Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened1-1/2 cups sugar1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract3 cups all-purpose flour1/2 cup baking cocoa 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chipsTOPPING:3/4 cup vanilla frosting48 maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted dry1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips1 teaspoon shortening
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until blended. Gradually beat in cherry juice and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour and cocoa; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in coconut, cherries and chocolate chips.
Shape dough into 48 balls (about 1-1/4 in.); place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Press a deep indentation in center of each with the end of a wooden spoon handle. Bake 9-11 minutes or until set and bottoms are lightly browned. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
Fill each cookie with 3/4 teaspoon frosting. Top with cherries. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Spoon over cherries. Let stand until set.
