Recipe: Cherry Chocolate Cookies (using cocoa powder, dried cherries or maraschino cherries)

CHERRY CHOCOLATE COOKIES

"Inspired by the perennial holiday favorite, cherry cordials, these chewy cookies are a snap to prepare. They can be included in holiday cookie gift tins, but are so delectable, you'll want to save some for yourself."

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped dried or maraschino cherries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease large cookie sheet.

Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with mixer at high speed, until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until well blended; set aside.

Combine flour, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; add to butter mixture. Mix until uniform. Stir in chopped cherries. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheet.

Bake about 10-12 minutes or until set. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack to cool.

Makes 24 cookies
Source: McCormick