Almond Cherry Cookies

Ingredients:

• Cookies:
• 3/4 cup slivered almonds, ground
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz jar maraschino cherries, halved (reserve 1 teaspoon juice)
• Red decorating sugar
• Frosting:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, and ground almonds. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a dough forms.
4. Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, press a small pit into the center, and place half a maraschino cherry inside. Fold dough around the cherry to form a ball.
5. Place dough balls on the baking sheet and gently flatten the tops.
6. Bake for 8–9 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
7. For the frosting, whisk together powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract, adding milk as needed until smooth and dip-friendly.
8. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the frosting, return to the wire rack, and sprinkle with red decorating sugar. Let the frosting set.