Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies had caught my eye on Pinterest and I was really looking forward to making them. I had purchased the ingredients a few months ago (almond butter and raspberry jam - two things not normally in my supply) for a specific event but then decided I didn't need to make them. Honestly, I can't remember all the details and circumstances now but the point is I had almond butter and raspberry jam hanging out in my pantry ready whenever I was ready to make these thumbprint cookies!

Last weekend Patrick and I organized a block party for our neighbors! In May I invited a few neighbors over who were interested in sharing ideas for how best to plan the block party. As soon as I set up the planning meeting I knew these cookies would be the perfect offering along with some cheese and crackers and sparkling grape juice. Read on for the thumbprint cookie recipe.

Almond Butter Thumbprint Cookies from Eating Made Easy
Makes about 36 cookies (I halved the recipe)
Ingredients
1¼ c all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ c almond butter
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
⅔ c packed light-brown sugar
1 large egg
1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ c granulated sugar for rolling
½ c jam of choice

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Gently combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Beat butter and almond butter with a mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add brown sugar, and beat until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, and beat until incorporated, scraping down sides once. Reduce mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Roll small spoonfuls of dough (about 1 Tbsp) into balls, then roll each ball in white sugar.
Place balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
Remove cookies from oven, press down in the middle of each cookie with the handle end of a wooden spoon or a teaspoon, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes.
Cool completely on a cooling rack.
Place jam in a bowl and stir until smooth. If jam is not at room temperature, microwave for ~20 seconds to loosen it, then spoon a small amount of jam in the center of each cookie.

The cookies were a hit as was the block party! Block party post coming soon.