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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
