These Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that will charm anyone who tries them. With their sweet cherry flavor, topped with a rich Hershey Kiss, and finished with a drizzle of melted chocolate, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or simply indulging in a sweet snack at home, these cookies stand out for their vibrant taste and beautiful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up quickly.
- Delicious Flavor Combination – The blend of cherry and almond creates a unique flavor that’s both refreshing and decadent.
- Versatile Treat – Perfect for holidays, parties, or just because; these cookies fit right in at any gathering.
- Kid-Friendly – Kids love the sweetness and fun of adding Hershey Kisses to the cookies.
- Customizable Design – Add your personal touch with different toppings or sprinkles for various occasions.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking these Cherry Blossom Cookies, it’s essential to gather your tools and prepare your workspace.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie scoop
- Baking tray
- Cooling rack
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly to ensure uniform flavor throughout the cookies.
- Cookie scoop – Helps achieve even-sized cookies for consistent baking results and professional-looking treats.
- Baking tray – Provides a sturdy surface to bake your cookies evenly without sticking.
- Cooling rack – Allows cookies to cool properly before adding toppings, preventing sogginess.
Ingredients
These Cherry Blossom Cookies are sweet cherry cookies, topped with a rich Hershey Kiss, and finished with a drizzle of melted chocolate. Such a great treat!
For the 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
- 2 ounces chocolate chips – optional
How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy.
Step 2: Mix in Flavors
Add in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract. Mix well. Gradually add the flour while continuing to mix until just combined.
Step 3: Add Cherries
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape Cookies
Use a cookie scoop to portion out even amounts of dough. Roll each portion into a ball and coat it in sugar before placing it on a baking tray.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Once all the dough is shaped into balls, refrigerate them for about 20-30 minutes to chill before baking.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the cookies for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
Step 7: Add Hershey Kisses
As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack. Press one Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm; wiggle it slightly to help it stick.
Step 8: Optional Chocolate Drizzle
If you want to add an extra touch, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until fully melted. Transfer them into a small piping bag and drizzle over the tops of your finished cookies.
Enjoy these lovely Cherry Blossom Cookies at your next gathering or as an everyday treat!
How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies
Cherry Blossom Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in them at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creamy texture complements the sweetness of the cherry cookies perfectly.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange Cherry Blossom Cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats. This makes for an appealing visual and allows guests to sample different flavors.
Topped with Fresh Berries
- Serve the cookies topped with fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries. This adds a refreshing contrast and enhances the cherry flavor.
With Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for dipping. This creamy addition elevates the cookie experience, making it even more indulgent.
On Holiday Cookie Trays
- Include Cherry Blossom Cookies on holiday cookie trays. Their vibrant color and unique flavor make them stand out during festive occasions.
How to Perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies
For those looking to elevate their baking skills, here are some tips to ensure your Cherry Blossom Cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends better with sugar, creating a smooth dough that results in tender cookies.
Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 20-30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape.
Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing flour into your measuring cup, which can lead to dry cookies.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when removed from the oven.
Gently Fold in Cherries: To keep chunks of cherries intact and evenly distributed, fold them in gently rather than mixing vigorously.
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Blossom Cookies
Cherry Blossom Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their sweet flavor. Here’s a list of delectable options to consider:
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can refresh your palate and balance the sweetness of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with Cherry Blossom Cookies, creating a delightful dessert duo.
Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of mild cheeses that contrast with the sweetness of the cookies, adding depth to your snack spread.
Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Nut Mix: A bowl of assorted nuts provides a crunchy texture that complements the softness of Cherry Blossom Cookies.
Tea or Coffee: Serve these cookies alongside hot tea or coffee, enhancing their flavors with warm beverages that add comfort to your treat time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cherry Blossom Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold butter: Cold butter will not cream well with sugar, leading to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill your dough for at least 20-30 minutes.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined, especially after adding flour.
- Skipping the pressing step: Neglecting to press the Hershey Kiss into the cookie may lead to it falling off after baking. Press it gently but firmly to secure it in place.
- Underbaking or overbaking: Baking times can vary by oven. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they are lightly golden around the edges.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooled Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cherry Blossom Cookies
- To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh taste.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie on high for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cherry Blossom Cookies:
What makes Cherry Blossom Cookies unique?
These cookies stand out due to their cherry flavor and the delicious Hershey Kiss topping, making them both pretty and tasty.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries finely chopped, but this will alter the sweetness and moisture content. Adjust sugar as needed.
How do I make Cherry Blossom Cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
What’s the best way to decorate Cherry Blossom Cookies?
You can drizzle melted chocolate on top or sprinkle with powdered sugar for added sweetness and visual appeal.
Can I replace almond extract in this recipe?
Yes, if you’re not keen on almond extract, vanilla extract is a great alternative that pairs well with cherry flavors.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that combines sweet cherry flavors with chocolate goodness. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different extracts or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating these beautiful cookies!
Cherry Blossom Cookies
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Cherry Blossom Cookies, a treat that combines vibrant cherry flavors with the rich touch of chocolate kisses. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also easy to make, making them perfect for any occasion—from festive celebrations to casual family gatherings. The unique blend of cherry and almond creates a refreshing taste that everyone will love. With a simple preparation process, even novice bakers can create this charming dessert that is sure to impress.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter
- 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
- 24 Hershey Kisses (or similar chocolate candies)
- Optional: 2 ounces chocolate chips for drizzling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add maraschino cherry juice and almond extract; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate flour until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries.
- Use a cookie scoop to form balls, coat in sugar, and place on a baking tray.
- Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake cookies for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Press a Hershey Kiss into each warm cookie and let cool on a rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flair, melt chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies. Substitute fresh cherries if preferred, adjusting sweetness as necessary.