Easy Filled Cookies

     I can't take any credit for these cookies.  This is a recipe from the mother of a close friend and has been in the family for many years.  He was kind enough to not only share the recipe, but also the cookies.  The cookie is so good, I could have eaten it without the cherries.  That being said, make sure you add the cherries.  It's...well...the cherry on the cookie.

1 cup of shortening
2 cups of brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup of buttermilk or thick sour cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla
4 cups of all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 can of cherry pie filling

 Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon into a large bowl. 

In another mixing bowl mix together shortening, sugar and eggs until fluffy.  

Stir in buttermilk and vanilla. 

 
To the batter, mix in sifted ingredients until combined.


Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.  Place batter 1 Tablespoon at a time onto the cookie sheet 3" apart.  These cookies are going to spread ALOT.  That's the way it should be but just be aware you need room to let this happen.  

 
Place a teaspoon of cherry pie filling on top of each mound of dough.  Top with 1/2 Tablespoon of dough (see pictures).  


Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden.  Watch these carefully, they go from golden to black quickly.


Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.