CHERRY NUT CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Cherry Nut Christmas Cookies image

Provided by Katie Ann

Categories Cookies

Number Of Ingredients 14

COOKIE INGREDIENTS
1 c softened butter
1/2 c powdered sugar
2 egg yolks
2 c flour
1 tsp almond extract
1 jar(s) (35-40) stemless maraschino cherries (save the juice)
35-40 pecan halves
SIMPLE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING (YOU CAN USE YOUR OWN-JUST USE CHERRY JUICE INSTEAD OF MILK)
1/2 c shortening, butter flavor
1/2 c butter (softened)
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 c powdered sugar
2 Tbsp reserved cherry juice

Steps:

1. To make the cookies, beat butter, powdered sugar, and egg yolks together until creamy.
2. Add almond extract and flour.
3. Measure dough into 1 Tablespoon portions.
4. Flatten dough into plam of hand. Place 1 pecan half and 1 cherry in middle.
5. Form dough into a ball to seal them in the middle.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes. The cookies will be light in color.
7. Cool cookies completely on a rack. Frost the cookies with buttercream frosting using reserved cherry juice (instead of milk). It will turn a pretty pink color. Just mix all the buttercream indredients from above with your electric mixer until desired consistency.
8. Add some pretty decorations to the top and they're done! Recipe makes about 28-30 cookies. Cookies can be made ahead and frozen.
9. Delicious...I think I might go get one. =)