Chocolate Thumbprints!

  

 

 

These "Chocolate Thumbprints" are a delicious cookie that are great for the holidays, because they are part cookie, part candy...chocolate candy to be exact!  To me, they almost look like they are topped with little chocolate Santa hats!  They are also not that difficult to make!  Here is what you will need:

 

 

1/2 cup butter, softened (do not use margarine)

1 cup sugar

1 egg, separated

2 Tbs. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1  1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup baking cocoa

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

 

Filling

1/2 cup confectioner's  sugar

1 Tbs. butter, softened

2 tsp. milk

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

26 milk chocolate Kisses candies

 

 

In a mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, egg yolk, milk and vanilla until it's light and fluffy. 

 

In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa and salt.  Gradually add to the creamed mixture.

 

Cover and chill for 1-2 hours.

 

In a small bowl, beat the egg white.

 

Shape the chilled dough in 1 inch balls.  Roll in the egg white. Dip in the chopped walnuts.  Place on greased baking sheets. Make an indention in the center of each cookie with your thumb.   Bake at 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes. 

 

Combine the first 4 filling ingredients and mix until smooth.  Spoon 1/4 tsp. into the center of each cookie. 

 

 Press a chocolate kisses candy in the center of each cookie.  Carefully remove to a wire rack to cool.