These deliciously festive chocolate-covered cherry cookies make a wonderful gift anytime of the year.

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, juice reserved
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl stir together flour, baking cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
3. In another bowl beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mixing well. Gradually add flour mixture to creamed mixture; blending well.
4. Form dough into 1-inch balls and place 2-inches apart onto an ungreased baking sheet. Press down the center with your thumb. Place one maraschino cherry in the impression of each cookie.
5. In a saucepan heat chocolate chips and condensed milk. Stir in maraschino cherry juice. Spoon about a teaspoon over each cookie, covering the cherry.
6. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks.

Makes 24 cookies.