Cherry Blossom Cookies

Name: Cherry Blossom Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks); 1 cup powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice; ½ teaspoon almond or vanilla extract; 2-4 drops red food coloring (optional); 2 – 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and drained; ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling; 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

By:

Marry

Published:

November 5, 2025

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Cherry Blossom Cookies combine two delightful flavors: maraschino cherries and rich chocolate. If you love a treat that not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful, then you’ve found the right recipe! These cookies are a wonderful sweet treat to celebrate special moments or simply to indulge yourself. They feature a buttery shortbread base, enhanced by the sweetness of cherries, which is truly a crowd-pleaser.

As you gather your ingredients and warm up your oven, imagine the soft, chewy texture and the delicious surprise of a melted chocolate Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Let’s jump right into the playful world of cookie-making with this irresistible Cherry Blossom Cookies recipe, perfect for making memories and sharing smiles.

Why This Recipe Works

This Cherry Blossom Cookie recipe combines the delightful flavors of maraschino cherries and the richness of chocolate, creating a standout treat that balances sweetness and texture. The buttery shortbread base serves as the perfect canvas, while the cherry juice and almond extract add depth, making these cookies a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Blossom Cookies

You’ll go crazy for these cookies! They’re not only visually appealing with their lovely pop of color but also irresistibly soft and chewy. The surprise center of a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss enhances the overall flavor, making every bite an explosion of deliciousness. Perfect for gatherings or as a special treat just for you, they are sure to bring smiles.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
½ teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
2-4 drops red food coloring (optional)
2 – 2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and drained
¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling
24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Preparing the Perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This step sets you up for cookie success!

Cream Together Butter and Powdered Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates a rich base for your cookies that doubles the tastiness.

Incorporate Flavorful Ingredients

Next, mix in the salt, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract (or vanilla extract). If you want to amp up the color, add a few drops of red food coloring. This step ensures your cookies have that beautiful cherry flavor and color that’s just so appealing.

Gradually Add Flour to Create Dough

Now, slowly add in the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, starting with 2 cups. Keep a close eye on the dough as you might need to add a bit more flour until it reaches a soft, non-sticky consistency. The perfect dough is crucial for the cookie texture!

Fold in Chopped Maraschino Cherries

Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for bursts of flavor in every bite. This is where your cookies get their fun character.

Shape the Cookie Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar for that delightful crunch and added sweetness. A little extra sugar never hurt anyone, right?

Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges appear lightly golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be heavenly!

Add Hershey’s Kisses

Right after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This little step makes them extra special as the kiss melts, creating a delicious surprise for whoever bites into it.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re ready, it’s time to enjoy your hard work!

Serving Suggestions

These delectable Cherry Blossom Cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of tea. Imagine serving them at tea parties, holiday gatherings, or just as a sweet treat on any day. Whatever the occasion, they’re sure to impress.

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
Adjust the amount of flour based on humidity; it can affect dough consistency.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider drizzling some melted chocolate on top.

Variations

Swap out almond extract with coconut or orange extract for a different flavor.
For a nutty twist, toss in some chopped nuts or white chocolate chips to the dough.
Turn these cookies into sandwiches by spreading frosting between two of them.

Storage Tips

Keep your Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Just wait until you’re ready to enjoy them!

Pairing Ideas

These cookies go hand in hand with various drinks like iced coffee, hot chocolate, or even a light Italian Prosecco. Their flavors are versatile enough to be enjoyed anytime.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A1: Yes, fresh cherries work but remember to pit and chop them finely. They may alter the moisture content of the dough.

Q2: Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
A2: To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Q3: How do I store leftover cookies?
A3: Store in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain tasty for about a week.

Q4: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A4: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls and just thaw them before baking. Follow your usual baking instructions afterward.

Q5: What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
A5: If the dough sticks too much, gradually add more flour until you reach that soft but non-sticky consistency.

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are sure to be a hit! Their charming appearance and delightful flavors make them a perfect addition to any dessert table or a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Happy baking, and enjoy sharing these mouth-watering cookies with friends and family!