FRUITED JEWEL COOKIES

Fruited Jewel Cookies image

When guests drop in unexpectedly, be ready with these cheerful citrus-flavored tidbits from Patricia Marsh of Phoenix, Arizona. Finely chopped walnuts can be substituted for pecans in the cookie coating.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 large egg, separated
1/4 cup pineapple preserves
5 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups finely chopped pecans
Red and/or green candied cherries, halved

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, preserves, orange zest and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle. , Roll dough into 1-in. balls. In a shallow bowl, beat egg white until foamy. Place pecans in another shallow bowl. Dip each ball into egg white, then into pecans., Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. While still warm, press a cherry half into the center of each cookie. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 78 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 44mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.