Thumbprint Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Mix butter, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla with electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment until well blended.
2. 2
   Sift flour and salt together; stir into butter mixture.
3. 3
   Cover and refrigerate until firm.
4. 4
   Portion dough into 1-1/2-inch balls using #40 scoop.
5. 5
   Beat egg whites until foamy.
6. 6
   Dip each ball into egg whites, then roll in nuts.
7. 7
   Place on parchment paper-lined sheet pans.
8. 8
   Bake in 350 degrees F standard oven 6 min.
9. 9
   Remove from oven.
10. 10
    Immediately press thumb gently into top of each cookie.
11. 11
    Return to oven.
12. 12
    Bake 8 min.
13. 13
    Cool.
14. 14
    Place cream cheese in pastry bag fitted with a small plain tip.
15. 15
    Just before serving, fill indentation with 1/2 tsp.
16. 16
    cream cheese and 1/4 tsp.
17. 17
    preserves.