Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients

 * 2/3 	cup 	butter or margarine, softened
 * 3/4 	cup 	Sugar
 * 1 		egg
 * 1 1/2 	tsp 	vanilla extract
 * 1 2/3 	cups 	all-purpose flour
 * 1/3 	cup 	HERSHEY'S cocoa
 * 1/4 	tsp 	baking powder
 * 1/4 	tsp 	baking soda
 * 1/8 	tsp 	salt
 * 18 		maraschino cherries, well-drained and halved
 * chocolate GLAZE (recipe follows)

Directions

 * 1) Heat oven to 350 °F.


 * 1) Beat butter, Sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl until fluffy.


 * 1) Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture (dough will be stiff).


 * 1) Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 1-inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.


 * 1) Press cherry half into center of each ball.
 * 2) Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until almost set.


 * 1) Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.


 * 1) Cool completely. Prepare chocolate GLAZE.


 * 1) Frost each cookie, leaving top of cherry showing.
 * 2) About 2-1/2 dozen cookies.

Pecan Chocolate COOKIES

 * 1) Prepare cookies as directed omitting cherries.


 * 1) Bake and glaze as directed.


 * 1) Top each cookie with pecan half.

Chocolate GLAZE

 * 1) Combine 2 tablespoons Sugar and 2 tablespoons water in small saucepan.


 * 1) Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and Sugar is dissolved.


 * 1) Remove from heat; immediately add 1/2 cup HERSHEY'S semi-sweet chocolate Chips, stirring until melted.


 * 1) Cool until glaze is of spreading consistency.
 * 2) About 1/2 cup glaze.