A classic holiday cookie featuring a whole candied cherry wrapped inside a tender, buttery almond shortbread dough. These delightful little bites are baked and then rolled in powdered sugar while still warm.

Author

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Recipe

MeasurementsIngredients
¾ Cup (1 ½ sticks)Butter, softened
⅓ CupSifted Confectioners’ Sugar
1 TeaspoonVanilla Extract
¼ TeaspoonSalt
2 CupsSifted All-Purpose Flour
½ CupFinely Chopped Almonds
Approx. 5 dozen (60)Whole Candied Cherries
For RollingAdditional Sifted Confectioners’ Sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, ⅓ cup of confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt until light and fluffy.
  3. On low speed, gradually add the sifted flour and the finely chopped almonds; mix well until a firm dough forms.
  4. Take a teaspoon of dough and flatten it into a small circle in the palm of your hand. Place one whole candied cherry in the center.
  5. Wrap the dough around the cherry, completely enclosing it, and roll it into a smooth ball.
  6. Place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes. The cookies should be set but not browned.
  8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes until you can handle them.
  9. While the cookies are still warm, roll each ball in additional sifted confectioners’ sugar until well coated. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Note

This recipe makes about 5 dozen cookies.