Here’s an easy-to-make Valentine’s Day treat!

Cherry-Kiss Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
6 drops red food coloring, optional
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
54 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Directions

~Preheat oven to 350°.

~In a large bowl, beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until blended. Beat in cherry juice, extract and food coloring. Gradually beat in flour. Stir in cherries.

~Shape dough into one-inch balls. Place one inch apart on greased baking sheets.

~Bake eight to 10 minutes (or until bottoms are light brown). Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie (cookie will crack around edges). Cool on pans for two minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

~Makes 4-1/2 dozen.