Okay, so I may be a little partial, but these cookies came from my grandma’s kitchen, who I believe got them from her mom and so on.  They only use 5 ingredients and are absolutely amazing!

Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Note: the ratio of butter to dry ingredients is crucial to having them turn out right.  Make sure the butter is room temperature before starting, and measure accurately.

Ingredients:

1 Cup butter (room temperature – 2 sticks)

1/2 Cup Sugar

1 tsp Almond Extract

2 1/4 Cup Flour

Approximately 20 – 30 Maraschino Cherries (halved)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar.
3. Add almond extract to the creamed butter and sugar, and blend.
4. Add half of the flour to the mixture and blend.
5. Add in remaining flour and finish mixing. Now, you have completed the dough.
   

   Dough

6. Measure about a tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball.
7. Place ball on ungreased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart.  (We love using these cookie sheets Airbake Cookie Sheets)
8. Use your thumb to lightly press an indent into the center of each ball.
   

   Thumbprint

9. Place cherry into center of each cookie.
   

   Cherries in cookies

10. Bake cookies for about 7-10 minutes.  You want the edges starting to turn a light golden color.  The tops of the cookies will still look light.
11. Enjoy your cookies!

Cherry Thumbprint cookies and Chocolate Pretzel Buttons

Check out my next post on how to make these simple, yet nice looking chocolate pretzel buttons!