Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin your delicious journey by preheating your oven to 350°F 175°C. This step is crucial because a properly heated oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Take a moment to enjoy the anticipation of warm freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen with sweet aromas!

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This not only prevents the cookies from sticking but also allows for easy clean-up. Visualize your baking sheet adorned with perfectly shaped cookies as you move forward in the process.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl blend the flour baking powder and salt together. Stirring these dry ingredients will ensure that they are evenly distributed creating a solid foundation for your flavors. The scent of flour is comforting and reminiscent of baking bliss!

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can achieve this using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Listen to the soft whirs of your mixer as it transforms your mixture into a pale airy delight. This step adds sweetness and richness to your Apricot Delight Cookies.

Step 5: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture. Beat them in until thoroughly combined. The rich aroma of vanilla will start to rise—take a moment to appreciate how this little ingredient holds the power to enhance flavors magnificently!

Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your prepared dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. As you mix feel the texture change beneath your spoon—you’re one step closer to cookie perfection!

Step 7: Fold in the Apricot Jam

Gently fold in your delightful apricot jam. The fruitiness will mix through the dough creating tantalizing pockets of sweetness bursting in every cookie. Can’t you just imagine the aroma of baking apricots wafting through your home already?

Step 8: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet spacing them about 2 inches apart. Visualize the golden treasures waiting to emerge from your oven ready to be indulged!

Step 9: Create the Thumbprint Indentation

Using your thumb or the back of a spoon gently press into the center of each dough mound creating a little well for more apricot jam. This classic thumbprint technique not only enhances the look but also ensures every bite features that delicious jam!

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Enjoy the heavenly smell of your Apricot Delight Cookies as they bake! This moment is all about patience—great things take time!

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked remove the sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely for a delectable experience. You made it through! Now savor the taste of your freshly baked Apricot Delight Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee.