Thumbprint Cookies

I'm hoping to post a few of our family's christmas cookie recipes here. I don't remember where this one came from (mom?), probably a grandmother, but it's a staple every christmas. Very easy to make!

Thumbprint Cookies
Yields 1 dozen


1/2 C butter
1/4 C brown sugar
1 egg yolk (retain the whites)
1 tsp vanilla
1 C flour
1/4 tsp salt
Crushed walnuts (or other soft nut)
Your favorite jelly (I use raspberry)


Heat oven to 375. Mix together the butter, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla. Sift the flour and salt into the mixture, and combine until incorporated. Beat the whites. Roll about a tablespoon of dough into a ball, dip in whites, and then roll in the nuts. Place cookies on a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Read to bake

Bake for 5 minutes, take the sheet out of the oven and use something (I used the bottom of an ice cream scoop handle) to create an impression in the center of each cookie. Bake for 8 more minutes, and allow to cool on a drying rack.

Cookies baked and with impression

When cool, fill the holes with jam, enjoy!