This is a wonderful cookie that looks very Christmassy. It's one of our family's favorites and the kids enjoy helping!
Spiced Cherry Bell Cookies
3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. taking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. instant coffee granules
1 c. butter
1 1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. dark corn syrup
1 beaten egg
1 tbs. cream
1/3 c. packed brown sugar
1 tbs. butter
3 tbs. cherry juice
1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts
60 maraschino cherries, halved
Put flour, baking soda, salt, ginger and instant coffee in a bowl. Add in butter, 1 1/4 c. brown sugar. Mix with mixer. Blend in dark corn syrup, egg and cream. Mix well.
Divide dough into 1/3s. Roll out the dough on the floured board to 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter, cut cookies into 2 1/2 inch rounds. Place on ungreased cookie sheet (parchment paper is great for this.)
In the meantime, make the filling, by combining 1/3 firmly packed brown sugar, 1 tbs. butter, 3 tbs. cherry juice. Stir in 1 1/2 c. chopped nuts. Stir over heat until it is well mixed.
Place about 1/2 tsp. of filling on the middle of each cookie. Fold sides of cookie over the filling, kind of shaping it into a bell. Place a cherry at the bottom of the filling to be the bell clapper.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.