Sugared Cherry Jewels

By mvjpfoley

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Additional sugar
• 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained and halved

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the corn syrup, egg yolks and vanilla. Gradually add the flour and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
Roll into 1-in. balls; roll each ball in additional sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make an indentation in the center of each. Press a cherry half in the center.
Bake at 325° for 14-16 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: about 5 dozen.