Valentine's Day Delights!

So, last winter I sampled, and subsequently fell in love with, Hershey's cherry cordial kisses. They are the perfect blend of chocolate cherry goodness - not too sweet, not too chocolately, with plenty of delicious cherry flavor. Consequently, while shopping at Walmart this past month, I just had to stock up on a couple bags. Now, since the new year I've been rather good at eating healthy, along with some hard-core workouts 5-6 times a week. However, it IS Valentine's Day, and I just wouldn't be my festive self without a couple treats to go along with the occasion. First, inspired by my affinity for these delightful kisses, are....

Cherry Cordial Kiss Cookies

Ingredients:
1 C. butter, softened
1 C. powdered sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
2 tsp. maraschino cherry juice
1/4 tsp. almond extract
Approx. 4 drops red food coloring (or until desired pink color is reached)
2 1/4 C. all-purpose flour
1/2 C. chopped maraschino cherries
48 Hershey cherry cordial chocolate kisses
granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a mixing bowl beat butter for 30 seconds on med-high speed. Add powdered sugar and salt beating until combined (scrape sides of bowl). Beat in the cherry liquid, almond extract and red food coloring. Beat in as much flour as you can then use a spoon to mix any remaining flour and the chopped cherries. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Using the bottom of a glass dipped in granulated sugar, flatten the balls until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Bake 14 minutes or until bottoms are light brown. Right away place a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

(Note: These are pretty much shortbread cookies, so if you like Russian teacakes or other similar cookies, you'll definitely be a fan of these). :)