Cherry Almond Snowballs

By hanley89

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 sticks( 12 tbs) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup dried cherries
• 3 tbsp amaretto liqueur

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 350. Transfer almonds to food processor and pulse till finely ground. Add the flour and pulse to combine
2. Beat butter in a mix master till light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar, vanilla and almond extract and salt , beat till combined.Reduce mixture speed to low, add flour mixtureand beat until just incorporated. Cover and refrigerate until slightly firm , about 30 minutes
3. Meanwhile, combine the dry cherries, amaretto and 1 tbs water in a small microwave safe bowl and microwave30 seconds;set aside until the cherries are plump about 20 minutes
4.Scoop out a tablespoon of dough, press a dried cherry in center, then shape into a ball,enclosing the cherry. Repeat with remaining dough and arrange one inch apart on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake until lightly golden on the bottom ( 15-20 minutes).
5.Put the remaining 1 cup of confectioner's sugar in a large shallow bowl. Let ccokies cool 5 minuteson the baking sheets, then carefully transfer to the bowl with the sugar and gently toss. Transfer to racks completely, then toss in sugar again
6. Place in a airtight container with waxed paper between layers