Description
These Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are delightful, buttery treats infused with maraschino cherry juice and studded with chopped cherries. Rolled in sugar and topped with a Hershey Kiss, they combine a tender crumb with a sweet, fruity flavor, perfect for springtime or celebrations.
Ingredients
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 extract)
- 2 Cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 1 Cup maraschino cherries (chopped)
Coating & Topping
- ¼ Cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 24 Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- Cream: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This helps to aerate the dough and ensure a tender cookie texture.
- Mix: Add the maraschino cherry juice and your choice of extract (almond, vanilla, or cherry) to the creamed mixture. Continue mixing until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Add Flour: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed until incorporated. Gradually add additional tablespoons of flour, a little at a time, until the dough reaches a play-dough consistency that is no longer sticky and can be handled easily.
- Stir in Cherries: Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries just until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape: Use a tablespoon-sized cookie dough scoop or spoon to form small dough balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
- Chill: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a plate or tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven: While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Arrange the chilled dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cookies are set and lightly golden.
- Add Hershey Kiss: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie, which will gently melt it into place.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving to let them firm up and enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Notes
- If the dough becomes too sticky, add extra flour in small increments until manageable.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla or cherry extract based on your preference.
- Chilling the dough balls is essential to prevent spreading during baking and to maintain the sugar coating.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
