This delicious Christmas cookie seems to be more popular in the Eastern part of the US, but it tastes great everywhere!
INGREDIENTS
2/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature – 1/3 cup granulated sugar – 2 large egg yolks – 1 tspn vanilla extract – 1/2 tspn salt – 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour – 2 large egg whites – 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts – 1/3 cup jam (any flavor)
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, vanilla extract and salt. Gradually stir in flour.
Form dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Dip in lightly beaten egg whites, then roll in nuts. Place 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Press down center of each ball with thumb. Fill centers with a dollap of jam. Bake for about 16 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
A couple suggestions. I use crushed pecans, but like the recipe states you can use any kind. I also get two different flavors of jam and do them half and half. I have always had yummy results with raspberry and apricot. But again, I’m sure any flavor will be delicious.
If you haven’t had these before, they will make a very nice addition to your Christmas cookies this year.