Spiced Cherry Bells Recipes

MRS. B'S CHRISTMAS BELLS

Steps:

• Make the Dough: Beat the brown sugar and butter with an electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the corn syrup, egg, cream, and lemon zest. Whisk together the flour, instant espresso, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl; gradually add to the butter mixture, and beat at low speed until combined. Shape the dough into a flat disk; wrap with plastic wrap. Chill the dough until firm, at least 2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Make the Filling: Stir together the brown sugar, maraschino cherry juice and butter until blended; stir in the pecans.
• Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter. Place the dough circles 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
• Place 1/2 teaspoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Shape into a cone by folding the edges of the dough to meet over the filling; pinch the edges together. Place 1 cherry half at the opening end of each bell for the clapper.
• Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Cool on the pans for 5 minutes; remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

SPICED CHERRY BELL COOKIES

Steps:

• For dough:.
• Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger and coffee. Cream butter and gradually add firmly packed brown sugar. Mix well.
• Blend in dark corn syrup, egg and heavy cream. Beat well. Add dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
• Refrigerate dough for at least one hour. Roll out dough, 1/3 at a time on floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch rounds. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
• For filling:.
• Combine all filling ingredients and mix well. Place 1/2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each round. Shape into a bell by folding the two upper edges of dough toward the center, covering all but the lower edge of the filling, using a spatula if necessary. Place 1/4 or 1/2 of a maraschino cherry just below lower edge of filling for the clapper. Bake at 350 degrees 12-15 minutes.