Holiday Bran Thumbprints

Bran adds great flavor, nutrition and fiber to your holiday thumbprints.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups bran flakes cereal
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fruit-only preserves, any flavor

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Blend in vanilla. Add flour, cereal and salt; stir until well blended.
4. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Make an indentation in the center of each ball.
5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheets. Cool on wire racks.
6. Fill indentations with preserves.

Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.