Almond~Cherry Heart Cookies

My granddaughter Claire and I had fun making these tasty, yet simple cookies with a hint of almond flavor.  I can say we had no left over cherries or cherry juice by the time we were finished.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp maraschino cherry juice
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 6 drops red food coloring
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 30 heart shaped chocolate candies or Hershey kisses

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  In a large bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar and salt until fluffy.  Beat in cherry juice, almond extract and food coloring.  Gradually add in flour and mix until combined.  Stir in cherries.
2. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake 8-10 minutes or until bottoms are light brown.  Press a chocolate heart immediately into the center of each cookie.  The edges will crinkle.  Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple minutes before removing to a cooling rack.