Thumb print cookies are traditionally made around the Christmas holiday. They’re fun and easy to make with the children. The kids always found it fun to push the centers in to form the hole for the filling. And they were even more thrilled when chocolate kisses were placed in each center. Not only that, but it seemed that there were always a few kisses missing from the bag that no one knew where they disappeared to.
Ingredients:
• ½ cup shortening
• ½ cup softened butter (not melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 cups of flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• (1/2 cup finely chopped nuts – walnuts or almonds – optional)
Directions:
1. In a large bowl mix the shortening, butter, vanilla, brown and egg yolks together. (Set the 2 egg whites aside for now)
2. Take the flour and salt and sift this into the batter mixture slowly. Mix until fully incorporated.
3. Beat 2 egg whites slightly with fork. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Dip the balls into the egg whites. You can roll them into the chopped nuts if you choose to add them. Otherwise, place the dipped balls of dough onto a greased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake at 375' for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and press thumb gently in top of each cookie. You can also use a cap from a water bottle so as not to burn your fingers.
5. After the entire thumb prints are set. Return cookie tray to oven and bake an additional 8 minutes longer.
6. Remove from oven and place cookies on rack to cool. Once on the rack and while the cookies are still hot you need to fill them.
7. Place a chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie. Allow cookies to cool completely, place in cookie jar or serving platter.
8. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
• If you prefer chocolate cookies add some pure cocoa to the batter.
• The cookie center can also be filled with jam, preserves or even peanut butter.
• Be careful when making the thumb prints in the hot cookie batter.
• Always use those oven mitts for safety when removing trays from oven.
• Try not to eat all the kisses before the cookies are baked!
All ingredients can be purchased locally at the grocery store in Winona or stopping in at the Greenwood Wal-Mart a short distance down Highway 82.
Copyright 2010 Beverly Mucha / All Rights Reserved
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Comments
They look like tea cakes with chocolate drops. (:
Thanks for this delicious recipe! Already made your almond poppyseed muffins several times..always a big hit! Especially making the mini muffines, makes a lot to share!
I am so glad that you enjoy making them and eating them. These muffins are my favorites too.
look delicious, didn't know thumbprint cookies could look so good, lovely recipe from scratch, homemade for the holidays
SOunds and looks delicious!
You recipe sounds tasty and easy to follow! It would be great to offer your friends and visitors.
Sounds like a wonderful recipe! :)
Those missing kisses...I ate them.
These cookies sure look very easy to put together, and I love chocolate kisses! I admit, I have never been a cookie baker - I am more of a bread baker - but I would very much like to give these a try. And it is very nice of you to share, Beverly :)
San Jose Food Examiner and San Jose Home Fitness Examiner
These sound great -- especially with my favorite ingredient -- chocolate.
Cool!
Thank you for sharing this, WCE! These cookies look so pretty. They are on my " Make Soon" list so I can serve them to company this weekend :-)
Margie Slivinske - San Jose Easy Meals Examiner and Sustainable Seafood Examiner
I love the option of putting whatever filling I prefer in the cookies, though I would definitely try the kisses. Your tips are very helpful and appreciated, too :)
-San Jose Cheap Eats Examiner
Sounds like a delicious and fun thumbprint cookie recipe.thank you.
What a delightful thumbprint cookie recipe the entire family can enjoy making together.
Not only does this sound good, but it would be a real occasion to get the children involved in the kitchen. Great!!
Wow, these look delicious, I am going to be doing some entertaining soon, this is now on my list of things to make, thanks! I cannot wait to see all the recipes you come up with for the holidays. Sorry no comments for a few days, I have been out of town.
Delish!
Really great and easy recipe. My Aunt always puts a jelly in the middle, but I like the Kiss better. thanks!
Beverly your recipes always make my mouth water. You are an excellent baker, and a really great cook, thanks for all that you do. We appciate your recipes, because we can make them too.
Wow, these cookies take me back!
Thanks, I think I will make these for the guys this nice long weekend. It is a joy to visit your site for a new family treat!
I just love your recipes
I've made these before and yours look marvelous Beverly. Thanks!!!
www.examiner.com/christian-living-in-jacksonville/victoria-poller
WOW!! These look like the cookies my grandmother used to make. Can't wait to try this recipe. I just need to distract the wife to get the Kisses needed for the recipe.
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