Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are delightful, buttery treats infused with maraschino cherry juice and studded with chopped maraschino cherries. These soft cookies are rolled in sugar, baked to perfection, and topped with a chocolate Hershey Kiss for a perfect balance of sweet and fruity flavors.
- Author: Windy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 Coating
- ¼ Cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Topping
- Cream: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Mix: Add the maraschino cherry juice and your choice of extract (almond, vanilla, or cherry) to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Then slowly add additional flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches a play-dough consistency that can be handled without sticking to your hands.
- Stir in Cherries: Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, mixing just until they are evenly distributed without overworking the dough.
- Shape and Coat: Use a tablespoon-size cookie scoop to form small balls of dough. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated to add a slight crunch and sweetness to the outside of the cookies.
- Chill: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake: Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cookies are baked through and edges are set.
- Add Topping: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, press one Hershey Kiss gently into the center of each cookie so it slightly melts into the warm cookie.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet so the chocolate topping sets before serving. Enjoy your Cherry Blossom Cookies as a delightful treat for any occasion!
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and achieve the perfect soft texture.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla or cherry extract depending on your flavor preference.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier removal of cookies after baking.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Cherry Blossom Cookies, Cherry Cookies, Hershey Kiss Cookies, Easy Cookies, Cherry Dessert