COCONUT CHERRY KISS COOKIES

By carvalhohm

Ingredients

• 1/3 c. butter or margarine, softened
• 1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 c. sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. well drained, chopped maraschino cherries
• 5 c. flaked coconut, divided
• 54 milk chocolate kisses (9 oz. pkg.), unwrapped

Preparation

Step 1

Cream butter or margarine, cream cheese and sugar in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla; beat well. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in chopped maraschino cherries and 3 c. coconut. Cover tightly; chill 1 hour or until firm enough to handle.

Shape dough into 1" balls; roll in remaining coconut. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake @ 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Remove from oven; immediately press chocolate kiss in center of each cookie. Cool 1 minute. Carefully remove from cookie sheet to wire rack; cool completely. Makes about 4 1/2 dozen cookies.