Name: Cherry Blossom Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar; 1 pinch salt; 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (use gluten-free substitute if needed); ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries (finely chopped); granulated sugar for rolling; 24 Hershey’s Kisses (for topping each cookie)

As the aroma of baking cookies fills the air, my heart leaps at the thought of creating something special. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies, a delightful treat that brings a festive sparkle to any celebration. With no eggs and an option for gluten-free adaptations, these cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for gatherings, from Valentine's Day to Christmas. The soft, buttery texture, accented with a hint of cherry sweetness and crowned with a silky Hershey’s Kiss, invites everyone to indulge. Whether you're preparing for a cookie exchange or simply treating yourself, these charming cookies are sure to win the hearts of friends and family alike. Ready to discover how to make these delightful snacks? Let’s get started!

Why Are Cherry Blossom Cookies So Special?

Festive Charm: These Cherry Blossom Cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially festive holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, adding a pop of color and joy to your dessert table.
Easy to Make: With a simple process that requires no eggs, these cookies are accessible for bakers of any skill level.
Deliciously Unique: The combination of cherry and chocolate creates a delightful flavor profile that stands out from typical cookie recipes.
Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment with different extracts or toppings, like dark chocolate Kisses, for a custom spin on this classic treat.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for cookie exchanges or gatherings, they’re sure to enchant both kids and adults alike! Don't forget to check out my Eggnog Cookies Soft for more festive inspiration!

Cherry Blossom Cookies Ingredients

• • Discover what makes these cookies irresistible!

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter – This ingredient provides creaminess and richness; make sure it's at room temperature for optimal mixing.
Powdered Sugar – Adds lightness and sweetness, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these Cherry Blossom Cookies even more delightful.
Salt – A pinch balances the sweetness beautifully; add it when mixing with flour for a well-rounded flavor.
Maraschino Cherry Juice – Infuses the dough with cherry flavor and a pretty rosy hue; substitute with more extract if desired.
Almond Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile; feel free to try vanilla or cherry extracts for a unique twist.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides essential structure; for a gluten-free option, use a suitable flour substitute.
Chopped Maraschino Cherries – They add texture and bursts of sweetness; ensure they're finely chopped for even distribution.
Granulated Sugar – Used for rolling the cookies before baking, it adds a sweet crust that’s hard to resist.

For Topping

Hershey’s Kisses – A classic chocolate that sits atop each cookie; it's the perfect finishing touch that everyone loves!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by creaming together 1 cup of room-temperature unsalted butter and 1 ¾ cups of powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Next, blend in 2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice and a teaspoon of almond extract until smooth, ensuring everything is fully incorporated and well-combined.

Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the dough to remain soft. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it achieves a workable consistency.

Step 3: Add Cherries
Gently fold in ½ cup of finely chopped maraschino cherries into the dough using a spatula. Be mindful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in tougher cookies. The goal is to evenly distribute the cherry pieces while maintaining the soft texture of the dough.

Step 4: Form Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat them generously. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, aiming to space them about 2 inches apart. Chill the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough balls have chilled, arrange them on another parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the edges to firm up while the centers remain slightly soft; this will ensure your Cherry Blossom Cookies are perfectly chewy.

Step 6: Finish
As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss firmly into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This way, the Kisses will melt slightly and create a delightful treat that adds to the festive charm of these Cherry Blossom Cookies.

Cherry Blossom Cookies: Fun Variations

Feel free to play with flavors and ingredients to make these delightful Cherry Blossom Cookies truly unique!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delightful twist that everyone can enjoy.
Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and almond milk instead of regular dairy products to cater to dairy-sensitive palates.
Different Extracts: Swap out almond extract for vanilla or even coconut extract for a new flavor dimension; each brings a unique essence to the cookie.
Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added texture and a delightful crunch in every bite.
Fruity Twist: Experiment with flavored Kisses like strawberry or raspberry for a fun pop of fruitiness that complements the cherry flavor.
Cacao Nibs: Mix in dark chocolate or cacao nibs for a rich, chocolatey contrast that enhances the overall tasting experience.
Extra Cherry: Try using dried cherries alongside maraschino cherries for a chewier texture and intensified cherry flavor.
Spicy Kick: Decrease the sweet factor by adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy kick.

