Thumb Cookies

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350u00b0F.

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.

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