Chocolate Covered Cherry Coconut Blossoms

INGREDIENTS

• 2 sticks salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 3 dozen chocolate covered cherries with cream center
• powdered sugar for dusting

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  In the bowl of a mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy and smooth.  With the mixer on medium low, add corn syrup, egg and vanilla.  In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.  Slowly add to the butter mixture and mix on low speed.  Add coconut and continue mixing until combined.  Cover and chill dough for about an hour.

2.  Preheat oven to 350.

3.  Shape dough into 1 inch balls.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart, and bake for 7 minutes. After removing baking sheets from oven, top with a chocolate covered cherry, gently pressing into the center of the cookie.

4.  Remove cookies to wire rack to finish cooling.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.