Thumbprint Cookies

The children, and the children in us, love to make these cookies 'cause we can stick our thumbs in the dough!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
1/2 cup granualted sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour

Assorted types of jams or preserves according to your preference. I love Apricot preserves but the kiddies may prefer strawberry or raspberry or whatever is their favorite.

Directions:

Cream the butter, sugar and salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla and beat until very light in texture and color. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour in three increments until just mixed. Do not overbeat. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.

Preheat the oven and grease 2 cookie sheets. Roll dough into 3/4 in balls. Roll each ball in sugar (optional).
Place 1 in apart on greased cookie sheet. Press your thumb into center of each cookie.
Bake for 16-18 minutes or until just lightly brown.
Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Fill the centers of the cookies with spoonful filling of choice. Store with wax paper or platic wrap between layers in an airtight container.
Makes 5-6 doz cookies.