CHERRY BISCOCHITOS

Cherry Biscochitos image

I discovered the wonderful anise flavor of biscochitos, which are traditional cookies of New Mexico. I created my own version with maraschino cherries and fresh cranberries. -Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 11 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
1/4 teaspoon anise extract
3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, finely chopped
1/4 cup maraschino cherries, well drained and finely chopped
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, cherry juice and extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in cranberries and cherries., Divide dough in half; shape each into a disk. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-in. star-shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets., Bake 7-9 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove from oven and immediately dust with confectioners' sugar. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool., Freeze option: Freeze cookies, layered between waxed paper, in freezer containers. To use, thaw before serving or, if desired, reheat on a baking sheet in a preheated 350° oven until warmed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 35 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 11mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.