Candied Cherry Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup green candied cherries, chopped
• 1/2 cup red candied cherries, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 320 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or large mixing bowl), beat the butter until light and creamy (about 3 minutes).
3. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the bowl and beat another two minutes.
4. Add the almond extract and beat for another couple minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl a couple times along the way.
5. Add the flour and baking powder and beat on low until a soft dough forms.
6. Fold in the candied cherries until evenly mixed into the dough.
7. Scoop dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) and drop it in mounds onto the prepared baking sheet at least 1 inch apart.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are brown and the tops are golden.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

The original recipe for these festive holiday cookies can be found here.