Maraschino Cherry cookies

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with maraschino cherry juice, beating well after each addition. Fold in the chopped cherries.

5. Form the Cookies: Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in additional granulated sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheets. Press a whole cherry into the center of each ball if desired.

6. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the bottoms are light golden brown. Do not overbake to ensure they remain soft.

7. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.