Valentine's Dipped Cherry Cookies

Esther made these cookies for Women of Worth on Monday. They were a hit, and she will be making them again for a church fellowship this Sunday. Here's the recipe:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1 cup cold butter
1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries, drained
1 bag of white chips
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Red decorating sugar

In a large bowl, combine flour and 1/2 c. sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Knead in the cherries, 2/3 c. white chips and almond extract until dough forms a ball.

Shape into 3/4 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart or ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with a glass dipped in remaining sugar. Bake at 325 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. remove to wire wracks to cool.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt remaining white chips; stir until smooth. Dip half of each cookie into the melted white chocolate; sprinkle with red decorating sugar. Place on waxed paper until set. Yields about 4 dozen.

(This recipe is adapted from Country Woman, Dec./Jan. 2008)