1/2 c. butter, softened
1 egg
1 1/2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1-2 (10 oz.) jars maraschino cherries, reserving syrup

In large mixing bowl beat together butter and sugar; add egg and vanilla; beat well. Gradually add dry ingredients. Beat until well blended. The dough will form a ball when mixed well.

Shape dough into 1 inch balls; place on ungreased cookie sheet. Gently press thumb into the center of the balls, creating an indentation. Place either one whole or one half of a maraschino cherry into the indentation.

In small saucepan (or microwave safe bowl), heat chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk only until chips are melted (approximately 45 seconds in microwave). DO NOT HEAT TOO LONG. Stir in 4-5 teaspoons of the reserved cherry juice. Frosting should be smooth and moderately pourable. (Frosting may be thinned with additional cherry juice, if necessary.)

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the frosting over each cookie, completely covering the cherry. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Remove to rack; cool. Yield: 40-44 cookies.