Make Padma Lakshmi’s ‘Pastelito’ thumbprint cookies this holiday season

If you're looking for a cookie recipe to add to your dessert table this Christmas, consider Padma Lakshmi's pastelito cookies.

The recipe was inspired by Miami's Cuban community, which was featured on the holiday episode of her show, "Taste the Nation."

In her recipe, Lakshmi puts a Cuban spin on the traditional thumbprint cookies by filling them with guava jam and mixing in lime zest into the dough, which will keep your guests wanting more.

See the recipe below!

'Pastelito' Thumbprint Cookies

Makes about 16 cookies

Ingredients

1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
½ tsp. almond extract
1 tsp grated lime zest
1/3 c. guava jam, for filling cookies
Fleur de Sel, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350º. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and kosher salt. Set aside.

2. Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (if using a stand mixer this will be about 3 minutes). Add in vanilla and almond extracts, and lime zest, mixing well. Slowly add in the dry ingredients until incorporated.

3. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, measure out dough and roll into a ball with your hands. Transfer to prepared baking sheets. Press dough to flatten slightly, and make a thumbprint into center of each ball, about 1/2” deep. Fill each hole with a small spoonful (about a teaspoon) of guava jam. Sprinkle with Fleur de Sel before placing in oven.

4. Bake until edges of cookies are golden, 13 to 15 minutes. Cool on baking sheets before serving. Allow cookies to cool slightly before serving, as jam will be hot!