Oma Kiener's Hazelnut Christmas Cookies

Ingredients

• 0.5 cups butter , softened
• 0.5 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour , sifted
• 0.25 teaspoons baking soda
• 0.5 cups ground hazelnuts
• 1 egg , beaten
• 0.25 cups multicolored candy sprinkles , jimmies

Instructions

1. 1

   Beat the butter, sugar, egg, and salt together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour and baking soda, and mix just until blended. Mix in the hazelnuts.

2. 2

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into 2 1/2 inch log. Wrap snugly in wax paper, and refrigerate overnight.

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheets.

4. 4

   Unwrap, and cut the log into 1/8 inch thick slices. Place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart. Brush tops with beaten egg and, if desired, decorate with sprinkles.

5. 5

   Bake in preheated oven until edges are lightly browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on racks, and store in an airtight tin.