Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, the kitchen is your happy place, a sanctuary where the scent of fresh cookies brings warmth and joy to your day. Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful recipe that’s as beautiful as it is delicious: Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies. These charming treats are infused with the sweet flavors of maraschino cherries and topped with a classic Hershey Kiss, making them perfect for any occasion or simply to elevate your afternoon tea. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s start creating something wonderful together!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
There are so many reasons to try your hand at baking Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies, and I can’t wait to share a few with you!
First, these cookies bring a burst of vibrant color and flavor to the table. The maraschino cherries add a beautiful pop of pink, reminiscent of spring blossoms, which is just perfect for any gathering or celebration. They are not just visually appealing but also pack a delicious punch that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Second, this recipe is incredibly simple and beginner-friendly. You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced skills to whip these up, just your basic baking essentials and a little love.
Lastly, the combination of buttery richness from the cookie base and the sweet surprise of a chocolate Hershey Kiss on top creates a delightful experience in every bite. These cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself, with a nice cup of tea or coffee!
How to Make Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies
Ready to dive into the world of cookie magic? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these charming cookies that will impress both friends and family alike.
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
Directions:
Creaming the 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. This step is crucial as it incorporates air to make your cookies tender.
Mix in Flavors: Add the maraschino cherry juice and your choice of extract (almond, vanilla, or cherry). Continue mixing until all ingredients are fully blended.
Adding Flour: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until everything is incorporated. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour a couple of tablespoons at a time until it reaches a manageable play-dough consistency.
Add Cherries: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries carefully until they are well combined but don’t over mix.
Form Dough Balls: Use a tablespoon-size cookie dough scoop to form small balls, rolling each one in granulated sugar until they’re coated.
Chill: Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Preheat and Bake: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your cookie balls on the prepared sheet, spaced evenly apart. Bake for about 10 minutes or until just baked through.
Add Hershey Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Best Ways to Serve Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies
When it comes to serving these beautiful cookies, think about presentation! Arrange them on a rustic wooden board or a delicate plate for a lovely display at your next gathering. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon delights or dessert tables. Additionally, you can dust them with a little extra powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant touch.
Storage Tips for Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies
You’ll want to make sure your cookies stay delicious and fresh! Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can typically last for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and they can last for up to three months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.
- Be Accurate with Measurements: Baking is a science, so accurately measuring your flour and sugars is essential for the perfect cookie consistency.
- Chill the Dough: This step may seem tedious, but cooling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Experiment with Flavors: You can use different extracts to customize your cookies. Vanilla or cherry extracts will also bring out the cherry flavors beautifully!
Delicious Variations of Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few delightful variations you can try:
- Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies: Mix in some chocolate chips with the dough for a rich, chocolatey surprise.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra texture and flavor.
- Frosted Treats: Top the finished cookies with a drizzle of chocolate ganache for added indulgence.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: While you can use fresh cherries, maraschino cherries add a unique sweetness and color that is hard to replicate. Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the sugar as needed!
Q: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free baking blend, and follow the recipe as usual.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the balls of dough for later baking.
And there you have it, the recipe for Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies that’s not only easy to make but also deliciously rewarding. Whether you’re experimenting in your kitchen or seeking comfort in your favorite cookie, I hope you’ll find as much joy in baking these treats as I do. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies infused with maraschino cherries and topped with Hershey Kisses, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 Cup powdered sugar
- ¼ Teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 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
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the cherry juice and extract, mix until blended.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped cherries until well mixed.
- Form small balls of dough and roll them in granulated sugar.
- Chill dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes.
- Press a Hershey Kiss into each warm cookie and cool on a rack.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for 3-5 days or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg