Thumbprints

Thumbprints

Makes about 3 dozen.

Cookie #12 in The Little Lady's "12 Days of Christmas Cookies."
Source: Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook

2/3 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 egg yolks
1 t. vanilla
1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour

2 egg whites, slightly beaten

crushed walnuts, if desired

1/3-1/2 c. raspberry, strawberry, cherry, or apricot jam, for filling

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar. Beat until combined, scraping bowl. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can. Stir in remaining flour. Cover and chill dough about 1 hour, or until easy to handle.

Grease a cookie sheet. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in egg whites, then in walnuts (if desired). Place 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Press your thumb into the center of each ball -- don't be afraid to make a deep hole, as the depth shrinks as it bakes. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly brown.

Just before serving, fill centers with jam.

A Note From The Little Lady: As a change of pace, try filling centers with chocolate or vanilla frosting!