Remember thumbprint cookies? Fun to make and to eat! This is a slightly more sophisticated version, with ground almonds and dark chocolate chips mixed into the dough. But they’re just as fun to make and as delicious to eat as ever!

Here’s Nina Simone’s Jelly Roll. Only a slight connection, I’ll admit, but undoubtedly one of the best songs ever!

1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup almonds finely ground
1 cup sugar
pinch salt
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
1 t. vanilla
1 egg
1/2 t. baking soda
1 cup dark chocolate chips
fruit preserves – your favorite flavor

1. Cream the butter and sugar together. Add the egg and vanilla and mix till light and fluffy.

2. Add the flour, ground almonds, salt and baking soda and mix to a stiff dough. Work in the chocolate chips.

3. Roll teaspoonfulls into balls between your hands, and place them a few inches apart on a lightly buttered baking sheet. Press a dent into each one with your thumb. Fill each dent with about 1/2 t. of your favorite jam.

4. Cook in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes until they’re just starting to brown on the edges. Let them cool thoroughly before removing them from the sheet.