Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

 

Holiday/ Special Occasions

 

½    cup butter, softened

½    cup granulated sugar

2     teaspoons vanilla

2     large egg yolks

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

 

Preheat oven to 350-degrees.  Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Mix in vanilla, egg yolks and ¾ cup of flour.  Stir in remaining flour.  Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or until dough is easy to handle.  

 

2    large egg whites, slightly beaten

1    cup chopped pecans or walnuts

      Cherry  Preserves

 

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.  Roll balls in egg whites and then in nuts.  Place 1-inch apart on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.  Press thumbprint in centers.  Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.  Cool on a wire rack.  Fill centers with cherry preserves just before serving.  

 

Carolyn Gass Hardimon M. S.     Home Economist