White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Recipe 485

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add dry ingredients and mix just until the mixture resembles course crumbs. Add chopped cherries and white chocolate, stirring until combined and a dough starts to form. Divide dough between two 9" round baking pans - press mixture down firmly in each to form an even layer. Place into the oven and bake until the edges are light golden brown, about 20 to 24 minutes. Remove and place pans on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes. Immediately cut each pan into 12 wedges and allow to cool completely. Remove wedges from the pan.
• 2. For the drizzle Drizzle chocolate over the tops of the wedges and allow shortbread to stand until the chocolate sets before serving.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spread cherries on paper towels to drain well.
• In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in drained cherries and 4 ounces (2/3 cup) of the chopped chocolate. Stir in almond extract and, if desired, food coloring. Knead mixture until it forms a smooth ball.
• Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar, flatten balls to 1-1/2-inch rounds.
• Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until centers are set. Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool.
• In a small saucepan, combine remaining 8 ounces white chocolate and the shortening. Cook and stir over low heat until melted. Dip half of each cookie into chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. If desired, roll dipped edge in nonpareils and/or edible glitter. Place cookies on waxed paper until chocolate is set. Makes about 60.
• To Store: Layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.