1tsp.almond extractpreferably use Almond Emulsion from LorAnn Oils, it has the best taste
½tsp.vanilla extract
2c.all-purpose flour
½tsp.salt
10oz.jar maraschino cherrieswell drained & patted dry with paper towels (You will use roughly 1/2 of the jar of cherries for this recipe)
4oz.Vanilla Almond BarkThis should be 2 squares worth
Instructions
Beat butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract; beat until just combined.
Combine flour and salt. Gradually add flour and salt to butter mixture; beat until combined. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Roll dough into roughly twenty one 1 1/2-inch balls. Using a 1.5 Tablespoon cookie scoop makes this quick and easy. Place 2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets. With your thumb, press an indentation into the top of each ball. Place a cherry in each indentation.
Bake at 350-f degrees until edges are light golden brown, about 12 – 14 minutes. Let cool on pan about 5 minutes; transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Melt the vanilla almond bark in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each session, until totally smooth. Scoop into a small ziploc bag and let sit until slightly cooled, about 15 minutes. Snip a tiny corner of the ziploc and drizzle the melted almond bark over the cookies. Let set for about 30 minutes until the almond bark is firm. Store in
an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
I used a 1.5 Tablespoon cookie scoop to measure out my dough balls. If you use a smaller scoop you will get a greater yield of cookies overall, and as such you might need a few more cherries. One jar of maraschino cherries should still be enough even if you make smaller cookies. Vanilla Almond Bark is an easy melting candy that mimics white chocolate chips.Adapted from The Kitchen is My Playground