1 c. sugar
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 1/2 all-purpose flour
About 4 dozen whole candied cherries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, blend first eight ingredients at low speed. Add flour; blend at low speed to form stiff dough. Shape dough around cherries to make 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until slightly set. Cool.

FROSTING:

1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 tbsp. solid shortening

Melt chocolate pieces and shortening. Dip cookies into chocolate. Makes bout 4 dozen cookies.