Cherry Tassies

1 1/4 cups butter, softened
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup finely crushed striped round peppermint candies (about 18)
48 maraschino cherries with stems, drained
Coarse sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixing bowl beat butter on medium to high for 30 seconds. Gradually beat in 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, the baking powder, and salt. Beat in peppermint extract, vanilla, and egg. beat in as much of the flour as you can, stir in remaining flour and candies.Place remaining powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Shape dough in 1 inch balls, roll in powdered sugar. press each ball into the bottom and sides of a 1 3/4 inch muffin cup.Place cherry, stem side up, in each cup. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until pastry is browned. Sprinkle with Coarse sugar. Cool 5 minutes in pan. Carefully transfer to rack to cool completely.

These are very cute for Valentine's Day, and Joe just loved them.
Original recipe from BHG