Ingredients
24 maraschino cherries1/2 cup butter, softened3/4 cup packed brown sugar1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice1 teaspoon vanilla extract1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1/8 teaspoon salt1 cup milk chocolate chips, divided1/2 teaspoon shortening
Preparation
Pat cherries with paper towels to remove excess moisture; set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in cherry juice and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle.
Insert a chocolate chip into each maraschino cherry. Wrap a tablespoon of dough around each cherry. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 350° for 15-17 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
In a microwave, melt remaining chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip tops of cookies in melted chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.
