#3232 - Cherry Nest Cookies

(by Shirley McNevich)

1 - 12oz. jar maraschino cherries
1/3 cup white sugar
1/4 cup softened butter
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 beaten egg white
1/2 cup Baker's angelflake coconut   
 
Drain the cherries, slice 10 of the cherries in half and place them on paper towels to soak up any leftover cherry juice. Chop the remaining cherries that you didn't slice in half. In a mixer add butter and white sugar--beat. Add egg and vanilla--beat. Add baking powder and salt--beat. Add chopped cherries--beat. Slowly add flour--beat. In one bowl add the beaten egg white, and in a second bowl add the coconut. Roll the cookie dough into 1" balls, dip each ball in the beaten egg white and then roll it in the coconut before placing it on a greased cookie sheet. Repeat with all dough. Spray Pam on your thumb and press each cookie ball to make a well. Place a cherry half (cut side down) into each well. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.