Irresistible Cherry Thumbprint Cookies (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - ½ cup granulated sugar.
02 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour.
04 - ¼ teaspoon salt.
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
06 - ½ cup cherry preserves.
07 - 12 maraschino cherries, halved.

Instructions:

01 - Begin by setting your oven to a warm 350°F (175°C) and preparing a baking sheet with parchment.
02 - Whip the butter and sugar together in a bowl until the blend becomes light and frothy.
03 - Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until it's fully incorporated.
04 - Slowly fold in the flour and salt, stirring until a smooth dough appears.
05 - Mold the dough into small balls, placing them apart on your baking sheet.
06 - Press gently in the center of each ball with your thumb or a spoon back.
07 - Spoon a dab of cherry preserve into each center, followed by a cherry half.
08 - Let the cookies bake for 12-15 minutes or until their edges appear a gentle gold.
09 - Once out of the oven, leave them to cool on the sheet briefly before moving to a rack to cool completely.

Notes:

01 - These delectable, butter-infused cookies are filled with luscious cherry preserves and crowned with maraschino cherry halves, offering a sweet indulgence for any festive occasion.