Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup baking cocoa
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 24 maraschino cherries, drained and halved
  • 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice

Method

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg, cherry juice and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
  • Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2-in. apart on ungreased
  • . Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make an indentation in the center of each. Place a cherry half in each indentation.
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips with milk, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; stir in cherry juice until blended. Spoon about 1 teaspoon over each cherry (frosting will spread over cookies during baking). Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool.