Cookie Exchange

Thanks to Seana Johnson for organizing and hosting the cookie exchange this year!
Because you know I love cookies... I will keep adding to my list..

CHOCOLATE SALTINES
1 stick butter
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
12-15 Saltine crackers
9 oz. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts Mix first 3 ingredients together. Heat until melted. Line a 9 x 13 pan with foil and arrange Saltines in a single layer in pan. Pour sugar and butter mixture over Saltines. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Melt chocolate chips in double boiler and spread over baked Saltines. Sprinkle nuts and chill. Break into pieces and serve

Chewy Chocolate-Cherry Cookies
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
2/3 cup dried tart cherries (you can substitute cherry flavor crasins at smith's)
3 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350deg
Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk. Place sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until well blended. Add vanilla and egg; beat well. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture. Beat just until combined. Fold in cherries and chocolate chips.
Bake for 12 minutes or just until set. Remove from oven; cool on pans 5 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.