Birds' Nest Cookies
Description
These birds' nest cookies are cute pecan thumbprint cookies that melt in your mouth! Delicious plain or filled with creamy frosting and Easter candy.
Ingredients
•
1 cup butter, softened
•
1/2 cup white sugar
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2 eggs
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 cups chopped pecans
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1/4 cup warm water
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3/4 cup shortening
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup butter, softened
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4 cups confectioners' sugar
Directions
1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheets.
2
Beat 1 cup softened butter and ½ cup sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add egg yolks, and beat well. Add flour and mix until combined.
3
Roll dough into walnut-size balls; roll balls in egg white, and then in the chopped nuts. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets; press center of cookie with thumb.
4
Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 8 minutes; press center of cookie again and continue to bake until lightly browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Cool cookies on racks.
5
To make the frosting: Blend water, shortening, vanilla, and 1/4 cup softened butter together; slowly add confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth and creamy. More water may be needed to make desired consistency.