FAYE'S CHERRY BELLS

Faye's Cherry Bells image

Yield Makes about 5 1/2 to 6 dozen cookies

Number Of Ingredients 15

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3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1/4 cup dark Karo syrup
1 egg
1 tablespoon heavy cream
For the nut filling:
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons maraschino-cherry juice
About 72 maraschino cherries

Steps:

1. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, and coffee; set aside. Cream the butter with an electric mixer. Add brown sugar; mix well. Blend in the Karo syrup, egg, and cream. Add dry ingredients and mix to make dough; chill well. Meanwhile, prepare filling: Combine nuts, brown sugar, and cherry juice; set aside.
2. Roll out 1/3 of the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness; cut into 2 1/2-inch rounds and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Place 1/2 teaspoon of filling in the center of each cookie, then shape into a bell by folding the sides over the filling, making the tops narrower than the bottoms. Place a cherry at the wide end for the clapper. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool for 1 minute on a baking sheet, then transfer to a rack to cool.