Cherry Blossom Cookies (Soft, Sweet & Pretty!)
Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a touch of spring to any occasion. With their soft texture and the sweet flavor of maraschino cherries, these cookies are perfect for a weeknight dessert, festive gatherings, or even as a charming gift for friends and family. The vibrant color, combined with a rich Hershey’s Kiss on top, makes them not only delicious but also visually stunning. Imagine serving these at your next holiday table, where their aroma fills the room, inviting everyone to come and enjoy a sweet bite!
- Why This Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe Is Worth Your Time
- Main Ingredients for Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Tools Needed for Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Serving Ideas and Pairings
- Variations and Swaps for Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Nutrition Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Blossom Cookies
Why This Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe Is Worth Your Time
Cherry Blossom Cookies stand out for their unique flavor profile and festive appearance. The combination of sweet maraschino cherries and a hint of almond extract creates a delightful balance that is both comforting and celebratory. Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they also come together quickly, making them a practical choice for any baking enthusiast. Plus, the vibrant pink color adds a cheerful touch to your cookie trays, making them a favorite at gatherings.
Main Ingredients for Cherry Blossom Cookies
To make these delightful cookies, you will need a few key ingredients that work together to create a soft, flavorful treat.
- ¾ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookies; the extra flour helps coat the cherries.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps achieve a soft texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a tender cookie.
- 1½ tablespoons maraschino cherry juice: Infuses the cookies with a cherry flavor.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a warm, nutty flavor that complements the cherries.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 4 drops red food coloring: Gives the cookies a lovely pink hue.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Used to roll the cookies for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- 36 Hershey’s Kiss chocolate candies: The perfect finishing touch for each cookie.
Tools Needed for Cherry Blossom Cookies
| Tool | Purpose / what it helps with |
| Oven | To bake the cookies until they are perfectly golden. |
| Baking sheets | To hold the cookies while they bake. |
| Parchment paper | Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets. |
| Mixing bowls | For combining ingredients. |
| Handheld mixer | To cream the butter and sugar together smoothly. |
| Rubber spatula | For folding ingredients and scraping the bowl clean. |
| Cookie scoop | To portion the cookie dough evenly. |
| Wire rack | For cooling the cookies after baking. |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cherry Blossom Cookies
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Cherry Blossom Cookies.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper and set them aside.
- Drain the maraschino cherries, making sure to reserve 1½ tablespoons of the juice, then pat the cherries dry using a paper towel.
- Finely chop the cherries, place them in a small bowl, and toss with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to help them distribute evenly in the dough. Set this bowl aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with the salt and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium speed to beat together the butter and powdered sugar for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Incorporate the reserved 1½ tablespoons of cherry juice, along with the almond extract and vanilla extract, into the butter mixture. Beat again until everything is fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl, mixing on low speed just until the flour is fully incorporated. The dough will be stiff. If you wish to add red food coloring, start with 2-3 drops, mix to blend, and add another 1-2 drops if you desire a deeper pink color in the cookie dough.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently mix in the chopped maraschino cherries until they are well distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Take a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop and scoop a level amount of dough, then roll it gently into a smooth ball using your hands.
- Roll the smooth ball in granulated sugar to lightly coat it, then place it on the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat this process until all the cookies have been scooped and rolled in sugar, ensuring to place them 1½ – 2 inches apart on each sheet. A large baking sheet (approximately 12×16 inches) should hold about 12-15 cookies.
- Bake the cookies in the center of the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and gently press a single Hershey’s Kiss chocolate candy into the center of each warm cookie, taking care not to push it too far into the cookie; just enough to slightly spread the cookie and ensure the candy stays on top once cooled.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before plating and serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Don’t skip the step of tossing the cherries in flour; this helps prevent them from sinking in the cookie dough.
- For a more vibrant cookie, feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring to your preference.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they can go from perfectly golden to overbaked quickly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Experiment with different chocolate toppings if you want to switch it up from the classic Hershey’s Kiss.
- If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them by a minute or two.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
- Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea.
- Serve alongside other festive cookies for a colorful cookie platter.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- Top with a drizzle of white chocolate for extra sweetness.
- Gift in decorative boxes for a delightful homemade present.
Variations and Swaps for Cherry Blossom Cookies
Faster Weeknight Version
For a quicker version, you can use store-bought cookie dough and add the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate kisses before baking.
Lighter Version
Substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat while maintaining moisture.
High-Protein Version
Add a scoop of protein powder to the flour mixture to increase the protein content of each cookie.
Budget-Friendly Version
Use generic brands for flour, sugar, and butter, which can significantly reduce costs without compromising quality.
Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, place cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
- Assembling the cookies with the chocolate kisses after freezing will ensure they maintain their shape and flavor.
Nutrition Notes
Each Cherry Blossom Cookie contains approximately 130 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. For those adjusting for dietary preferences, consider using alternative sweeteners or gluten-free flour to cater to specific needs. Always check the nutrition labels for any specific ingredient substitutes you plan to use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Blossom Cookies
What makes Cherry Blossom Cookies unique?
The use of maraschino cherries and almond extract gives these cookies a distinctive flavor and festive appearance that sets them apart from traditional cookie recipes.
Can I make Cherry Blossom Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
What can I substitute for maraschino cherries in Cherry Blossom Cookies?
If you prefer, you can use dried cherries or chopped fresh cherries, but be sure to adjust the moisture content accordingly.
How do I achieve the best texture in Cherry Blossom Cookies?
Using room temperature ingredients and not overmixing the dough will help ensure a soft, tender cookie.
Can I freeze Cherry Blossom Cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Cherry Blossom Cookies are an irresistible treat that you and your loved ones will enjoy. Their soft texture, sweet cherry flavor, and delightful chocolate kiss make them a perfect addition to any cookie platter or dessert table. I encourage you to try making these delightful Cherry Blossom Cookies and share them with friends and family; they are sure to be a hit!
Cherry Blossom Delight Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper and set them aside.
- Drain the maraschino cherries, making sure to reserve 1 ½ tablespoons of the juice, then pat the cherries dry using a paper towel.
- Finely chop the cherries, place them in a small bowl, and toss with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to help them distribute evenly in the dough. Set this bowl aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with the salt and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium speed to beat together the butter and powdered sugar for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Incorporate the reserved 1 ½ tablespoons of cherry juice, along with the almond extract and vanilla extract, into the butter mixture. Beat again until everything is fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl, mixing on low speed just until the flour is fully incorporated. The dough will be stiff. If you wish to add red food coloring, start with 2-3 drops, mix to blend, and add another 1-2 drops if you desire a deeper pink color in the cookie dough.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently mix in the chopped maraschino cherries until they are well distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Take a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop and scoop a level amount of dough, then roll it gently into a smooth ball using your hands.
- Roll the smooth ball in granulated sugar to lightly coat it, then place it on the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat this process until all the cookies have been scooped and rolled in sugar, ensuring to place them 1 ½ – 2 inches apart on each sheet. A large baking sheet (approximately 12×16 inches) should hold about 12-15 cookies.
- Bake the cookies in the center of the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and gently press a single Hershey’s Kiss chocolate candy into the center of each warm cookie, taking care not to push it too far into the cookie; just enough to slightly spread the cookie and ensure the candy stays on top once cooled.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before plating and serving.
