Savory Thumbprint 'Cookies'

Are they cookies if they're savory? ...either way, they were delicious! And there's an endless variety of flavor combinations using different fillings, coating, toppings, sprinkles and drizzles. Have fun with this one!

Yield: ~ 2 dozen

Ingredients (for the cookies)
2/3 C butter, softened

½ C finely shredded Parmesan*

2 T sugar

¼ tsp salt

2 egg yolks

½ t dried herb(s), crushed (optional)

1¼ C flour

     * or sharp cheddar, Asiago, Gruyère, crumbled blue cheese...

1/3 to ½ C filling... bacon(-onion) jam, tomato jam, fig jam, fruit jam, marmalade, pepper jelly, chutney, cream cheese (plain or herbed), tapenade, pesto, etc. -- get creative!

optional, for coating:

2 egg whites, beaten

½ - 1 C: finely chopped nuts, everything seasoning, dried herbs...

optional, for drizzle/topping:

fresh herbs, honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, hot sauce/Sriracha, balsamic glaze...

Directions

Preheat oven to 375. 

Beat butter until smooth; add cheese(s), sugar and salt.

Beat in egg yolks and herb(s). Mix in flour.

Roll dough into 1 inch balls. If using a coating, roll balls in beaten egg whites and then in coating ingredient(s). Place balls on baking sheets; press thumb or back of spoon in to centers to make a well.

Bake about 15 minutes until bottoms are lightly browned. If cookie centers puff up during baking, press again with back of spoon. 

Cool completely. Fill; top, if desired, wtih additional drizzle or sprinkle topping.