Directions

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degree F. Butter a cookie sheet.
2. 2. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl.
3. 3. Beat the butter, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until creamy. Mix in the dry ingredients until well blended.
4. 4. Fit a pastry bag with a 1/2 inch star tip. Fill the pastry bag, twist the opening tightly closed, and squeeze out flat whirls, spacing 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet.
5. 5. Place a half cherry on top of each whirl. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
6. 6. Cool on the sheet until the cookies firm slightly. Transfer to racks and let cool completely.