A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

There’s something magical about combining a classic cookie recipe with a vibrant, sweet twist. Cherry Blossom Cookies are the perfect indulgence for those who love the delicate flavor of cherries paired with the rich, velvety taste of chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these delightful cookies, including tips for perfecting the recipe, equipment you’ll need, and storage recommendations. Let’s dive into the world of Cherry Blossom Cookies!

Why You’ll Love Cherry Blossom Cookies

Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies. With their soft, buttery texture, sweet maraschino cherry bits, and a melt-in-your-mouth Hershey’s Kiss on top, they bring a festive and colorful flair to any dessert table. Perfect for cherry lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike, these cookies are:

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re beginner-friendly.
Versatile: Ideal for holidays, special occasions, or as an everyday treat.
Visually Stunning: The pop of red cherries and the Hershey’s Kiss make these cookies as beautiful as they are tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
½ teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
2-4 drops red food coloring (optional)
2 to 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and drained
¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls (large and medium)
Hand or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Wire cooling rack
Small cookie scoop (optional for uniform cookie sizes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the salt, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract (or vanilla extract), and red food coloring (if using).

4. Incorporate Flour

Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, starting with 2 cups. Add more flour as needed until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.

5. Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the finely chopped and drained maraschino cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

6. Form Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.

7. Bake

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

8. Add the Kiss

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

Drain Cherries Thoroughly: Excess liquid from the maraschino cherries can make the dough too wet. Pat them dry with paper towels after chopping.
Use Room-Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends more easily, ensuring a smooth dough.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies to prevent them from becoming too dry. They’re ready when the edges are just turning golden.
Chill Dough if Necessary: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.

Variations and Substitutions

Flavor Swaps: Replace almond extract with vanilla or experiment with orange extract for a citrus twist.
Chocolate Alternatives: Swap out Hershey’s Kisses for white chocolate drops or dark chocolate squares.
Festive Colors: Use green food coloring and mint-flavored chocolate for a holiday-themed version.

Storing and Freezing

Storing: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing Dough: Roll the dough into balls (without rolling in sugar) and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, roll in sugar and bake as directed.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Place baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Pairing Suggestions

Cherry Blossom Cookies pair beautifully with:

Beverages: A hot cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.
Dessert Boards: Include them in a dessert platter with brownies, truffles, and shortbread.
Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla or cherry-flavored ice cream for a decadent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to pit and finely chop them. Keep in mind that fresh cherries have more moisture, so you may need to adjust the flour.

Do I have to use food coloring?

No, the food coloring is optional. It’s purely for aesthetics and doesn’t affect the taste.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Try This Recipe Today!

Cherry Blossom Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Try the recipe today and experience the magic for yourself!

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