It's not Christmas season until there are cherry dots in the house

I have many fond memories of Granny making cookies and candies at the holidays. Some years I got to help . . . other years a box arrived in the mail. Certain recipes make me KNOW it is Christmastime and Cherry Dots are one of them. Luckily for me, I now make the Cherry Dots and control when Christmas arrives at my house. Some years I make them for my cookie exchange. Other years I just make them. This year, I made them for the cookie exchange. They are a simple cookie, slice and bake, and have a candied cherry in the center. To me, they just say Christmas!

I always make a "cookie bookie" with recipes from the cookie exchange for all the participants. It is my gift to them for having fun with me. Included once again will be the cherry dots.

Cherry Dots

• 1 C. butter, softened
• 2 1/2 C. flour
• 1 C. sugar
• 1/2 t. salt
• 2 T. milk
• 34 candied cherries
• 1 t. vanilla
• 1 C. chopped walnuts (optional - I never do)

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Add the flour and salt. Mix until well blended.

Divide dough into 2 parts. Shape each into a 12" roll on waxed paper. Place 17 candied cherries side by side on top of each roll. Press lightly into dough until centered. Mold dough around cherries back into a roll. If desired, sprinkle 1/2 C. walnuts evenly over each sheet of waxed paper and roll dough to cover. Wrap and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

Cut roll into 1/4" slices. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 12 - 15 minutes.

Yield: 8 dozen cookies

Comments

[Nicole C.]

Sounds yummy! I may have to try these :) There's another cookie recipe exchange you could post to here: http://thefarmchicks.typepad.com/farmchicks/2009/12/serenas-cookie-exchange.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2FfWTY+%28The+Farm+Chicks%29