Cherry Almond Cups

By AnnaMaria507

Ingredients

• Crust
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 egg
• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Filling
• 1/2 cup almond paste, chopped
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• Topping
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 24 red candied cherries, halved

Details

Servings 48

Preparation

Step 1

1. In large bowl, combine butter and 1/2 cup sugar; blend well. Add almond extract and 1 egg; mix well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup;; level off. Add flour and salt; mix well. cover; refrigerate 1 hour for easier handling.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In small microwavable bowl, microwave almond paste on high for 15-20 seconds or until warm. Add 1/4 cup sugar; mix well. Add 1 egg; mix well. (Mixture may be lumpy.)
3. Divide crust dough into 4 pieces; divide each into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Place 1 ball in each of 48 ungreased miniature muffin cups. Press in bottom and up sides of each cup.
4. Spoon about 1 tsp fililng into each cup. Sprinkle or arrange several almond slices and one cherry half on top of each cookie.
5. Bake for 17-22 minutes or until centers are puffed and edges are light golden brown. Cool in pans 5 minutes. With tip of knife, lift cookies from cups. Cool completely.