Praline Thumbprint Cookies

No photo for these...the last thing I think about when these cookies come out of the oven is a photo!! They are too good not to eat up immediately!

This recipe comes from a local church cookbook and the woman who makes them every year at the holidays is a good friend of my sister. We started making them ourselves (we were tired of praying that Leslie would get some from her at cookie swaps! :) about two years ago, and they are heavenly.

Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well at a medium speed. Add flour, mixing well. Stir in chopped pecans and vanilla. Shape dough into one inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Press thumb in center of each cookie to make an indention. Bake at 375 for 15-17 minutes. Do not brown. Cool on wire racks.

Praline Filling

1/2 cup butter
dash salt
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Add brown sugar and salt. Bring to a boil. Let boil 2 minutes. Remove praline mixture from heat and cool to lukewarm. Stir in powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. Beat with a wooden spoon til mixture is smooth. Spoon about 1/2 tsp. of the praline filling into each indention.

Enjoy with a cup of hot tea and a good holiday read.