Cream Cheese Thumbprints Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cup raspberry jam

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar on medium to medium-high speed until light and creamy. Mix in vanilla and salt.
2. On low speed, add flour in thirds, beating well after each addition.
3. Cover dough and refrigerate for at least one hour or, ideally, overnight.
4. When ready to bake, place rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Form heaping tablespoon portions of dough into balls. Roll each in chopped nuts. Arrange on baking sheets a couple inches apart. Using a flat-bottom glass, flatten balls into half-inch thick disks.
6. Using a rounded 1/2-teaspoon or the handle of a wooden spoon, create a depression in each disk. Place 1/2 teaspoon jam in each depression.
7. Bake one sheet a time 12 to 16 minutes until cookies are set and bottoms are golden.
8. VARIATIONS:
9. Use apricot jam with pecans or orange marmalade with pistachios. Alternatively, roll dough in granulated sugar and top with half a maraschino cherry.