Don't forget to check out my Matcha Cookies Soft or Cherry Clafoutis French for more delightful treats!

What to Serve with Cherry Blossom Cookies

Indulging in these delightful cherry cookies is just the beginning; let’s elevate your dessert experience with perfect pairings.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich and creamy profile of vanilla ice cream beautifully balances the cherry flavor, creating a blissful contrast. It’s a dreamy combination!
Hot Chocolate: A cozy cup of hot chocolate complements the sweetness of the cookies, providing warmth and richness that finishes any dessert experience on a high note.
Green Tea: The light, refreshing qualities of green tea contrast the sweetness of the cookies perfectly, making every bite feel less heavy and more refreshing.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream served alongside or atop the cookies adds an airy, decadent touch that's heavenly and elevates your cookie enjoyment.
Fresh Berries: Incorporate fresh raspberries or strawberries for a bright burst of flavor and a natural sweetness that matches the cherry notes, offering a vibrant visual appeal as well.
Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water, perhaps with a slice of lemon, cleanses the palate between bites and refreshes, making your cookie experience feel light and satisfying.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: This delightful pairing enhances the cherry and chocolate flavor profile, offering a luxurious touch to complement the cookies.
Coffee: The nutty tones of freshly brewed coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness, making for an energizing pairing that’s perfect for afternoon treats.

Expert Tips for Cherry Blossom Cookies

Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill your dough for at least 20 minutes. This crucial step helps prevent spreading and results in perfectly shaped Cherry Blossom Cookies.
Butter Temperature Matters: Use room-temperature unsalted butter for an optimal creamy texture. Cold butter won't blend well, leading to dense cookies.
Extract Experimentation: Don't hesitate to play with flavor by swapping almond extract for vanilla or cherry. Each variation brings a delightful twist to the classic cookie.
No Overmixing: When incorporating dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, ruining their soft and delicate texture.
Swapping Kisses: Feel free to use different types of Hershey’s Kisses—like dark chocolate or cherry-flavored—for a unique twist that enhances the cookie experience.

How to Store and Freeze Cherry Blossom Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This keeps them soft and fresh for snacking anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: To enjoy these delightful Cherry Blossom Cookies later, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 1 year. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or heat gently in the microwave for a fresh-baked experience.
Reheating: If you want to warm them up, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive their chewy texture and melt the chocolate kiss slightly for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the delightful taste without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps of creaming the butter and sugar, then mix in the cherry juice and extracts before incorporating the flour and cherries. Shape the dough into balls, roll them in sugar, and chill the cookie sheet for at least 20 minutes. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, just preheat your oven and pop them in; press the Hershey’s Kiss on top right after they come out for that signature touch! This way, each batch is just as delicious as when freshly made, saving precious time on busy days!

Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe cherries for my recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for those that are vibrant in color and firm to the touch. Avoid any with dark spots or overly soft textures, as they may affect the flavor and texture of your cookies. Fresh cherries can also work well if they are at their peak ripeness, and remember to pit and chop them finely before adding to the dough!

What is the best way to store Cherry Blossom Cookies?
I recommend storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This helps maintain their softness and flavor. If you live in a humid area, you may want to keep them in the fridge to prevent them from getting too soft. Just allow them to come to room temperature before indulging again!

Can I freeze Cherry Blossom Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Cherry Blossom Cookies, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be kept frozen for up to 1 year. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick treat—just a few seconds will bring back their delightful freshness.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very common! If your dough feels sticky after mixing, don't worry. Just add a tablespoon of flour at a time and mix until it reaches the desired consistency. Remember, dough should be soft but manageable—a little stickiness is okay, but too much can lead to flat cookies. Chilling the dough for at least 20 minutes also makes a big difference in handling.

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Absolutely! These Cherry Blossom Cookies are egg-free, making them suitable for those with egg allergies. For gluten-free options, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or other binding agents to help the cookies hold their shape. Additionally, be mindful of the type of Hershey's Kisses you use to accommodate any chocolate allergies. Always check ingredient labels if you're unsure!