Almond Cherry Cookie Delights (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookies

01 - 3/4 cup ground silvered almonds
02 - 1 cup softened butter
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 halved maraschino cherries with 1 teaspoon juice saved
08 - Red sugar for decorating

→ Frosting

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

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - Grab a large bowl and beat the butter with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
03 - Mix flour, salt, and almonds in another bowl. Slowly add this dry mix to your butter blend.
04 - Scoop a tablespoon of dough, make a small hole, and stick half a cherry inside. Wrap the dough around to cover the cherry completely. Put on a parchment-covered baking sheet and push down lightly.
05 - Pop in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-9 minutes until the edges start turning light brown. Let them cool after taking them out.
06 - Combine powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract in a small bowl. Add milk bit by bit until it's runny enough to dip cookies.
07 - Dunk the tops of each cookie in the icing, turn them over, and set on a wire rack. Sprinkle red sugar on top while still wet.

# Additional Tips:

01 - For cookies that aren't too dry, measure flour right by spooning it gently into your cup and cutting off excess with a knife.
02 - The cherry inside each cookie gives a nice surprise when you bite in.
03 - Don't swap in fresh cherries as they're too juicy and will mess up your cookie texture.
04 - Keep your cookies fresh by wrapping them tight or using a sealed container for up to three days at room temp.