Cherry Blossom Cookies – Sweet & Soft Treats You’ll Love

There’s something magical about baking Cherry Blossom Cookies on a bright spring afternoon. The kitchen fills with the scent of butter and cherries while the pink dough glows softly under the light. These cookies feel like a small celebration buttery, chocolate-topped, and simple enough to make even on a busy weekday.

Cherry Blossom Cookies bring together soft, buttery dough and bursts of cherry sweetness, crowned with a Hershey’s Kiss. Each bite melts into a tender, chocolatey finish that tastes like joy in cookie form. With a total prep and bake time of about 50 minutes, they yield around 24 cookies perfect for sharing or storing for later.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Blossom Cookies

Festive flavor and color for any season

These cookies aren’t just for spring. Their rosy hue and chocolate center look beautiful on holiday trays, Valentine’s platters, or a summer tea spread. The maraschino cherries add both flavor and charm, making each cookie pop with color and cheer.

Soft, buttery texture with rich chocolate center

Every cookie holds that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes you reach for another. The chocolate center creates a delicious contrast slightly firm against the soft cherry dough. Together, they taste balanced and deeply comforting.

Beginner-friendly recipe with simple ingredients

Even if baking feels intimidating, this recipe is a breeze. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, and the steps are easy to follow. With a little patience during the chilling time, you’ll have bakery-style cookies in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Key dough ingredients and flavor boosters

You’ll need 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt as your foundation. The butter makes them rich, while the sugar gives that delicate crumb. Add 1 tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice and a small splash (¼ teaspoon) of your chosen extract — almond, vanilla, or cherry — to enhance the flavor.

Cherries, extracts, and chocolate options

The heart of these cookies lies in the 1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries and the classic Hershey’s Kisses pressed on top. Feel free to experiment with dark or white chocolate kisses for a different twist.

Notes on substitutions such as gluten-free flour or extract variations

You can easily swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Flavor-wise, cherry extract intensifies the fruity tone, while almond extract gives a nutty edge. Vanilla brings a softer sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.

How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies Step by Step

Prepare the dough base and incorporate flavors

Start by creaming the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Then add your cherry juice and chosen extract. Mix until smooth and pink.

Add flour gradually and fold in chopped cherries

Stir in 2 cups of flour with a pinch of salt. Add more flour gradually until the dough feels pliable but not sticky. Gently fold in the chopped cherries so they stay evenly distributed.

Shape, roll in sugar, and chill the dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Coat each one lightly in granulated sugar. Then chill the dough balls for about 20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape and gives a better texture.

Bake to perfection and add the Hershey’s Kiss center

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line your baking sheet with parchment. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cookies look set but not browned. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.

Cooling, setting, and troubleshooting common issues

Let the cookies cool completely before storing. If they spread too much, chill the next batch longer. If they’re too crumbly, add a touch more cherry juice next time.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies

Why chilling the dough matters

Chilling keeps the cookies soft inside while helping them keep their shape. Skipping this step can cause spreading and uneven texture.

How to prevent spreading and maintain shape

Avoid overmixing the dough. The butter should be soft, not melted. Also, make sure the baking sheet is cool before each batch.

Choosing the best chocolate and extract combinations

Cherry and milk chocolate are classic, but almond extract with dark chocolate gives a more refined taste. For a festive look, use striped or seasonal Hershey’s Kisses.

Decorating ideas for holidays and special occasions

Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or sprinkle edible glitter for sparkle. They’re especially pretty on dessert tables for Easter, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

Changing extracts for unique flavor twists

Try orange or coconut extract for a tropical spin. Even a touch of rum extract can turn these into holiday showstoppers.

Using different Hershey’s Kiss varieties

Dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or even peppermint kisses make fun variations. Each brings a new layer of flavor.

Adjusting dough texture or size for different outcomes

For softer cookies, add a teaspoon of milk. For a crispier texture, bake an extra minute. Smaller dough balls make bite-sized treats for parties.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate

These cookies taste amazing with black tea or a creamy cappuccino. On colder days, serve them with hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.

Serving with ice cream, whipped cream, or cherry compote

Top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of cherry compote for dessert. The buttery cookie and cold cream create a dreamy mix of textures.

Storage and Freezer Instructions

How to store at room temperature for freshness

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for up to two weeks.

Freezing instructions and thawing tips

Freeze cooled cookies in layers separated by parchment. Store for up to a year. When ready, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Best practices for long-term storage up to one year

Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn. For the best flavor, don’t refreeze after thawing.

Cherry Blossom Cookie FAQs

More Such Recipes

• Salted butterscotch cookies for sweet and chewy dessert inspiration
• Fudgy homemade brownies with rich chocolate flavor
• Soft gingerbread cookies as a cozy seasonal treat
• Pumpkin cheesecake cookies combining fall flavors and creamy texture
• Easy cinnamon apple cake for a fruity and spiced dessert
• Classic pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for a warm and comforting bite
• Lemon truffles as a zesty, no-bake dessert idea

Conclusion

Cherry Blossom Cookies aren’t just beautiful; they’re a joy to make and share. From their soft crumb to that chocolate-kissed center, each bite feels like a taste of celebration. Whether you bake them for spring picnics or cozy winter nights, these cookies will always bring a little sweetness to the moment. For more baking inspiration, check out my latest creations on Pinterest or join our kitchen stories on Facebook.

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