My Mother's Amazing Marion Berry Butter Cookies

So my mother used a Taste of Home "Swedish Butter Cookie" recipe and altered it into the most amazing cookie recipe ever...seriously, my ultimate favorite.

The dough recipe is from Taste of Home
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, separated
1 Tablespoon half-and-half cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpuse flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (we use walnuts cause they're cheaper)
Additional chopped pecans (walnuts)

And the key ingredient: Marion Berry Jelly

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar.  Beat in egg yold, cream and vanilla.  Combine the flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture.  Stir in finely chopped nuts.  Roll into balls (I keep them small: 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch).
In a small bowl, beat egg white.  Dip balls in egg white, then roll in additional nuts.  Place 2 inch apart on un greased baking sheets.
Using the end of  a wooden spoon handle, make an indentation in the center of each ball.  Pour in a small amount of jelly (I use a baby food spoon...around 1/4 to 1/2 tsp jelly).  Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.  Carefuly remove to wire racks to cool.

Okay, and to make them super good, my mother drizzles frosting on top...I love them without too.

P.S. the original recipe used Red Jelly and Red Maraschino Cherries (halfed on top)...if you like that sort of thing :)