Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

The name for this festive looking cookies comes from the fact that you can use your thumb to make a small indentation in the middle where you can fill the jam later .I have rolled the cookies in coconut flakes , but you can roll them in chopped toasted nuts if you wish.Here is the recipe for a very popular holiday treat.


INGREDIENTS

1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter at room temperature
1 large egg separated
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
(or 1 cup toasted and chopped nuts)
a pinch of salt
1/2 cup jam







DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degree F.


2. Using an electric mixer cream the butter and sugar well . Then add the egg yolk , vanilla and salt .Mix well .


3. Add the flour and mix just until combined .


4. Roll into 20 small balls . Dip each one first in the egg white and then roll in coconut flakes . Arrange on a greased baking sheet.


5. Using your thumb or a the end of a wooden spoon, make a small hole at the center of each ball. Slightly flatten each ball during the process . Fill each hole with about 1/2 tsp jam.


6. Bake for about 15 minutes , until the coconut is golden and the cookie is set .Cool the cookies completely before serving.