Lemon Cherry Cookies - LHJ

These cookies are similar to a thumbprint but topped with a candied cherry instead of jam.  The faint lemon flavor would allow transition to a thumbprint with your favorite jam.

1/2 Cup Butter, softened

1/2 Cup Sugar

1 Large Egg, separated

1 Tsp Grated Lemon Peel

1 Tbl Lemon Juice

1 Cup Flour

1/2 Cup Pecans, Finely Chopped

24 Candied Red Cherries

In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add egg yolk, lemon peel and juice - beat until well blended.  Gradually add flour and beat until well mixed.  Wrap and chill for at least three hours.  

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Divide dough into quarters.  Divide each quarter into 6 pieces.  Roll each piece into a ball, dip into slightly beaten egg whites and then into nuts.  Place onto a cookie sheet.  Insert a cherry into the center of each.  Bake 15 minutes or until lightly brown on bottom.  Cool on wire racks.