Pomegranate Jelly Almond Thumbprints

Yield: 4 to 5 dozen

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cup slivered almonds (6 ounces)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1/3 cup sliced or slivered almonds, finely chopped,
• For garnish (optional)
• 3/4 cup pomegranate jelly*
• Confectioners’ sugar, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased.
2. Combine flour and salt in a bowl; set aside.
3. Combine almonds and 1/3 cup of sugar in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until finely ground. (Be careful not to grind to a paste).
4. Combine butter and remaining sugar in a medium bowl. Cream together until light and fluffy.
5. Add ground almond and sugar mixture. Mix to combine.
6. Add vanilla extract and egg yolks. Mix to combine.
7. Mix in flour.
8. Roll dough into walnut-size balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Dip your thumbs into flour and use to make a deep indentation in center of each cookie.
9. Whisk egg whites to loosen them and then brush outside of each cookie with egg hite.
10. Scatter a few chopped almonds on outer edge of each cookie if desired.
11. Fill each center with 1/2 teaspoon of jelly.
12. Bake until edges are golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.
13. Remove from oven. If needed, immediately add another 1/4 teaspoon of jelly to each cookie.
14. Let stand for 3 to 4 minutes.
15. Transfer to cooling racks with a thin metal spatula.
16. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.

Notes

* or any other flavor jelly desired

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.