Merry Cherry Fudgies (Cookies)(Holiday inspiration)

 

Makes 2 dozen cookies

Cookies

• ¼ cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
• ½ teaspoon vanilla

Cherry fudge filling

• Two-third cup sugar
• One-third cup unsweetened baking cocoa
• ¼ cup finely chopped red or green maraschino cherries, well drained
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 1 egg

Cherry glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 or 2 teaspoons red or green maraschino cherry juice
• Additional red or green maraschino cherries, well drained and chopped, if desired

1. Heat oven to 350F (180C).
2. In a large bowl, beat ¼ cup butter and cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed or mix with spoon.
3. Stir in flour, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa and the vanilla.
4. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 mini muffin cups, 1¾ x 1 inch.
5. Divide dough into 24 equal pieces ; press each piece in bottom and upside of muffin cup.
6. In a small bowl, mix all filling ingredients ; spoon about 2 teaspoons filling into each cup.
7. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until almost no identation remains when filling is touched lightly ; cool 1 hour. 
8. Remove from pan to wire rack.
9. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup powdered sugar and the cherry juice until smooth and spreadable.
10. Drizzle glaze over cookies, sprinkle with additional chopped cherries.

BON APPÉTIT