1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot when those cookies go in!

2.Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until it’s light and fluffy. It should look smooth and creamy.

3.Add the almond extract and egg, mixing them in thoroughly. This step really lets the flavors come together.

4.Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the flour and baking soda in another bowl. Then, gradually add them to your butter mixture, stirring until everything is well blended.

5.Scoop the dough: Using a spoon (or your hands—go ahead, get a little messy!), scoop dough into small balls and roll them.

6.Press the cherries in: Gently press a maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie dough ball. Be sure not to squish it too hard—you want that beautiful cherry “dot” to stay intact.

Bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to turn golden brown.

Let them cool for a bit, then enjoy!