Cherry Snowball Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 20–24 whole maraschino cherries, well-drained and dried
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Drain cherries and pat completely dry.
2. Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Mix in vanilla, then add flour and salt to form a soft dough.
3. Chill dough for 20–30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
5. Press a well into each ball and gently press a cherry into the center.
6. Bake 12–15 minutes until set but still pale.
7. Cool 10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar.