Almond Cherry Cookies Treat (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cookies

01 - 3/4 cup silvered almonds, ground
02 - 1 cup butter, softened
03 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 8 ounces jar maraschino cherries, halved, 1 teaspoon juice reserved
08 - Red decorating sugar

→ Frosting

09 - 2 cups powdered sugar
10 - 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
11 - 1 teaspoon almond extract
12 - 2-3 tablespoons milk

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a large bowl, mix together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and almonds. Blend dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
04 - Take a tablespoon of dough, make a pit in the middle, and place half of a cherry in the pit. Fold dough over the cherry to form a ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
05 - Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-9 minutes or until edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and cool.
06 - In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract. Add enough milk to achieve dipping consistency.
07 - Dip tops of cookies in the icing, flip over, and place on a wire rack. Sprinkle with red sugar.

# Notes:

01 - To prevent dry and crumbly dough, ensure accurate flour measurement by lightly spooning into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife.
02 - Stuffing the cookies with cherries creates a delightful surprise in each bite.
03 - Fresh cherries have high moisture content and may alter the texture of the cookies when baked.
04 - Store cookies tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.