Mixing the Pistachio Cookie Dough

Measure the sugar into a mixing bowl and add the orange zest. Use your fingers to squish the orange zest into the sugar, infusing the sugar with the orange essence.

Measure the flour into a large mixing bowl.

Place 3/4 cup of the pistachios in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside. Alternatively chop the pistachios by hand.

Add the remaining pistachios, along with 1 tablespoon of the measured flour and pulse until finely ground. The flour helps absorb the nut oils as the pistachios are crust, keeping it from turning to paste.

Add the finely ground pistachios to the flour along with the baking powder and salt. Whisk together.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.

Add egg and vanilla extract. Cream until smooth. Then, add the dry ingredients and mix on low until fully combined.

Shaping the Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies

Use a 1 tablespoon size cookie scoop to form cookie dough balls about the size of ping pong balls. Then roll each ball in the coarsely chopped pistachios, giving enough pressure as you roll so that the nuts stick to the exterior of the cookie dough balls.

Place cookie dough balls closely on a lined baking sheet. Gently press the centers with your thumb to form a well. Fill each well with about 1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon of jam.

Baking the Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies

Preheat oven 350‚ºF. Place the sheet of cookies in the freezer or fridge while the oven preheats. Allow them to chill for at least 15-20 minutes. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Transfer the chilled cookies to lined baking sheets for baking, leaving at least 1.5" of space between each cookie. Bake for 16-18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. The cookies should feel firm and the just start to look golden.

Allow to cool on baking sheets. Then serve with something festive like a fancy cocktail, a seasonal hot tea or a glass of sparkly flavored water!