Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Add egg yolks, lemon peel (if desired), vanilla extract, almond extract and salt; beat until smooth and fluffy. Mix in flour and 1/4 cup almonds, stirring just until blended. Gather into a ball; cover and refrigerate 1 hour.

Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper. Shape dough to form 1-inch balls; roll into remaining 1 cup almonds to coat lightly. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Using your thumb or a wooden spoon handle, make a depression in each cookie. Fill each with scant 1/2 teaspoon preserves. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes; sprinkle with confectioners sugar, if desired. Transfer to wire racks; cool completely. Store in airtight container.

*To roast chopped almonds, spread in an ungreased baking pan. Place in 350°F oven and bake 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant; stir once or twice to assure even browning. Note that almonds will continue to roast slightly after removing from oven.