Bon Bon Christmas Cookies

Recipe View In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter flavored shortening. Stir until thoroughly blended. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Gradually incorporate the sifted flour, mixing until a dough forms. If the mixture appears too dry, add water, a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the dough to firm up and makes it easier to handle. (2 hours)

Recipe View Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease your cookie sheets to prevent sticking. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Generously dust your rolling surface with confectioners' sugar to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll the chilled dough out to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Cut the dough into strips measuring approximately 1x4 inches. Place a well-drained maraschino cherry at the end of each strip. (15 minutes)

Recipe View Starting with the cherry end, carefully roll up each strip to enclose the cherry in a 'blanket' of dough. Place the rolled cookies onto the prepared cookie sheets, seam-side down. Lightly dust the tops with additional confectioners' sugar. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Bake for 7 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately dust them again with confectioners' sugar while they are still warm. This helps the sugar adhere to the cookies. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Allow the cookies to cool completely on the cookie sheets before serving. Be careful, as the cherries can retain heat. (30 minutes)