These cookies are one of my favorites to make this time of year.  I used to make them with my mom as a kid. Sure, they are a bit tedious but they taste so good and are a perfect Christmas treat! It’s also a great cookie to make with kids, as there are many steps so everyone has a task. So, without further typing, let’s go get our thumbs dirty…

What you will need:

Cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, separated
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
Dash of salt
3/4 finely chopped nuts (I used almonds but you can also use walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts)
1/4 cup raspberry jam

Note: This recipe only makes about 20 cookies, but easily doubles if you need more.

In a large bowl (or bowl of your electric mixer), beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat until combined.

In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add to batter and beat until dough forms. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Place egg whites in a small bowl and whisk until frothy. Put nuts in another bowl. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Taking one dough ball at a time, dip in egg white and then roll in nuts…

Place on prepared cookie sheet. With your thumb, make an indentation on each cookie, like so…

Then fill with 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Place on wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!