Holiday Thumbprint Cookies

By Neenee

Ingredients

• Cookie Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Suggested Coatings Ingredients:
• 2 1/2 cups finely chopped peanuts, almonds, pecans or walnuts
• Suggested Toppings Ingredients:
• Caramels, cut in half
• Chocolate stars
• Fruit preserves
• Maraschino cherries

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all cookie ingredients except egg whites in large bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls.

Beat egg whites in small bowl with fork until foamy. Dip each ball of dough into egg white; roll in choice of suggested coatings. Place 1 inch apart onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Make indentation in center of each cookie with thumb or back of teaspoon. Bake for 8 minutes.

Remove cookies from oven; fill centers with choice of suggested toppings. Continue baking for 6 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.