Cherry Chocolate Kiss Cookies

Aren't these little babies adorable?!  I love how the color turned out, very festive for the holidays :)


My hubby loves the chocolate/cherry combination, in fact one of his all time favorite treats is Queen Anne cherries.  When I saw this recipe, I knew it was a recipe he would definitely be up for helping me sample.  The little chopped up bits of cherry were a yummy treat, and these cookies were very tasty.


Enjoy.

Cherry Chocolate Kiss Cookies



1 cup of softened unsalted butter
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 drops of red food dye (optional)
2 1/4 cups of flour
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup of maraschino cherries, chopped up
White sugar, to roll the cookies in
36 chocolate kisses


Beat the butter with a mixer until creamy and smooth. Add the powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, vanilla extract, and red food dye (if using); beat with a mixer until smooth. Mix the flour and salt together then pour in batches into the dough. Mix with the beater, making sure to wipe the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the cherries and mix well with spoon. Place the dough into the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.


Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a silpat mat.


Roll the cookie dough into small balls then drop into a bowl of sugar; roll to coat evenly. Place the balls on the cookie sheet about 2 inches apart; press your thumb down in the center of the cookie gently. Repeat.


Place into the oven and bake for 13-14 minutes. Remove them from the oven and immediately place a kiss in the center of each cookie. Let them set up on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool.

Recipe Source:  For The Love of Cooking