Birds' Nest Cookies

These birds' nest cookies are cute pecan thumbprint cookies that melt in your mouth! Delicious plain or filled with creamy frosting and Easter candy.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 457 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 0.75 cup shortening
• 0.25 cup butter, softened
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 0.25 cup warm water

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheets.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.