Introduction

Enjoy a delightful twist on classic cookies with these Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies. Soft, buttery, and infused with cherry flavor, they’re topped with a chocolate kiss for the perfect finish. These charming treats are great for any occasion or a simple homemade indulgence.

The image shows a group of pink cookies with visible red cherry pieces inside, each topped with a smooth, dark brown chocolate kiss placed in the center. The cookies have a rough, slightly crumbly texture with a sugar coating that sparkles in the light. Some cookies are arranged closely together on a white plate with holes around the edge, while a few are scattered beside the plate on a white marbled surface. Bright red cherries with stems add pops of vibrant color around the cookies. A clear glass filled with white milk and a white cloth with light blue and beige stripes are partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
24 Hershey Kisses

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the maraschino cherry juice and your choice of extract, then continue mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Mix in 2 cups of flour and salt on low speed until fully combined. Gradually add a few tablespoons of flour at a time until the dough has a play-dough consistency that doesn’t stick to your hands.
Step 4: Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries just until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, form dough balls and roll each in granulated sugar until coated.
Step 6: Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before baking.
Step 7: While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 8: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls evenly on the baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden.
Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper almond flavor, try using almond extract instead of vanilla or cherry.
If the dough feels too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable.
Substitute Hershey Kisses with chocolate chips or your favorite candy for variety.
For extra crunch, toast the chopped maraschino cherries lightly before adding them to the dough.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, allow cookies to come to room temperature or warm gently in the oven for a few minutes to soften the chocolate center.

How to Serve

The image shows a plate with several pink cookies, each topped with a single, smooth, dark chocolate kiss in the center. The cookies have a slightly cracked texture and are studded with small red bits inside. One cookie is partially bitten, revealing a soft, crumbly interior with red pieces. The cookies are arranged on a white plate with a green decorative edge, placed on a white marbled surface. Around the plate are several bright red cherries, some loose and some in a small white container in the background. A glass of milk is seen in the upper right corner, and a white cloth with pink and teal stripes is in the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a higher moisture content and may affect the dough texture. If using fresh, be sure to pit and finely chop them, then pat dry to remove excess moisture before adding.

What can I substitute for maraschino cherry juice?

If you don’t have maraschino cherry juice, a small amount of cherry syrup from canned cherries or a splash of cherry liqueur can be used to add flavor. Adjust the quantity to avoid making the dough too wet.