These wonderful candy-like cookies came from my 1960's Betty Crocker cookbook. The photo is from the Betty Crocker website. Some people will call these candy - but candy or cookie they are a wonderful! These cookies have always been a holiday favorite of mine.

More of Linda's favorite Cookie Recipes and Secrets To Making Perfect Cookies.

Also learn How To Have A Successful Holiday Cookie Exchange or Cookie Swap.

Bon Bon Cookies

1/2 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar (confectioners) sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Food coloring, if desired
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 to 2 tablespoons cream (optional)
Fillings (see ideas below)
Bon Bon Icing (see recipe below)
Toppings (chopped nuts, coconut, colored sugar)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mix together butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and food coloring thoroughly. Measure flour by dipping method or by sifting. Blend in flour and salt. Note: If dough is too dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons. cream.

To mold each cookie, wrap 1 level tablespoonful of dough around a filling suggested below. Place each cookie 1-inch apart on ungreased baking sheet and bake approximately 12 to 15 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Prepare Bon Bon Icing.

When the cookies are cooled but still warm, dip tops of each cookie in the Bon Bon Icing. Decorate each cookie with one of the toppings suggested above.

Variations:

• Chocolate Bonbons: Make Bonbon Cookies except blend in 1 square (1-ounce)unsweetened chocolate, melted.
   
• Penuche Bonbons: Make Bonbon Cookies except use 1/2 cup firmly-packed brown sugar in place of confectioner’s sugar.

Makes about 24 cookies.
 

Fillings:
Candied or maraschino cherries
Pitted dates
Nuts
Chocolate Pieces

Bon Bon Icing:
1 cup sifted powdered (confectioners) sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Red, green, or yellow food coloring, if desired.

In a bowl, mix together powdered sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if desired).

Icing Variation:

Chocolate Bonbon Icing - Make Bon Bon Icing except add 1 sq. unsweetened chocolate (1 oz.), melted, and use 3 tablespoons cream.