Cookie Recipe #109 - Holiday Hideaways

I believe these cookies are supposed to be for Christmas, but I think you can make them anytime. They consist of cookie dough wrapped around a maraschino cherry, drowned in chocolate and splattered with white chocolate. From the outside you would never know there is a fruity center.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 1/3 cup shortening, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 jars (10 ounces each)maraschino cherries, well drained, 1 cup chocolate chips (possibly more), 1 tablespoon shortening, 1/4 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon shortening.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixing bowl, cream sugar and shortening until fluffy. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla, combining well. In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture until thoroughly incorporated. Form 2 teaspoons of dough into a ball; flatten ball and place a cherry in center. Wrap dough around cherry and roll in hands until cherry is completely covered.

Place balls on ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 10-12 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. (Cookies will flatten slightly on bottom and tops will crack a little). Remove from oven; allow to cool for a minute before transferring to cooling racks.

Heat chocolate chips and shortening in microwave one minute at a time, stirring, until thoroughly melted. Dip cookies in chocolate, top first, until covered (bottoms do not have to be covered-your preference). Place on waxed paper-lined platter or baking sheet to set. Repeat melting process with white chocolate chips and drizzle over chocolate-covered cookies.

Finely chopped nuts can be sprinkled atop each cookie, if desired, or reverse chocolate dipping (dip into white chocolate and drizzle with dark chocolate).

Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Cookies Rule!!!