It is no secret that chocolate and cherry is one of my favorite combinations, so of course I was excited to try this recipe!  The fudge topping is amazing and makes these cookies absolutely delicious!  

3 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/4 cups butter

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 Tbsp vanilla

12 oz jar maraschino cherries (drained and cut in half)

14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 tsp almond extract

In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla and mix well.  Stir in the flour mixture and shape into 1-inch balls.  Press a thumb-sized indentation into each ball and then place a cherry half into the center.  Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350.  Cool.  

Over low heat, melt chocolate chips and mix in the sweetened condensed milk and almond extract.  Once combined, continue stirring over low heat for about 3-4 minutes until mixture is thickened.  Using a spoon, frost each cookie, covering the cherry.  Enjoy!