It's an OLD Betty Crocker recipe, but Mom always called them Birds' Nests. It's a rich cookie, not too sweet and very yummy!
THUMBPRINT COOKIES
Mix thoroughly:
1/4 c. Crisco
1/4 c. soft butter
1/4 c. brown sugar (packed)
1 egg yolk (reserve the white)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Blend together and stir in:
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
Roll into 1" balls. Dip into slightly beaten egg white. Roll in 3/4 c. finely chopped nuts (we use walnuts). Place about 1" apart on ungreased baking sheet and press thumb into center of each cookie to make a round depression. Bake until set.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Makes about 2 doz.
When cool, place a bit of sparkling jelly or fruit filling, tinted powdered sugar icing or chocolate icing in center. You can also use candied fruit. We use candied red and green cherries for Christmas. A cooked apricot filling is also very good.