Chocolate Thumbprints

This ends up being one of the favorites on the cookie tray by many of my recipients. And it’s also probably the messiest one to make, too!

Chocolate Thumbprints

1/2 C. butter or margarine, softened

2/3 C. sugar

1 egg, separated

2 T. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 C. flour

1/3 C. baking cocoa

1/4 tsp. salt

1 C. finely chopped walnuts

Filling:

1/2 C. powdered sugar

1 T. butter or margarine, softened

2 tsp. milk

1/4 tsp. vanilla

unwrapped Hershey kisses

In a mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, egg yolk, milk and vanilla until light and fluffy. Combine flour, cocoa, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and chill 1 hour or until firm enough to roll into balls. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, lightly beat egg white. Shape dough into 1-inch balls (or use a cookie scoop); dip in egg white, then roll in nuts. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment. Make an indentation with thumb in center of each cookie. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until center is set. Combine the first four filling ingredients in a small bowl; mix until smooth. Spoon 1/4 teaspoon into each warm cookie; gently press a chocolate kiss in the center. Carefully remove from baking sheet to wire racks to cool.