Holiday Cookies: Cherry Choc. Clusters

These easy, no-bake cookies are chewy, crunchy and chocolatey all at once. The recipe calls for dried cranberries and dates, but any chopped dried fruit can be substituted.

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CHERRY CHOCOLATE CLUSTERS

Start to finish: 30 minutes

Makes 5 dozen cookies

1-pound package cream-filled chocolate cookies (such as Oreo or Newman-O's)

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter

3 tablespoons light corn syrup

11 1/2-ounce bag dark chocolate chips

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 cup chopped dried dates

30 candied cherries, cut in half

Line a baking sheet or large, flat platter with parchment or waxed paper.

Place the chocolate cookies in a large, zip-close plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into very small crumbs. Set aside.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, corn syrup and chocolate chips. Microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stopping every 20 to 30 seconds to stir, until melted and smooth.

Stir in the cranberries and dates, then mix in the crushed cookies.

Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out 1-tablespoon balls of the mixture. Set them directly onto the prepared baking sheet or into mini foil baking cups. Top each ball with half of a candied cherry.

Cover and store in the refrigerator.