Mantecaditos-Almonds Shortbread Cookies

This is a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas Cookie

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Yields: 40 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄4 cups flour
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄4 cup shortening
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  almond extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 5  maraschino cherries

Directions

1. Place your oven rack in the middle on your oven and preheat to 350°.
2. In a medium bowl combine flour and nutmeg-set aside.
3. In a large bowl beat butter, shortening and extracts and beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add sugar and cream.
5. Blend in flour-dough should be slightly moist.
6. Using teaspoons and not your hands form into balls.
7. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and press down slightly.
8. Cut each cherry into 8 pieces and place a sliver on each cookie.
9. Bake for 20 minutes and cool on a rack.