Dipped Cherry Cookies

Really beautiful, these cookies are terrific for holiday cookie platters, or valentine's day, or just because they're yummy! :)

In a large bowl , combine the flour and 1 / 2 cup sugar.

Cut in butter until crumbly.

Knead in the cherries , 2 / 3 cup white chocolate and extract until dough forms a ball.

Shape into 3 / 4-inch balls.

Place 2-inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Flatten slightly with a glass dipped in remaining sugar.

Bake at 325 for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

Remove to wire racks to cool.

In a microwave , melt shortening and remaining white chocolate at 70% power for 1 minutes.

Stir.

Microwave in additional 10- to 20-second intervals , stirring until smooth.

Dip half of each cookie into chocolate.

Allow excess to drip off.

Sprinkle with coarse sugar and edible glitter.

Place on waxed paper until set.

Store in an airtight container.

all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, maraschino cherry, white baking chocolate, almond extract, shortening, edible glitter