Cherry Blossom Cookies

Mark Ballard bakes up a batch of Chocolate Cherry Blossom cookies just in time for Macon's signature festival. See how easy it is to whip up a treat for the spring season. Video by Liz Fabian. RECIPE: 2 sticks of butter, softened; 1-1/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons Maraschino cherry liquid; Red food coloring; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 10-ounce jar Maraschino cherries, drained and chopped; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 36 Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream butter with electric mixer and gradually stir in powdered sugar. Stir in cherry juice, red food coloring and vanilla. Gradually stir in flour and mix until just combined before folding in cherries. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in granulated sugar before placing on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake cookies 12-15 minutes until edges are just beginning to brown. Remove from oven and press kisses immediately into center of cookies and allow to fully cool. Recipe by bakingbeauty.net.