Name: Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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 extract); 2 Cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed); 1 Cup maraschino cherries (chopped); ¼ Cup granulated sugar (for rolling); 24 Hershey Kisses

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 75 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful and vibrant treat to brighten up your cookie jar, you have to try this Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the tenderness of buttery dough with sweet bursts of maraschino cherries, all topped off with a rich Hershey’s Kiss that melts slightly when warm. They are as charming to look at as they are delicious, making them perfect for any occasion from a casual afternoon tea to festive celebrations. Trust me, once you make these, they will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for sharing a little sweetness and cheer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a neat arrangement of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface. There are eight white bowls and objects placed in a grid-like pattern. Starting from the top left, a small white bowl holds a bright red liquid, next to it is a larger white bowl filled with white granulated sugar. To the right of the sugar bowl is a small white bowl with a little water. Below the red liquid, a medium white bowl contains fluffy white powdered sugar, and next to it, a similar bowl holds white flour. To the right of the flour is a small white bowl filled with milk chocolate drops. At the bottom, a small white bowl holds red chopped cherries, and next to it are two wrapped sticks of unsalted butter with light cream color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each one plays a key role in ensuring your cookies are soft, flavorful, and beautifully textured.

1 Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature): This provides richness and a tender crumb.
1 Cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
¼ Teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice liquid: Infuses a subtle cherry flavor and moistness.
¼ Teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla or cherry): Boosts aroma and adds depth to the cherry notes.
2 Cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed): Provides structure to the cookies.
1 Cup maraschino cherries (chopped): Bursts of sweet, colorful cherries that give these cookies their signature charm.
¼ Cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a delicate, sparkling coating that adds a little crunch.
24 Hershey Kisses: The perfect finishing touch melted into the center, adding chocolatey goodness.

How to Make Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by combining your room temperature butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, helping your cookies stay tender and soft.

Step 2: Add Cherry Juice and Extract

Next, drizzle in the maraschino cherry juice along with your chosen extract—almond, vanilla, or another cherry extract. Mix these ingredients until the dough has a smooth and consistent flavor base that will shine through every bite.

Step 3: Mix in Flour and Salt

Now slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt while the mixer is running on low speed. After the initial two cups, add extra flour by a tablespoon or two if needed, until the dough reaches a play-dough-like consistency and no longer sticks to your hands. This tactile check is crucial for getting the perfect dough texture.

Step 4: Stir in Chopped Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. You want to be careful here—just combine them so you retain the shape and juicy bursts of the cherries without smashing them.

Step 5: Shape and Chill

Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, form little dough balls and roll each one generously in granulated sugar. The sugar coating not only adds sparkle but also a subtle crunch when baked. Place these balls on a tray and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes—this helps preserve their shape during baking.

Step 6: Bake and Add the Kiss

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the dough balls spaced evenly and bake for about 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. As soon as the cookies come out, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each while still warm so it melts slightly and forms that iconic blossom look.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up so you can serve them with ease. That little wait is well worth the delicious anticipation!

How to Serve Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

The image shows about fifteen pink, round cookies with a rough sugar-coated texture, each topped with a smooth, dark brown chocolate drop in the center. The cookies contain small pieces of red cherries mixed into the dough, making the surface uneven with tiny cracks. Most cookies are arranged close together on a white plate with a green-tinted, textured glass design, while four cookies are placed directly on a white marbled surface nearby. Bright red cherries with stems are scattered around the plate and surface, adding pops of color. In the background, there is a clear glass filled with milk on the white marbled texture. The photo captures this sweet scene with soft natural light, in a close-up view, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a visually stunning presentation, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar once they’ve cooled. You can also add tiny edible flowers or sprigs of mint beside your serving plate to heighten the cherry blossom theme and make your cookie platter even more inviting.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a piping hot cup of tea, especially floral varieties like jasmine or chamomile. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can also enhance the overall indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, arrange the cookies in a circular pattern on a pastel-colored platter to mimic a cherry tree in bloom. For gifting, place them in a pretty box with pink tissue paper and a ribbon to make someone’s day sweeter with your easy cherry blossom cookies recipe delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep these cherry blossom cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and flavorful for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for making ahead of gatherings or just enjoying over the course of a few days.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked dough balls rolled in sugar. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, just thaw in the fridge overnight for perfect cookies anytime you want.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven to bring back that fresh-baked feel. Reheating allows the Hershey Kiss centers to regain their melty deliciousness, making every bite taste just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a different texture and juiciness level, so the dough might become too wet. Maraschino cherries provide sweetness and texture without excess moisture, which supports the cookie’s structure and flavor balance perfectly.

What if I don’t have maraschino cherry juice?

If you don’t have cherry juice on hand, you can substitute with a teaspoon of cherry extract mixed with a tablespoon of water. This will still give you a subtle cherry flavor without affecting the dough consistency too much.

Can I use a different chocolate besides Hershey Kisses?

Absolutely! While Hershey Kisses are the traditional choice to create the cherry blossom shape, you can use mini chocolate chips or other bite-sized chocolates to add your own twist on the classic look.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are ready when their edges look set and slightly golden, but the centers might still seem soft. Overbaking will make them hard, so it’s best to take them out once they look just baked through and allow them to finish firming up on the baking tray.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

If the dough sticks to your hands, dust them lightly with flour and add a tablespoon of flour at a time to the dough until it becomes manageable but not dry. Achieving the right consistency is key for shaping the dough balls easily.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe is such a joy to make and share. From the charming pink bursts of cherry to the melty chocolate center, every bite feels like a little celebration. These cookies bring warmth, fun, and a splash of color any time of the year. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them your personal favorite too!