Cherry Almond Cookies
If you love the flavor combination of cherry, almond, and white chocolate – you will love these cookies.
Ingredients
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar, divided
- 1 cup cold butter
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- 12 ounces white chocolate baking squares with cocoa butter, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/8 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
- 2 teaspoons shortening
- colored sugar (red)
Preparation
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1
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine flour 1/2 cup of sugar and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in drained cherries and 4 ounces (2/3 cup) of the chopped chocolate, and almond extract. Knead mixture until it forms a smooth ball. -
2
Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar, flatten balls to 1-1/2-inch rounds.
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3
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until centers are lightly browned. Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet and then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
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4
In a microwave (70% power), melt shortening and remaining 8 ounces white chocolate for 1 minute, stir. Microwave at additional 10-15 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
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5
Dip half of each cookie into the chocolate, allow excess to drip off. Sprinkle with sugar and place on waxed paper until chocolate has set.