Shortbread Thumbelinas

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped toasted almonds, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Chocolate Filling

Preparation

1. Combine flour, 1/2 cup almonds, and salt; set aside.
2. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
3. Add flour mixture to butter mixture gradually, beating just until blended. Stir in vanilla.
4. Cover dough, and chill 1 hour.
5. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll balls in remaining 1/2 cup almonds. Place about 1 inch apart on lightly greased baking sheets; gently press an indentation into center of each cookie with thumb.
6. Bake at 350° for 14 minutes or until set; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Spoon or pipe about 1/2 teaspoon Chocolate Filling into indentation of each cooled cookie.