Thumbprint Butter Cookies

Shirley Condy

Plainview, NY

This recipe is a favorite of mine! It has so many variations that it’s like a new cookie each time I make it.

1 c. butter

3/4 c. powdered sugar

2 c. all-purpose flour

1/4 t. salt

1 t. vanilla extract

Garnish: favorite-flavor jam

In a large bowl, blend butter and sugar. Add flour, salt and vanilla; mix well. With floured hands, roll dough into one-inch balls. Place on baking sheets, one inch apart. Make a small indentation in each ball; fill with a small amount of jam. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden. Cool on wire racks. Makes 4 to 5 dozen.

Variations:

Spice Cookies: Dip dough balls in lightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Flatten on baking sheets. Bake as above.

Crescents: Stir in one egg along with butter and sugar. Form dough balls into crescents. Bake as above.

Sandwich Cookies: Bake as above; cool. Sandwich cookies in pairs with melted chocolate or frosting in between.

A muffin tin makes a handy container when you’re decorating with lots of different sprinkles and colored sugars...just fill each cup with a different garnish.