This is a very old recipe from my grandma. The sweet cherry filling surprises folks trying them for the first time.
—PAT HABIGER SPEARVILLE, KS
PREP: 15 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 2 DOZEN
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
24 maraschino cherries
GLAZE
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
Additional confectioners’ sugar
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
2. Divide dough into 24 portions; shape each portion around a cherry, forming a ball. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
3. For glaze, combine sugar, butter and cherry juice until smooth. Drizzle over cookies. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.