Almond Drop Cookies

Preheat oven to 375° and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Cream together the butter, almond paste, sugar and cream cheese. Add the egg and almond extract and mix well.

Beat in the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will be a firm consistency dough. Stir in the chopped cherries, if using.

Drop small equal-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. If using, press a cherry half into the top of each cookie. You will have approximately 48 cookies.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until a golden brown around the bottom edges.

Cool and store in an airtight container, separating the layers with waxed paper. Refrigerate if not eaten within 3-4 days.