Description
These Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are delightful, buttery treats infused with maraschino cherry juice and almond extract, studded with chopped cherries, and topped with a classic Hershey Kiss. Soft and chewy with a hint of cherry flavor and a sparkling sugar coating, they are perfect for any occasion and simple enough to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough 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)
Coating
- ¼ Cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Topping
- 24 Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring good aeration for tender cookies.
- Add Flavors: Add the maraschino cherry juice and the almond extract (or vanilla or cherry extract) to the butter mixture and continue to mix until fully smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Incorporate Flour and Salt: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt to the mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Then, gradually add additional small amounts of flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a play-dough consistency that can be handled without sticking to your hands.
- Fold in Chopped Cherries: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the dough until they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Shape and Coat Dough Balls: Use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to form small cookie dough balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated for a sparkling finish.
- Chill the Dough: Place the sugar-coated dough balls in the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the chilled cookie dough balls evenly spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cookies look set and slightly golden around the edges.
- Add Hershey Kiss Topping: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie to create the signature cherry blossom look.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving, so the Hershey Kisses set properly and cookies firm up.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is key to prevent spreading and helps maintain the cookie shape.
- Adjust flour quantity carefully to achieve the right dough consistency—too much flour will make cookies dry.
- Optional: Substitute almond extract with vanilla or cherry extract for a different flavor twist.
- Ensure maraschino cherry juice is well-drained from the cherries used to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
