*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                           EGGNOG THUMBPRINTS

Recipe By     : Better Homes Christmas Cookies 1997
Serving Size  : 40   Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Cookies                          Holiday
               Picture

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
    2/3  cup           butter or margarine
    1/2  cup           granulated sugar
    1/8  teaspoon      ground nutmeg
  2                    egg yolks
  1      teaspoon      vanilla
  1 1/2  cups          all-purpose flour
  2                    egg whites -- slightly beaten
  1      cup           walnuts -- finely chopped
    1/4  cup           butter or margarine
  1      cup           powdered sugar -- sifted
  1      teaspoon      rum or 1/4 teaspoon rum extract
  1      teaspoon      milk -- (1 to 2)
                       Ground nutmeg

1.  BEAT the 2/3 cup butter or margarine in a mixing bowl with an
electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated
sugar and the 1/8 teaspoon
nutmeg: beat till combined. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla.  Beat in as
much flour as you can. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden
spoon. If necessary,
cover and chill dough about 1 hour or till easy to handle.

2.  SHAPE into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in egg whites, then in chopped
walnuts. Place 1 inch apart on lightly greased cookie sheets. Press
centers with your thumb. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 10 to 12
minutes or till edges are lightly browned, cool on wire racks.

3.  FOR FILLING, beat the 1/4 cup butter or margarine till softened.
Add powdered sugar and beat till fluffy.  Beat in rum or rum extract
and enough milk to make of spreading consistency.  Spoon or pipe about
1/2 teaspoon filling into center of each cookie. Sprinkle with nutmeg.



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NOTES : Dust these delicious cookies as you would their namesake
holiday drink....with a sprinkling of ground nutmeg