Chocolate-Cherry Pockets

*Adapted from "100 Best Cookies"

Happy New Year! These cookies are a new addition to our christmas baking this year and if I do say so myself (justine) it is my new personal favorite. These cookies are soft and delicious with just a hint of cherry as you sink your teeth into it. MMmmmMM

Enjoy and have a happy new year!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cherry preserves

2 tablespoons snipped dried tart cherries

1 teaspoon brandy (optional)

Bittersweet Chocolate Drizzle

Sliced Almonds, toasted

In a large bowl combine butter and cream cheese. Beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill about 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle.

For filling, in a small bowl stir together preserves, dried cherries, and, if desired, brandy. (We did. hehe)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with foil; set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time until about 1/8 inch thick. Using a 3-inch fluted or plan round cookie cutter, cut out dough. Place circles on the prepared cookie sheets. Place a scant 1 teaspoon of the filling in center of each circle. Lightly brush edges of circles with water. Fold each circle in half; gently press edges to seal.

Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes or until edges are firm. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Drizzle cookies with Bittersweet Chocolate Drizzle and sprinkle with almonds. If desired, drizzle cookies again with chocolate. Let cookies stand until the chocolate drizzle is set.

Makes about 30 cookies.

Enjoy!!

Love,

Us.