Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are a family favorite. We love the Peanut Blossoms I wrote about last week, but we also love these Thumbprint cookies. In fact, they are my all-time favorite Christmas cookie. Chocolate-flavored deliciousness becomes a dime a dozen at Christmas time, so I think the reason I love these so much is because they are different. Thumbprints are a refreshing change of pace and oh so tasty. These were also my favorite cookies to make as a kid. Why? Because your thumbprint is a key step in preparing these cookies! That's just a good time for the little minis running around your house.

Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup finely chopped nuts
2 cups flour
2 egg yolks
2 egg whites, slightly beaten
Strawberry jelly

Directions:
1. Preheat oven at 325 degrees.
1. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg yolks. Add flour and mix well.
2. Roll mixture into 1 inch balls and dip each ball into slightly beaten egg whites.
3. Roll balls into chopped nuts until the surface is well coated.
4. Place balls on a greased cookie sheet and make a "thumbprint" or a small dent in the middle of each ball. Bake for 5 minutes.
5. Remove cookies from oven, carefully press "thumbprint" down again in the same spot as before, and continue cooking for 15 minutes or until golden.
6. Cool slightly and fill center with a small spoonful of jelly.

Enjoy!