This is my favorite cookies off all times, and as most people know that are a lot of versions of Thumbprints in U.S., but none of them will  taste as good as this one, they are also not too sweet for my taste. This recipe is from my Mother-in-law and after I had them for the first time, many years ago, I never more wanted even to try any other Thumbprint around. It took me many years before I finally decided to make them, because I thought I would never be able to make them as good as my Mother-in-law makes, but I finally did and it tastes really good also. I’m now sharing the original recipe with you and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Thumbprint Cookies – I double this recipe

1/2 cup shortening (part butter or margarine) I use Crisco for the shortening part. (1/4 cup of shortening and 1/4 cup of butter or marg.)
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 egg, separated
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup Flour (I use all purpose Pillsbury flour)
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts – I use walnuts (I have a mini chopper and it works great)
jelly or tinted confectioners sugar icing (You can use jelly instead of sugar for the filling, Apricot preserves is good)

Heat oven to 350 deg.  Mix shortening, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla thoroughly.  Measure flour by dipping method* or by sifting.  Blend together flour and salt in separate bowl then stir into butter mixture.  Roll dough into balls (1 tsp. per ball).  Beat egg white slightly with fork.  Dip balls in egg white. Roll in nuts.  Place about 1″ apart on ungreased baking sheet; press thumb gently in center of each.  Bake 10 to 12 min. or until set.  Cool.  Fill thumbprints with jelly or tinted icing.  Makes about 3 doz. cookies.

Make sure you roll the balls in the egg white, that’s what makes the nuts stick to the dough.

Icing recipe:

Easy Creamy Icing
1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar,
1/4 tsp vanilla and enough cream or milk (2 to 3 tbsp.) to make easy to spread.
Add a few drops of food coloring for tinted icing.
Drop small amount of icing in center of cookie and spread with small spatula or knife.

* (I use dipping method by dipping measuring cup into canister or flour sack and level off with spatula of straight edged knife.  Do not tap cup or pack more flour into cup before leveling)

Some people put preserves on before baking the cookies, but I never tried it.  You’re on your own for that.
Let me know how they turn out when you decide to make them.

Have fun and enjoy!!

Love,
Mom-in-law