almond extract. Mini chocolate chips into the batter might be good. Not too sweet--maybe up the sugar, maybe add a dribble of vanilla.
Kids will love these.
CHERRY CHOCOLATE KISSES / makes about 36
ING cup unsalted butter, softened but cool cup powdered sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt2 tsp bottled maraschino cherry “juice” 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 2 and 1/4 cups flour 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped 36 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped
METHOD stand mixer/paddle butter til creamy, a min on med. Reduce speed to lowest; slowly add conf and salt. Add cherry juice, almond extract, mix/combine. On low speed, slowly add flour, scraping down the sides.Increase to med; and add cherries.
FINAL Shape into 1-inch balls, and place the balls sheetpan 2" apart. Thumbprint gently in its center until the cookie is about 1/2-inch thick. Sprinkle with bit sugar. Bake 325 deg til bottoms lightly brown 14 minutes.
Remove to counter, immediately press chocolate kiss into each cookie’s center; wire rack to cool completely.