This has been a favorite Christmas cookie for years -- a bit of trouble to make but well worth it. Melt in your mouth goodness.
INGREDIENTS (for 1 servings):
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese
- 1 egg, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves
PREPARATION:
Cream butter, cream cheese, egg yolk, vanilla, lemon peel and salt until fluffy. Gradually mix in confectioners' sugar, then the flour to make stiff dough.
Chill dough for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Shape dough into 30 - one inch balls.
Beat egg white until foamy. Dip balls in egg white then roll in chopped nuts. Arrange 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet and make a depression in each with your thumb.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until cookies begin to brown on the bottoms. Carefully remove to wire rack and while hot fill each depression with 1/2 teaspoon of apricot preserves or your favorite jam.