This is my first new recipe of 2021 and it’s quick, it’s simple and it’s tasty. After the indulgence of Christmas and the entry into lockdown 3 in Ireland, I decided to take a step back from baking and find other ways to occupy myself. I took up light running again, attended my housemate’s “gym” in the living room and dedicated time to my 2021 reading challenge.

The inspiration for these cookies comes from a Jenny Bristow recipe for vanilla and plum thumb print cookies. What you choose to add to the thumb print is an opportunity for endless creativity. I’m thinking next time I might try filling with Nutella!

Hope you enjoy!

Amy x

Ingredients
3oz butter, softened
3oz caster sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp orange essence
11oz self-raising flour
2 tbsp raspberry jam
2 tbsp demerara sugar

Method
Preheat the oven to 200C.

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs and orange essence followed by the flour to form a smooth dough.

Divide the dough into 12 equal parts, roll into balls and flatten into circular cookie shapes of approx 1/2 inch thickness.

Make a thumb print in the centre of each cookie and fill with jam.

Sprinkle each cookie with demerara sugar and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 mins.

Allow to cool slightly on the tray before moving onto a wire rack to cool completely.