Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Soft and buttery with a hint of cherry flavor, they’re topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss to add a sweet finishing touch.

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

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Add the maraschino cherry juice and your choice of extract, then continue mixing until smooth.
3. Step 3: Mix in 2 cups of flour and salt on low speed until fully incorporated. Gradually add a few tablespoons of flour at a time until the dough reaches a play-dough consistency that doesn’t stick to your hands.
4. Step 4: Gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries until just combined.
5. Step 5: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, form small balls of dough. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
6. Step 6: Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before baking.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Place the chilled dough balls evenly spaced on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
9. Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie.
10. Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger cherry flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of almond or cherry extract.
• If the dough feels too sticky, chill it longer or add a little more flour gradually.
• Try substituting Hershey Kisses with your favorite chocolate or candy pieces for a twist.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in a microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have much higher moisture content and may affect the dough consistency. It’s best to use maraschino cherries for the right texture and sweetness.

What if I don’t have maraschino cherry juice?

You can substitute with a splash of cherry-flavored syrup or a bit of cherry extract mixed with a teaspoon of water, but the flavor may be slightly different.

Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 139 reviews

Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are delicate, buttery treats infused with cherry and almond flavors. These charming cookies are rolled in sugar and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss for a sweet finish, perfect for any festive occasion or sweet tooth craving.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies

• 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 rolling

• ¼ Cup granulated sugar

Topping

• 24 Hershey Kisses

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookie dough.
2. Add Liquids: Mix in the maraschino cherry juice and your choice of almond, vanilla, or cherry extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt to the mixture, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Gradually add additional flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is thick enough to handle like play-dough without sticking to your hands.
4. Stir in Chopped Cherries: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the dough just until evenly distributed.
5. Shape into Balls and Roll in Sugar: Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, form small balls of dough. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat them evenly.
6. Chill the Dough: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm up the dough for baking.
7. Preheat the Oven: While chilling the dough, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
8. Bake the Cookies: Arrange the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cookies are baked through but not overly browned.
9. Add Hershey Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet, letting the Hershey Kiss set. Serve once cooled to enjoy the perfect combination of soft cookie and chocolate center.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
• Chilling the dough balls helps prevent spreading during baking and results in thicker cookies.
• You can substitute almond extract with vanilla or cherry extract depending on your flavor preference.
• For a festive touch, use colored sugar for rolling instead of plain granulated sugar.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Cherry Blossom Cookies, cherry cookies, Hershey Kiss cookies, almond extract cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookies recipe