Recipe(tried): Tom Thumbs (thumbprint cookies) (1949)

Dear Sheila in Texas ... this recipe is from an old Sunset Cook Book. The book originally came out in 1949 and was reprinted in 1962, so maybe this recipe might be the one. If not, I have 1 other recipe that might be it, just email if you need it.

TOM THUMBS

1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners sugar
1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup shortening (I use the butter flavored kind for almost everything.)
2 eggs, beaten
jelly or frosting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Sift sugar, flour and salt together; work in shortening. Mix to a stiff paste with the beaten eggs (It may be necessary to add more flour if the eggs are large.)

Roll into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Using the end of a wooden spoon or your thumb make a depression in the center of each cookie.

Bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees F) for 25 minutes or until delicately browned.

Fill with jelly while warm or fill with frosting when cool.

Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies