Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are not just visually stunning with their lovely pink hue, but they also pack a delicious punch. Made with maraschino cherries and topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, be it Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or simply a cozy family gathering.

What makes this recipe extra special is how simple and fun it is to prepare. Whether you’re baking with your kids or whipping up a batch for friends, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your home. Let’s dive in and make some sweet memories together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it perfect for those busy days when you need a sweet treat fast.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love to help out in the kitchen, and rolling dough balls in sugar is always a hit!
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of cherry flavor paired with chocolate creates an irresistible taste that everyone will adore.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies look beautiful on any dessert table and make lovely gifts for friends or neighbors during the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create these charming cookies:

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you want to customize your cookies or try something new, here are some fun ideas:

• Change the Flavor: Swap out the almond extract for vanilla or cherry extract to give your cookies a different twist.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate some chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Go Chocolatey: Mix in mini chocolate chips into the dough for an extra burst of chocolate goodness.
• Decorate Festively: Use colored sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking for a fun touch!

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. Mix until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies that wonderful soft texture.

Step 2: Add Flavors

Next, add the maraschino cherry juice liquid and your choice of extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined. The cherry juice will give your cookies their beautiful color while adding that signature flavor!

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until fully incorporated. If needed, gradually add more flour by tablespoons until the dough reaches a play-dough-like consistency. This will ensure that your cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 4: Stir in Cherries

Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries just until combined. This will distribute those juicy bits throughout your cookie dough for bursts of sweetness in every bite.

Step 5: Form Cookie Balls

Using a tablespoon-size cookie scoop, form small balls of dough. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated. This sugary exterior will create a delightful crunch once baked!

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

Chill the cookie balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before baking. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking and keeps those beautiful shapes intact.

Step 7: Preheat Your Oven

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preparing ahead ensures even baking!

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place your chilled cookie balls evenly apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they look set but still soft.

Step 9: Add Hershey Kisses

Once baked, remove them from the oven and gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. This adds that classic touch we all love!

Step 10: Cool Down

Allow your cookies to cool on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here—let those flavors meld together nicely before diving in!

And there you have it—delicious Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure your cherry blossom cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a light and fluffy texture in the cookie dough, making it easier to mix and resulting in a tender final product.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 20 minutes firms it up, which prevents spreading during baking. This ensures that your cookies maintain their lovely shape.

• Don’t overmix the flour: When adding flour to your mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle!

• Roll in sugar generously: Coating the dough balls in granulated sugar not only adds sweetness but also creates a lovely sparkle on top of your cookies once baked.

• Be mindful of baking time: Every oven is slightly different; check your cookies a minute or two early to avoid overbaking. They should be just set but still soft in the center when you take them out.

How to Serve Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

Presenting your cherry blossom cookies beautifully can enhance the joy of sharing them with friends and family. Here are some creative ideas for serving!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies adds an elegant touch and makes them look even more inviting.

• Cherry halves: Placing a few halved maraschino cherries on top of each cookie before serving adds a pop of color and reinforces the cherry flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these cherry cookies, creating a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a bright and healthy complement to the sweetness of the cookies.

• Coffee or tea: Offering a warm cup of coffee or aromatic herbal tea alongside your cookies enhances the experience, perfect for gatherings or quiet afternoons.

• Chocolate dip: A small bowl of melted chocolate for dipping can elevate your cherry blossom cookies into an irresistible treat that chocolate lovers will adore!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy delicious Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats anytime. You can make the dough ahead of time or store baked cookies for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful cookies.

Can I use different extracts instead of almond extract in Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute almond extract with vanilla or cherry extract to suit your taste preferences.

How many Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields approximately 24 bite-sized cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies as much as I do! They bring a splash of color and sweetness to any occasion, whether it’s Christmas or Valentine’s Day. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share these delightful treats with friends and family. Happy baking!