Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

1 cup granulated sugar
8 tbsp. butter, softened
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 jar (16 oz.) maraschino cherries
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In large bowl, combine granulated sugar, butter, egg and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.

3. Add flour, cocoa, 1/4 teaspoon salt, baking powder and baking soda. Beat on low speed until dough is stiff.

4. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Using your thumb, make a small indentation in each ball.

5. Drain cherries and reserve 1 teaspoon juice. Place one cherry on each indentation.

6. In small saucepan, combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, reserved juice and remaining salt. Cook on low heat until smooth, stirring constantly. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon chocolate mixture over each cherry. Bake 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Servings: 42
Yield: 3 1/2 Dozen Cookies