Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings smiles and warmth to any gathering, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are not only adorable but also burst with flavor. They have a soft pink hue and are topped with a sweet Hershey’s Kiss, making them perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any sweet occasion. I love how this recipe can turn an ordinary day into something special, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike!

What I adore most about these cookies is their simplicity. You can whip them up in no time, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just craving something sweet. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With only a few simple steps, these cookies come together in just 40 minutes!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the combination of cherry and chocolate – it’s a flavor match made in heaven.
• Versatile for occasions: Perfect for holidays or just because; they brighten up any dessert table.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can chill the dough and bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
• Deliciously fun: Their unique flavor and cute appearance make them irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies is easy with wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious recipe to life:

For the Cookie Dough

• 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)

For Rolling and Topping

• ¼ Cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 24 Hershey Kisses

Variations

One of the best things about these cookies is how flexible the recipe is! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Change the extract: Swap out almond extract for vanilla or cherry to customize the flavors.
• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Sprinkle some zest: A bit of lemon or orange zest can add a refreshing twist.
• Try different chocolates: Instead of Hershey’s Kisses, use other chocolate candies like caramel-filled ones.

How to Make Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cookies that soft texture everyone loves.

Step 2: Mix in Flavors

Add the cherry juice and your choice of extract into the creamed mixture. Continue mixing until smooth. The cherry juice will give your cookies that lovely pink color while also enhancing their sweet flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add 2 cups of flour along with the salt. Mix on low speed until everything is fully incorporated. If necessary, gradually add more flour by tablespoons until your dough reaches a play-dough-like consistency that’s easy to handle without sticking.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries

Carefully stir in the chopped maraschino cherries just until combined. This step ensures each cookie has delicious bits of cherries that provide bursts of flavor!

Step 5: Form Cookies

Use a tablespoon-size cookie dough scoop to form small cookie balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar until coated. This sugar coating will create a delightful sparkle on your baked cookies.

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

Chill those dough balls for at least 20 minutes before baking. Chilling helps them maintain their shape while baking so they don’t spread too much!

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

While waiting for your dough to chill, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Place the cookie balls evenly apart on the prepared baking sheet and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they’re set through.

Step 9: Add Chocolate Kisses

Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. This will let it melt slightly as it cools!

Step 10: Allow to Cool

Let your cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. This final step allows all those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully!

Enjoy sharing these Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies with friends and family – they’re sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

Baking these delightful cherry blossom cookies can be a joy, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfect every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This is key to achieving that light and fluffy texture in your cookies. Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, resulting in denser cookies.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the cookie dough not only helps prevent spreading in the oven but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll get a more flavorful and visually appealing cookie!
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents overly dense cookies caused by using too much flour.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which is not what we want!
• Watch baking time closely: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

These charming cherry blossom cookies are perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet treat any day of the week. Present them beautifully for maximum impact!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle adds an elegant touch and enhances the visual appeal without overwhelming sweetness.
• Fresh mint leaves: Placing a small sprig of mint beside each cookie not only looks pretty but adds a refreshing aroma that complements the cherry flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A colorful bowl of mixed fresh fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Vanilla yogurt: Creamy yogurt offers a deliciously tangy balance to the fruity sweetness, making for a delightful snack pairing.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea can enhance your cookie experience by providing soothing warmth and complementary flavors.
• Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream on the side makes for an indulgent treat that pairs wonderfully with these cookies.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll elevate your cherry blossom cookies from delightful bites to show-stopping treats perfect for any gathering! Enjoy baking and sharing these sweet delights!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delightful treats whenever the craving hits! With a bit of planning ahead, you can make these cookies in advance and store them for future enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Ensure that the cookies are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• If you prefer a microwave, heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies:

Can I use other types of cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes! While maraschino cherries give these cookies their signature flavor and color, you can experiment with fresh or frozen cherries. Just make sure they are chopped finely!

How can I make these Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of these cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This will keep the texture similar while accommodating gluten sensitivities.

Can I make these Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies without almond extract?

Absolutely! You can replace almond extract with vanilla extract or even more maraschino cherry juice for added cherry flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies as much as I do! They bring a burst of color and sweetness that brightens any occasion—be it Christmas or Valentine’s Day. So gather your ingredients and let the baking magic begin! Don’t forget to share your creations; I’d love to hear how they turn out!