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CHERRY CHEESE WINDMILLS

These pretty cookies look fancy, but they’re really not much work. They’re perfect for any occasion throughout the year.

—HELEN MCGIBBON DOWNERS GROVE, IL


PREP: 25 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 10 MIN./BATCH + COOLING • MAKES: 32 COOKIES

1/3 cup butter, softened

1/3 cup shortening

3/4 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

FILLING

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted and chopped

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide dough in half. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or until easy to handle.

2. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and extract until smooth. Fold in cherries. On a floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a 10-in. square. With a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut into 2 1/2-in. squares. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Make 1-in. cuts from each corner toward the center of the dough.

3. Drop teaspoonfuls of filling in the center of each square; sprinkle with almonds. Fold alternating points to the center to form a windmill; moisten points with water and pinch gently at center to seal. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool on wire racks.