Jam Thumbprint Gems

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 400°.
2. 2
   Lightly spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
3. 3
   In a large bowl, whisk vegetable shortening and applesauce until shortening breaks into pea size pieces.
4. 4
   Add sugar and beat well. Add vanilla and egg.
5. 5
   Mix well. Add flour mixture to applesauce mixture. Blend until smooth. Mixture will be stiff.
6. 6
   Using flour coated hands, roll a teaspoon of dough into
7. 7
   a ball.
8. 8
   Place on cookie sheets 1-inch apart. Press thumb into center to make indention. Fill with 1/2 teaspoon preserves.
9. 9
   Bake 12 to 15 minutes until light golden brown. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes.
10. 10
    Place on cooling rack and dust with powdered sugar.
11. 11
    Makes 24 cookies.
12. 12
    Per serving contains 70 calories and 1.4 grams fat.