If you’re looking for a treat that’s both charming and irresistibly tasty, this Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful cookies combine a tender, buttery crumb with bursts of sweet maraschino cherries and a touch of almond essence, finished perfectly with a classic Hershey kiss nestled right in the center. They’re simple to make yet so impressive, making them a perfect bake for sharing with friends or family, or just savoring a little piece of joy yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward, each playing a vital role in creating those melt-in-your-mouth cherry blossom-inspired cookies. From the creamy butter that ensures a tender texture to the cherry juice that infuses just the right hint of fruitiness, every component is essential for that signature flavor and look.
- 1 Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps cookies soft and luscious.
- 1 Cup powdered sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps with a smooth, tender dough.
- ¼ Teaspoon salt: Balances flavor and enhances the sweetness of the cherries.
- 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice liquid: Brings a subtle, fruity note that defines the cherry blossom character.
- ¼ Teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla or cherry): Gives a lovely fragrant twist that complements the cherry perfectly.
- 2 Cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed): The structure of the cookie dough, allowing the perfect chewiness.
- 1 Cup maraschino cherries (chopped): Sweet, juicy bursts throughout every bite.
- ¼ Cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Adds a delicate crunch and sparkle on the cookie surface.
- 24 Hershey Kisses: The charming centerpiece that makes these cookies unforgettable.
How to Make Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by combining your softened butter with the powdered sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to blend them until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base that will give your cookies that tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add Cherry Juice and Extract
Next, pour in the maraschino cherry juice and your choice of extract—almond is a classic, but vanilla or cherry work beautifully too. Continue mixing until everything forms a smoothly blended, fragrant dough that already smells amazing.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly add in the flour along with the salt. Mix on low speed so the dough gradually comes together. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until it’s firm enough to handle easily, similar to play-dough. This step is key for getting the right cookie consistency without drying it out.
Step 4: Fold in Chopped Cherries
Gently stir the chopped maraschino cherries into the dough. You want them evenly distributed but be careful not to overwork the dough, which helps keep your cookies tender and vibrant with bursts of cherry flavor.
Step 5: Form and Roll Dough Balls
Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, shape the dough into small balls. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat the outside, giving your cookies a subtle crunch and lovely shimmer once baked.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Place the sugar-coated dough balls in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and enhances their flavor.
Step 7: Prepare to Bake
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Arrange your dough balls evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for gentle spreading. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden and the cookies feel set.
Step 9: Add Hershey Kisses
Right after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The gentle heat will slightly melt the chocolate, creating a beautifully glossy finish that’s both gorgeous and delicious.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This lets the texture firm up perfectly and the flavors fully develop, making them even more irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, consider sprinkling a little powdered sugar over the cooled cookies just before serving or placing a tiny edible flower next to each to echo the cherry blossom theme. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and make every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
These charming cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of green tea or a glass of chilled milk. The mild bitterness of tea complements the sweet cherry notes, while milk enhances the buttery richness, creating a delightful snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter or gift box, especially when sharing with loved ones. You can also tie a small stack with a pastel ribbon for an adorable homemade gift, perfect for springtime celebrations or just a thoughtful surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Storing them properly preserves their tenderness and keeps the chocolate kiss looking fresh and inviting.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies. Wrap the dough balls in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, layer them with parchment paper inside a container to avoid sticking, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring frozen baked cookies back to life, warm them in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5-7 minutes. This softens the cookies and refreshes the chocolate kiss’s gooey charm without drying out their delicate crumb.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Hershey Kisses with something else?
Absolutely! You can use small chocolate candies like chocolate chips, chocolate-covered cherries, or even a mini chocolate truffle. The key is to place something that melts slightly but holds its shape as a charming center.
What if I don’t have maraschino cherry juice?
If cherry juice is unavailable, you can substitute with a teaspoon of cherry syrup or grenadine, or simply add a little more almond or vanilla extract for flavor. While the exact cherry flavor may vary, your cookies will still be delicious.
Is almond extract necessary for the recipe?
The almond extract adds a lovely nutty aroma that complements the cherry flavor beautifully, but if you’re allergic or prefer, vanilla or cherry extract works just as well. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite twist.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture can change slightly, so you might need to adjust the amount of flour for the right dough consistency.
Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents spreading too much during baking. It also helps the flavors meld for a richer cookie experience.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking a batch of these Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe. They’re simple enough to make any day feel special yet impressive enough to delight family and friends. I encourage you to grab the ingredients, breathe in the wonderful aromas as they bake, and enjoy each bite of these charming, sweet treasures. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat combining a tender, buttery base with bursts of sweet maraschino cherries and a touch of almond extract. Topped with a classic Hershey Kiss, they are perfect for festive occasions or anytime you want a charming, flavorful cookie that’s simple to make.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 Cup powdered sugar
- ¼ Teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice liquid
- ¼ Teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla or cherry)
- 2 Cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 1 Cup maraschino cherries (chopped)
For Rolling
- ¼ Cup granulated sugar
Topping
- 24 Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Cherry Juice and Extract: Incorporate the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract (or your choice of vanilla or cherry) into the mixture, continuing to mix until fully smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate Flour and Salt: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt to the bowl, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Then, gradually add a few tablespoons of additional flour if needed, until the dough reaches a pliable, play-dough-like consistency that doesn’t stick to your hands.
- Fold in Chopped Cherries: Gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries just until evenly distributed throughout the dough, taking care not to overmix.
- Form and Sugar-Coat Cookies: Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, form small dough balls and roll each ball thoroughly in granulated sugar for a sweet and slightly crunchy coating.
- Chill Dough Balls: Place the coated dough balls in the refrigerator to chill for at least 20 minutes; this helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange the chilled dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until the cookies are cooked through and lightly golden.
- Add Hershey Kiss Topping: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie so it slightly melts and adheres.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before serving to let the chocolate set properly.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.
- If dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time to reach the right consistency.
- Chilling dough balls helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Maraschino cherry juice adds both sweetness and a subtle cherry flavor; do not substitute with other fruit juices.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Press Hershey Kisses onto the cookies right out of the oven to let them melt slightly and stick.
