- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup baking cocoa
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 (16 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter , shortening and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract. Combine flour, oats, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Transfer to a larger bowl if necessary. Stir in cherries, chocolate chips and almonds if desired.
- Roll into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place 3 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool.