Cherry Blossom Cookies

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with the richness of chocolate. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations, these cookies are not only visually appealing but also offer a burst of flavor in every bite. The unique combination of maraschino cherries and Hershey Kisses makes them stand out, ensuring that they will be a hit wherever they’re served.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Flavorful and Sweet: The blend of cherry juice and almond extract creates a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and aromatic.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for various occasions, including parties, potlucks, or simply as a sweet snack at home.
• Fun Decorating Options: Drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies adds an extra touch of creativity and flair.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun baking activity that kids will love to help with, making memories in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious Cherry Blossom Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Cookie scoop
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

These Cherry Blossom Cookies require just a few simple ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries

For Topping

• ¼ cup sugar
• 24 Hershey kisses

Optional Drizzle

• 2 ounces chocolate chips

How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy.
2. Add in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract; mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour while mixing to form a soft dough.
4. Gently fold in the chopped cherries using a spatula.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

1. Use a cookie scoop to portion out even-sized balls of dough.
2. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on a lined cookie tray.

Step 3: Chill Before Baking

1. Once all cookies are shaped, refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Bake the cookies for approximately 10 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 5: Add Hershey Kisses

1. As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack.
2. Press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie, giving it a slight wiggle to ensure it sticks.

Optional Step: Chocolate Drizzle

1. If desired, melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until fully melted.
2. Transfer melted chocolate into a small piping bag and drizzle over the tops of cooled cookies for added flair.

Enjoy your delightful Cherry Blossom Cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies

Cherry Blossom Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a special occasion or a casual snack, these cookies pair well with different accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Classic Pairing: Enjoy your Cherry Blossom Cookies with a cold glass of milk. The rich flavor of the cookies complements the creaminess of the milk perfectly.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Party Ready: Arrange Cherry Blossom Cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies and fruit tarts. This colorful display makes an inviting treat for gatherings.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Decadent Treat: Place a warm Cherry Blossom Cookie under a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream. The combination of hot and cold creates a delicious contrast.

With Coffee or Tea

• Perfect Afternoon Snack: Serve these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or tea. The flavors of the cookies enhance the aroma of your beverage, making for a soothing break.

Gift Wrapped for Special Occasions

• Thoughtful Gift: Package Cherry Blossom Cookies in decorative boxes as gifts for birthdays or holidays. Personal touches like ribbon and labels make them extra special.

How to Perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Blossom Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips that will elevate your baking skills.

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a light and fluffy texture in your cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough before baking. It helps maintain shape and prevents spreading, resulting in beautifully formed cookies.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can cause them to fall apart.
• Press Kisses Gently: When adding Hershey Kisses, press them gently into the cookie center right after baking to ensure they stick well without breaking apart.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different extracts or spices if you want to customize your cookies. A hint of vanilla can complement the cherry flavor beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Blossom Cookies

Cherry Blossom Cookies make an excellent addition to any meal or snack time. Here’s a list of side dishes that pair beautifully with these sweet treats:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that complements the cookie’s texture.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses such as brie or goat cheese that provide a savory contrast to the sugary cookies.
4. Nut Mix: A blend of roasted nuts offers crunch and richness, making it an ideal pairing for sweet desserts.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Serve melted chocolate alongside fruit skewers for dipping, enhancing the cherry flavors.
6. Mini Muffins: Pair with assorted mini muffins (like blueberry or banana) for variety at brunch gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Blossom Cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Bold Mixing Butter and Sugar: Don’t rush this step; mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create a better texture.
• Bold Skipping Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining cookie shape. Avoid skipping this step to prevent spreading.
• Bold Overbaking Cookies: Keep an eye on the baking time; cookies should be slightly soft when removed. Overbaking will lead to dry cookies.
• Bold Ignoring Size Consistency: Ensure each cookie is the same size for even baking. Use a cookie scoop for best results.
• Bold Not Using Quality Ingredients: Always choose fresh maraschino cherries and quality chocolate. This enhances the overall flavor of your treats.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Bold Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on high until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Cherry Blossom Cookies, here are some common questions:

What are Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Cherry Blossom Cookies are sweet treats featuring cherry-flavored dough topped with chocolate kisses, perfect for any occasion.

Can I customize my Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different extracts, or even swap the chocolate kisses with other candies according to your taste.

How do I store leftover Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze Cherry Blossom Cookies. Just make sure they are well-wrapped or stored in an airtight container.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While maraschino cherries provide a unique flavor, you can use fresh cherries as long as they are pitted and chopped finely.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With options to customize flavors and toppings, they make an excellent treat for various occasions. Try making them today and experience their delightful sweetness!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Cherry Blossom Cookies

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Cherry Blossom Cookies, a perfect blend of cherry and chocolate flavors. These vibrant treats are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for any occasion—from family gatherings to festive celebrations. With a unique combination of maraschino cherries and Hershey Kisses, each bite offers a burst of flavor that will surely impress your guests or satisfy your sweet cravings. Plus, the fun decorating options allow you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cherry juice
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup chopped cherries
• 24 Hershey Kisses (for topping)
• Optional: 2 ounces chocolate chips (for drizzle)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Stir in cherry juice and almond extract until well combined.
3. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms, then gently fold in chopped cherries.
4. Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough onto a lined baking tray, rolling each ball in sugar beforehand.
5. Chill the shaped cookies for 20-30 minutes before baking at 350°F for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Immediately press a Hershey Kiss into each cookie's center after removing from the oven.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg