Birds' Nest Cookies
Cute thumbprint cookies that look like a birds nest! The cookies are tender, soft, and melt in your mouth. Fill with creamy frosting, candy eggs, jelly beans, or whatever you like for a fun Easter treat!
butter, softened
1
cup
white sugar
½
cup
eggs, separated
2
large
all-purpose flour
2
cups
finely chopped pecans
2
cups
warm water
¼
cup
shortening
¾
cup
vanilla extract
1
teaspoon
butter, softened
¼
cup
confectioners' sugar
4
cups
 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheets.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
