Birds' Nest Cookies

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. 1

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.