cherry snowballs

 

• 2 cups butter (no substitutes), softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 72 maraschino cherries, well drained
• COATING:
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 cups flaked coconut, finely chopped

In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, water and vanilla. Combine flour, oats and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Shape a tablespoonful of dough around each cherry, forming a ball. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees  for 18-20 minutes or until bottoms are browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Combine sugar and enough milk to achieve smooth dipping consistency. Dip cookies, then roll in coconut.