# What You Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg yolk
04 - 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
05 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Filling
07 - 1/2 cup cherry jam or preserves
→ Topping
08 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
03 - Beat in the egg yolk and almond extract until fully incorporated.
04 - Add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed or by hand until a soft dough forms.
05 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Arrange on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
06 - Using your thumb or the back of a 1/2 teaspoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
07 - Fill each indentation with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of cherry jam.
08 - Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each cookie, if desired.
09 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until edges begin to turn golden.
10 - Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
