If you’re searching for a sweet treat that celebrates both classic charm and eye-catching beauty, Cherry Blossom Cookies will absolutely steal your heart. These delightful bites are bursting with festive color, sweet cherry flavor, and a kiss of chocolate in the center, making them perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply brightening up your everyday baking repertoire. The dough is tender and buttery, speckled with real maraschino cherries for a touch of fruitiness and finished with a signature Hershey’s Kiss, making every bite deliciously memorable. Whether you’re gifting them to a friend or indulging with a cup of tea, there’s something magical about Cherry Blossom Cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of accessible ingredients can create something truly special. Each component in these Cherry Blossom Cookies plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing out a rich flavor, adding a pop of color, or helping achieve that perfect, chewy texture.
- Unsalted butter: For unbeatable richness and that melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Softened butter ensures the dough is smooth and creamy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps the cookies bake up tender and light. Rolling the cookies in extra sugar gives them a sparkly finish!
- Large egg: Binds everything together and keeps the cookies wonderfully soft.
- Maraschino cherry juice: Infuses the dough with cherry essence and an irresistibly pink hue.
- Almond extract: A little goes a long way—this adds depth and accentuates the cherries’ flavor for that classic, nostalgic taste.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving structure and just the right amount of bite.
- Baking soda: Offers the gentlest lift, helping the cookies puff ever so slightly.
- Baking powder: For just the right amount of cakey rise, ensuring the cookies aren’t too dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights every flavor note.
- Finely chopped maraschino cherries: Add lovely bursts of bright fruitiness in every cookie and gorgeous flecks of color.
- Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or cherry cordial): The signature blossom on top—melty, gooey, and pure fun.
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling: Creates a beautiful, sparkly crust on each cookie ball.
How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature ensures even baking and a soft, tender crumb. The parchment keeps things mess-free and lets you easily lift the cookies when they’re done—plus, it prevents sticking, so every Cherry Blossom Cookie is picture-perfect.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Don’t rush this step: creaming incorporates air, which makes your cookies lighter and gives them that irresistible texture. It should look creamy and pale when ready.
Step 3: Mix in Egg, Cherry Juice, and Almond Extract
Add the egg, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract to your creamed mixture. Beat well until smooth and fully combined. The juice tints the dough a whimsical pink while the almond extract infuses incredible aroma.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Taking a moment to mix these dry ingredients means the leaveners distribute evenly, so your Cherry Blossom Cookies rise just right in the oven.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring or mixing on low just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries
Very gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. These juicy bits don’t just add flavor—they also create unexpected pops of color and give the cookies their signature look. Try not to over-stir once the cherries are in.
Step 7: Shape and Roll in Sugar
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough (a cookie scoop works wonders here) and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar for a beautiful, sparkly finish before placing them on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake, Then Add the Kisses!
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set. As soon as you pull them from the oven—while still warm and soft—gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This is the most satisfying part and truly turns them into Cherry Blossom Cookies!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, allowing them to set up and for the chocolate to melt slightly into the tops. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, where they’ll finish firming up (if you can wait that long to sneak a taste!).
How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, try sprinkling the cookies with a pinch of sparkling sanding sugar right after adding the Kisses. If you’re really feeling fancy, press a few extra finely chopped maraschino cherries onto the tops beside the Kisses, or even drizzle a tiny bit of white chocolate over for an elegant finish. A fresh mint leaf alongside adds brightness too!
Side Dishes
Pair these Cherry Blossom Cookies with a cup of hot black tea or creamy chai for a beautiful afternoon treat. They also shine next to a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for dessert, or as part of an eye-popping cookie platter at a party with other festive favorites like lemon bars and chocolate truffles.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting or celebrating, stack the cookies gently in a clear treat bag tied with a pastel ribbon or layer them in a festive box lined with tissue. Hosting a gathering? Arrange the cookies in the shape of a flower on a large platter with the Kisses at the center. For a real showstopper, use them to top a frosted cake or cupcakes for a whimsical, blossom-inspired finish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, Cherry Blossom Cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The center Kiss will soften a bit over time, making them even more decadent! You can separate layers with parchment paper to keep them looking pristine.
Freezing
These cookies are true make-ahead magic. Freeze unbaked dough balls (without the extra sugar or Kisses added) for up to 2 months—just thaw, roll in sugar, and bake as usual. Fully baked cookies also freeze well: arrange in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Add the Kisses after they’re thawed for the best chocolatey texture.
Reheating
If your Cherry Blossom Cookies have been in the freezer or simply need a fresh-from-the-oven touch, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes. This gently revives the texture and softens the chocolate on top for that just-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
You can, but fresh cherries have more moisture and a less intense flavor than maraschino cherries, so the cookies may turn out slightly different. For best results, stick with the maraschino variety, as they bring both color and that sweet, classic taste.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
There’s no need to refrigerate this dough—these cookies are designed for maximum convenience! However, if your kitchen is very warm or you want slightly thicker cookies, a short 30-minute chill in the fridge can help.
Which Hershey’s Kisses work best for Cherry Blossom Cookies?
Milk chocolate is a timeless choice, but for something extra special, try the cherry cordial Kisses or even dark chocolate for a more sophisticated twist. Each variety brings a different personality to your cookies!
How do I ensure the Hershey’s Kiss sticks to the cookie?
Press the Kiss firmly but gently into the center of the cookie while it’s still piping hot from the oven. The warmth helps the chocolate adhere, and as the cookie cools, it’ll stay put perfectly.
Can I make Cherry Blossom Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. The cookies will have a slightly different texture but still taste fantastic.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Blossom Cookies are the kind of treat you’ll want to make on repeat—they’re cheerful, easy, and always impress a crowd. If you haven’t tried baking them before, now’s the time to bring a little joy (and a big burst of cherry-chocolate goodness) to your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, share with friends, and watch these pretty cookies disappear!
Print
Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavor of Cherry Blossom Cookies, a perfect combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich Hershey’s Kisses in a buttery, almond-scented cookie dough. These charming treats are a must-have for any cookie lover.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Topping:
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or cherry cordial)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar to coat.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Add Kisses: Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure the Kisses go on right after baking while the cookies are warm so they stick well.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
