Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy (2-3 minutes).

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds before incorporating into the butter mixture.

Roll portions of dough into balls and place half a maraschino cherry in the center of each ball.

Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

While cooling, combine powdered sugar, reserved cherry juice, almond extract, and milk to make the frosting.

Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the frosting and sprinkle with red decorating sugar.