Thumbprints "Wisco Old-Fashioned": Brandy and Orange Cherry

<strong>Prepare the cherry filling:</strong> In a small saucepan, mix the chopped cherries, brandy, orange juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles for about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. The secret of this recipe is a well-chilled filling to maintain the shape.

<strong>Prepare the shortbread dough:</strong> In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until you get a light and fluffy mixture. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything.

Add the wheat flour and salt to the butter mixture. Beat at low speed until the flour is just incorporated and the dough begins to come together. Do not beat too much so as not to develop the gluten, which would make the cookies hard. The professional technique is to mix until the dough forms a fluffy ball.

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them into balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between them.

With your thumb or the handle of a wooden spoon, make a small hole in the center of each dough ball, forming a concavity. The most common mistake is making a hole that is too shallow, which does not hold the filling. Make sure the hole is deep enough, but without piercing the base of the cookie.

Fill each cavity with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of the cold brandy cherry filling. Distribute evenly, without exaggerating the amount to avoid leaks during cooking.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center still looks soft. The most important tip is not to overbake, as shortbread cookies should be delicate. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.