These festive little bites of sweetness are a big hit. My great-grandmother made them, so my grandma told me, and they’re a family tradition. All I know is that when they come out on the cookie tray, they’re among the first to disappear. They’re easy to make, and with the cinnamon-sugar coating, they look beautiful!
Ingredients:
One cup shortening (or butter)
1-1/2 cups sugar
2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, well-drained
Cookie Topping:
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
In a large mixing bowl,cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add cherries to shortening and sugar mixture, stir in well.
In a second bowl, mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt together. Add flour mixture to creamed shortening and cherry mixture. Chill dough 2-8 hours, covered with plastic wrap or lid so it doesn’t dry out.
When dough is completely chilled, use small scoop to scoop out dough, and form into small balls. Combine sugar and cinnamon in bowl, and coat dough completely with cinnamon sugar.
Place dough balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet (or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper). Bake in 400° oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Editor’s Note: We’ll be publishing a couple of cookie recipes a week as Christmas gets closer. Hope one of our favorites becomes one of yours!
