream(more if necessary)
¼teaspoonpure vanilla extract
Instructions
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat.
In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose and ½ teaspoon kosher salt using a whisk.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter and ⅔ cup granulated sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 – 3 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon almond extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Gather the dough into a ball.
Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each scoop with your hands into a dough ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Using a teaspoon or your thumb, gently press an indention into the center of each cookie. Place in the freezer and chill for 30 minutes.
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F. After 30 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the freezer and add a single cherry with a small amount of the fruit glaze from the pie filling. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Icing
Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 3 - 4 tablespoons of heavy cream, and ¼ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled cookies using a piping bag or spoon. Allow the icing to set for 1 to 2 hours, or place the cookies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for faster results to help the icing firm up more quickly.