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Classic thumbprint cookies

What's a holiday cookie platter without thumbprints?

The holiday season has arrived. For many, this also means holiday cookies. These seasonal treats certainly come in all shapes and sizes, but it's difficult to imagine a holiday platter without thumbprint cookies. 

This classic confection has gone by many names. In addition to a thumbprint cookie, you may have heard them referred to as a birds nest cookie, butter ball, or Hollongrotta, a Swedish word meaning "raspberry cave." Perhaps your family calls them something different? Names aside, they've become a quintessential treat on any holiday cookie platter.

So, if you're looking for a traditional sweet to round out your holiday baking, this thumbprint recipe has got you covered!

Classic thumbprint cookies

Prep-time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 17 minutes
Servings: 4 dozen cookies

Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 Crisco® Baking Sticks Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, cut into slices
1 cup Crisco® Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening
3 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups Pillsbury BEST™ All Purpose Flour
2 cups finely chopped pecans
1 cup Smucker's® Strawberry Preserves, or any Smucker's® Preserves, Jam or Jelly

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Adjust rack to middle position. Coat two cookie sheets lightly with no-stick cooking spray.

2. Beat brown sugar and shortening in medium bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed for 2 minutes or until fluffy. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add egg yolks, water, vanilla and salt. Beat until well combined. Add flour on low speed until well blended.

3. Beat egg whites in a shallow bowl until foamy. Place pecans in a separate shallow bowl. Measure about 2 teaspoons dough for each cookie. Roll into balls. Dip each dough ball into egg whites, then roll into pecans. Place on prepared cookie sheet. Using the back of a teaspoon or your thumb, make a rounded indentation in the top of each cookie.

4. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven. It may be necessary to create the indentation once again with a spoon. Place about 1 teaspoon preserves into the indentation of each cookie. Bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven. Cool on baking sheet for several minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool completely.

This recipe was provided by The J.M. Smucker Company. More can be found on their website, here. To learn more, visit JMSmucker.com or follow them on Twitter @smuckers.

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