Pecan Pie Cookies

Pecan Pie Cookies are a great holiday treat.

1 c butter, softened
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c dark corn syrup
2 large eggs, separated
 t vanilla
1/4 c butter
2 1/2 c flour
1/2 c powdered sugar
3 T dark corn syrup
3/4 c finely chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In medium mixer bowl, beat 1 cup butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy Add 1/2 cup corn syrup and egg yolks. Beat well. Gradually add flour and vanilla. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir in powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons corn syrup. Cook, stirring often, until mixture boils. Remove from heat and stir in pecans. Chill 30 minutes. Shape pecan mixture by level 1/2 teaspoonfuls into 1/2-inch balls and set aside.

Shape cookie dough by level tablespoonfuls into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Beat egg whites until foamy; brush on dough balls. Chill 5 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees for 6 minutes. Remove from oven and press pecan balls into center of each cookie. Bake 8 more minutes.Cool cookies on cookie sheets for 5 minutes. Remove to wire rack and cool. Makes
 4 1/2 dozen cookies.