Cherry Blossom Cookies: A Sweet and Colorful Treat

Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery goodness of cookies with the sweet, tart flavor of maraschino cherries. These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight, especially when topped with a milk chocolate kiss, mimicking the appearance of a blooming cherry blossom. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress.

The combination of maraschino cherries, almond extract, and chocolate kisses makes these cookies a perfect blend of flavors. The addition of red food coloring (optional) creates a beautiful pop of color, reminiscent of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

For more information on how to make the perfect cookies, check out this guide on creating perfect butter cookies or learn more about maraschino cherries and their uses in baking.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Cherry Blossom Cookies | Delicious Maraschino Cherry and Chocolate Kisses Cookie Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30 minutes (including cooling time)
• Yield: 54 cookies 1x
• Diet: Diabetic

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Description

Cherry Blossom Cookies are a sweet, festive treat that combines the flavors of maraschino cherries, almond extract, and a touch of chocolate. The soft, buttery cookie dough is infused with cherry juice and almond extract, studded with chopped maraschino cherries, and topped with a milk chocolate kiss for a perfect finish. These cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or any occasion that calls for a special dessert.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 6 drops red food coloring (optional)
• 2–1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 54 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the salt, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and red food coloring (if using) and mix until combined.

3. Add Flour:
   Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Once the dough is fully combined, fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.

4. Shape the Dough:
   Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

5. Bake the Cookies:
   Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes.

6. Add the Chocolate Kisses:
   While the cookies are still warm, gently press one unwrapped milk chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheets.

Notes

• For extra cherry flavor, you can increase the amount of maraschino cherry juice or add a few extra chopped cherries to the dough.
• If you prefer, you can use dark or white chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate for a different twist.
• Be gentle when pressing the chocolate kisses into the cookies to avoid breaking them.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This is an important step for achieving a soft and tender cookie.
2. Add the Flavorings: Stir in the maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and salt. If you’re using red food coloring, add the drops now to give the dough a vibrant pink hue.
3. Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. It should be soft and slightly sticky.
4. Fold in the Chopped Cherries: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the dough, distributing them evenly.

Shape and Bake the Cookies

5. Form the Cookie Dough Balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies are meant to be soft and chewy.
7. Add the Chocolate Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a milk chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Advanced Techniques

1. Using Maraschino Cherries Effectively:

To prevent the cookies from becoming too soggy, be sure to chop the maraschino cherries well and pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the dough. Excess moisture from the cherries can cause the dough to spread too much during baking.

2. Perfecting the Cookie Texture:

For a slightly firmer dough, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

3. Experimenting with Chocolate Varieties:

While milk chocolate kisses are traditional, you can swap them out for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate for a unique twist on these cookies. The different types of chocolate will give the cookies a completely new flavor profile.

4. Using Other Food Colorings:

If you want to enhance the visual appeal, consider using a few drops of pink or purple food coloring along with the red to create a more vibrant cherry blossom effect. You can also decorate the cookies with additional frosting or sprinkles for a festive touch.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

How to Store Cherry Blossom Cookies:

Once your cookies have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week. If you’d like to keep them longer, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing the Cookies:

You can freeze these cookies both before and after baking. To freeze before baking, roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

If you have leftover baked cookies, they can be frozen as well. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Storing Chocolate Kisses:

If you have leftover chocolate kisses, store them in a cool, dry place. They can last for several months if kept in an airtight container.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version:

For a gluten-free version of these cookies, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your chocolate kisses are gluten-free, as some brands may contain trace amounts of gluten.

Dairy-Free Version:

To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use dairy-free chocolate kisses or dairy-free chocolate chips. The rest of the ingredients in the recipe are already dairy-free.

Sugar-Free Version:

For a sugar-free version, replace the confectioners’ sugar with a powdered sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. You can also use sugar-free chocolate kisses or a sugar-free chocolate alternative for the center.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use a different type of cherry?

While maraschino cherries are traditional, you can experiment with other types of cherries. Just be sure to drain and chop them finely to avoid too much liquid affecting the dough.

Can I use butter substitute in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free or plant-based butter substitute if you want to make these cookies dairy-free. The texture might vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough is chilled before baking, and avoid overmixing. You can also chill the dough balls for about 10 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Cherry Blossom Cookies are a fun and flavorful treat, combining the delicate sweetness of maraschino cherries with the richness of buttery cookies and the decadence of milk chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special celebration, or just because, these cookies will certainly add a pop of color and flavor to any occasion.

Try experimenting with different variations of this recipe to make it your own—whether you’re swapping out the cherries for other fruits or trying different types of chocolate. The options are endless, and the result will always be a delightful cookie that everyone will love.