Mocha Cherry Cookies

1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon hot water
1/4 cup baking cocoa
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Additional sugar
Melted semisweet chocolate, optional

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar and fluffy. Add vanilla. Dissolve coffee granules in water; add to creamed mixture with cocoa. Add flour and mix well. Stir in cherries and walnuts.

Shape into 1-1/4-in. balls; roll in sugar. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° for 20-22 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Drizzle with chocolate if desired. Makes about 3 dozen.