White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread

1/2 Cup of maraschino cherries/ drained and finely chopped

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup cold butter

12 oz. of white chocolate chips

1/2 tsp. Almond extract 

2 drops of food coloring (optional) 

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spread cherries on paper towels to drain or drain well in a sieve 

2. Combine flour and sugar using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Spread in cherries and white chocolate. Knead mixture until it forms a smooth ball. 

3. Shape dough into 3/4” balls (use scoop). 

4. Place balls 2” apart in an ungreased cookie sheet. 

5. Bake in pre-heated oven for 10-12 min or until centers are set. Cool for 1 min on cookie sheet. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. 

Enjoy!