Ingredients

  • 34 cup butter, plus
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened and divided
  • 34 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 12 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 14 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 (7 ounce) jarcan almond paste
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 48 candied red cherries
  • 1 unsweetened chocolate square
  • 1 tablespoon softened butter
  • 12 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 12 teaspoon vanilla

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream 1/2 cup of the butter and 1/2 cup of the sugar.
  • Add vanilla.
  • Add flour gradually, mixing well.
  • Spread in lightly greased 9x13x2 inch baking pan.
  • Bake at 350 for about 15-20 minutes, or until cookie base is golden.
  • Remove from oven.
  • Using the mixer set to medium speed, mix almond paste, remaining 1/4 cup butter, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the eggs.
  • Spread over cookie base.
  • Arrange cherries on batter with six across and eight down (48) Do not press cherries into batter.
  • Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until done.
  • The cookie should feel firm when pressed lightly with fingers.
  • Remove to rack and let cool.
  • Meanwhile, combine all glaze ingredients and blend until smooth.
  • Drizzle chocolate over cooked bonbon mixture.
  • When glaze is set, cut into 48 pieces.