CHERRY CHEESE WINDMILLS

Cherry Cheese Windmills image

These pretty cookies look fancy, but they are really not much work. They're perfect for any occasion. -Helen McGibbon, Downers Grove, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 35m

Yield about 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted and chopped

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, milk and vanilla. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide dough in half. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or until easy to handle., In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and extract until smooth. Fold in cherries. On a floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a 10-in. square. With a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut into 2-1/2-in. squares. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Make 1-in. cuts from each corner toward the center of the dough., Drop teaspoonfuls of filling in the center of each square; sprinkle with almonds. Fold alternating points to the center to form a windmill; moisten points with water and pinch gently at center to seal. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool on wire racks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 126 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 73mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.