Cherry Thumbprints

Cherry Thumbprints

2/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 large egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 large egg whites

3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

5 red glacé cherries, halved

5 green glacé cherries, halved

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 20 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 with thumb to make a thumbprint. Place a cherry half in

each indentation. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheet

for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.