Thumb Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. 2
   Blend softened margarine and sugar in a mixer.
3. 3
   Separate the egg whites out and blend the yolks into the mixture.
4. 4
   Add the vanilla.
5. 5
   Slowly add the flour until it forms a crumbly dough.
6. 6
   DO NOT OVER-MIX!
7. 7
   Without overhandling the dough, use your hands to roll it into small balls (about the size of walnuts).
8. 8
   Place on an ungreased baking sheet.
9. 9
   Gently press your thumb into the center of the ball so that it flattens slightly with an indentation in the center.
10. 10
    Fill each thumbprint with a small amount of jam or jelly (not a heaping amount or it will ooze out onto the baking sheet in the oven)!
11. 11
    Bake for 10-15 minutes or before they are visibly golden-brown (they may even seem raw, still -- they won't when they're cooled) Carefully transfer cookies to a cooling rack.