Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that combines tender buttery dough with bursts of maraschino cherry flavor and a creamy chocolate center. Perfect for springtime or any occasion, these cookies offer a unique twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (115g) powdered sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 drops red food coloring, optional
• 2 1/4 cups (293g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 30 milk chocolate kisses

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large mixer bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the egg yolk and continue mixing until incorporated.
4. Step 4: Mix in the salt, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, vanilla extract, and red food coloring if using. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the flour and mix just until the dough comes together. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
6. Step 6: Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Arrange them about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and immediately press a milk chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality maraschino cherries and their juice for the best cherry flavor.
• If you prefer a stronger almond taste, increase the almond extract to 1/2 teaspoon.
• For a festive look, omit the red food coloring and rely on the natural cherry pieces instead.
• Try substituting milk chocolate kisses with dark or white chocolate for different flavors.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in a microwave or allow to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries provide both sweetness and a distinct flavor from their juice, which is important in the recipe. Using fresh or canned cherries may alter the taste and texture, so if you choose to substitute, reduce added sugar and keep in mind the flavor difference.

Why do I press the chocolate kiss into the cookie immediately after baking?

Pressing the chocolate kiss into the cookie while it’s hot allows the chocolate to soften slightly and adhere well without melting completely, creating a perfect gooey center that complements the cookie.

Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 93 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 30 cookies 1x

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Description

Cherry Blossom Cookies are delightful buttery treats infused with maraschino cherry juice, almond, and vanilla extracts. Each cookie is studded with chopped maraschino cherries and topped with a melted milk chocolate kiss, creating a festive and flavorful bite perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (115g) powdered sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 drops red food coloring, optional
• 2 1/4 cups (293g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries

Topping

• 30 milk chocolate kisses

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and prepare it for baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and powdered sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and thoroughly combined.
3. Add Egg Yolk: Add the large egg yolk to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well incorporated, ensuring a rich and cohesive dough base.
4. Combine Flavorings: Mix in the salt, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, vanilla extract, and red food coloring if using. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully mixed.
5. Add Flour and Cherries: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix just until the dough comes together, avoiding overmixing. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries evenly throughout the dough.
6. Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet to allow for spreading during baking.
7. Bake and Add Chocolate Kisses: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Immediately after removing from the oven, press one milk chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie to create a melted chocolate topping as they cool.
8. Cool: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before serving. This helps the chocolate to set and the cookies to firm up.

Notes

• Using room temperature butter ensures better creaming with sugar for a tender cookie texture.
• If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, you can increase the maraschino cherry juice slightly but avoid too much as it can affect dough consistency.
• Red food coloring is optional but adds a festive pink hue reminiscent of cherry blossoms.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough once flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
• Milk chocolate kisses should be pressed into cookies immediately after baking for a perfect melted center.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

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

Keywords: Cherry Blossom Cookies, cherry cookies, chocolate kiss cookies, easy cookies, holiday cookies, maraschino cherry recipe