Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies {Day Four}

Hi friends!

I have yet another cookie recipe for you...

Jam Thumbprints

{This cookie makes a perfect addition to any gift of homemade treats, as well as the perfect dessert served after dinner.}

Now I have read that, strictly speaking, cookies are not considered a dessert.

I completely disagree.

I would argue that cookies make one of the best desserts to serve. Especially when paired with milk! :) Well, anyway, my little family thinks so, especially when the cookies only made at Christmas are served! These would be wonderful any time of the year, though!

{Ingredients}

2/3 cup butter

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 slightly beaten egg whites

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

1/3 to 1/2 cup strawberry, cherry or apricot jam, or preserves

(I used raspberry on some, blackberry on others! I think any jam would work fine. :)

{To bake}

In a mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add about half of the flour, the sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour. Cover and chill about 1 hour or till easy to handle.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. (They will seem rather small, but once coated in nuts will be much larger!) Roll balls in egg whites, then in walnuts.

Place 1 inch apart on a greased cookie sheet, or cover your baking sheet with parchment paper to save on cleaning time! :) Press centers with your thumb.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or till edges are lightly browned. Cool cookies on a wire rack, or on waxed paper. Just before serving, fill center with jam or preserves.

{Makes about 42}

Enjoy!

Now I know I said this on Saturday's post, but sometime today/tonight I really will be by to show you two cute kids' Christmas crafts! This weekend was a blur of activity and I couldn't get back to the computer to save my life! :)

See you soon~

Jenni