• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice

  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 6 drops red food coloring, optional

  • 2 1/4 cups (293g) all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries

  • 30 milk chocolate kisses unwrapped

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set aside.

  2. Add the butter and powdered sugar to a large mixer bowl and beat on medium speed until well combined and smooth.

  3. Add the egg yolk and mix until well combined.

  4. Add the salt, cherry juice, almond extract, vanilla extract, and food coloring and mix until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

  5. Add the flour and mix just until the dough comes together. Stir in the chopped cherries.

  6. Make scoops of 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place on prepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

  7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.