These whimsical cherry blossom cookies are sure to delight both the eyes and taste buds. The tender, buttery shortbread-like texture is a perfect complement to their vibrant pink hue. A delightful addition to any celebration, these sweet treats are made even more special with the added touch of a Hershey’s Kiss on top.
If you’re seeking a bite-sized indulgence that’s as charming as it is scrumptious, look no further than these cherry blossom cookies. Not only do they make a lovely addition to your holiday cookie platter, but their combination of rich chocolate and tart cherry also makes them an ideal choice for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
If you’re already enamored with the classic cherry kiss cookies, I’m confident that you’ll also fall head over heels for these other delectable treats. They’re all perfect for any occasion: from festive Valentine Strawberry Cream Rice Krispies to sweet Gluten Free Sugar Cookies and indulgent Lofthouse Cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These adorable pink cookies are an ideal treat for any festive celebration, particularly Christmas or Valentine’s Day. What’s more, they’re remarkably straightforward to prepare. Unlike many other cookie recipes, these don’t require complicated rolling, cutting, or decorating techniques, making them a great option for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The harmonious blend of almond, cherry, and vanilla extracts lends these cookies a distinctive flavor that’s simply divine. And let’s not forget the undeniable charm of the classic combination of chocolate and cherry, courtesy of the Hershey’s Kiss perched on top – it’s a match made in heaven!
How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookie
To begin making these cookies, start by combining the butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Next, add in the cherry juice and your preferred extract, mixing well to combine. Once you have a consistent dough, gradually incorporate the flour, being gentle not to overmix. Finally, fold in the chopped cherries to create a delightful combination of flavors. Use a cookie scoop to form the dough into balls, then coat each one in granulated sugar. Allow the cookies to chill for at least 20 minutes before baking. Once baked, place the warm cookies on a baking sheet and press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to mix things up by trying out different extracts instead of almond extract. Perhaps a unique cherry or fruit flavor will add an exciting twist to your cookies. If you can get your hands on cherry-flavored Hershey’s Kisses, that would be a fantastic way to amplify the cherry taste. Regular Hershey’s Kisses work just fine too, though. Keep in mind that cherry kisses are seasonal, so grab them while you can. Dark chocolate kisses would also be a great option. You’re not limited to traditional-sized cookies either – feel free to make them larger and adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and ensure your Hershey’s Kisses are gluten-free as well.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re looking to elevate your cookie experience, consider pairing them with a refreshing beverage. Green tea can provide a nice balance to the sweetness, while cherry blossom tea will emphasize the cherry flavors. Alternatively, a cup of plain coffee works well too. For an added touch, why not try serving your cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and Hershey’s Kisses on top? If you want to get creative, consider topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or a homemade cherry compote. And if you’re a fan of cherries and chocolate, don’t forget to try making some delicious chocolate cherry brownies – they pair perfectly with cookies!
How to Store Cherry Kiss Cookies
When it comes to storing cherry blossom cookies, there are two main options: keeping them fresh at room temperature or preserving them for a longer period in the freezer. To maintain their freshness for up to two weeks, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy your cookies over a longer period, consider freezing them. To do this, place the cookies in a freezer bag and ensure it is sealed tightly to prevent any freezer burn. The cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to one year. When you’re ready to indulge, simply allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature.
Top Tips
Feel free to infuse your own personality into this cookie recipe by trying out unique extracts like almond, vanilla, cherry, and more. This adaptability is what makes this recipe so special! When it comes to the dough preparation process, don’t skip the chilling step – it’s essential for maintaining the cookies’ shape and texture. Not only does it ensure a smooth bake, but it also makes handling the dough much easier. Once you’ve chilled the dough, get creative with your cookie decorations by swapping out the Hershey’s Kiss for another type of chocolate or adding some edible sparkle. The possibilities are endless!
Cherry Kiss Cookie FAQs
While maraschino cherries can add a distinct flavor to your cookies, you’re not limited to just those. Fresh cherries or even other fruits like strawberries can be used as substitutes, requiring some adjustments to the recipe. For instance, if using fresh cherries, you might need to add more sugar and cherry extract to achieve the same level of richness. Similarly, when substituting with strawberry extract, it’s essential to taste the dough regularly to balance the flavors.If your dough is too crumbly, don’t worry! A small amount of cherry juice or water can help hydrate the mixture and bind the ingredients together without making it too sticky. Simply add a few drops at a time, mixing well after each addition until you reach the desired consistency.As for veganizing this recipe, you’re already halfway there since eggs aren’t involved. To make it fully plant-based, consider swapping traditional butter with a vegan alternative and opting for a vegan chocolate kiss or similar candy instead of regular chocolate.
Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies
Bella Bucchiotti’s latest culinary masterpiece, chocolate cherry blossom cookies, harmoniously combine the luscious flavors of cherries and rich chocolate. This indulgent recipe yields 24 delightful pink treats, each adorned with a decadent Hershey’s kiss. To create these sweet sensations, plan on devoting approximately 30 minutes to preparation and 10 minutes to baking, resulting in a total time commitment of 40 minutes.
Instructions
Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and airy. Next, add cherry juice and your preferred extract, mixing until smooth and well combined. In two batches, gradually introduce 2 cups of flour, stirring on low speed to ensure thorough incorporation. As the dough begins to take shape, slowly add small increments of Tablespoons to achieve a pliable consistency akin to play dough. Once achieved, gently fold in chopped cherries until just combined. Utilizing a Tablespoon round cookie dough scoop, form small balls of dough and coat each in granulated sugar. Allow these sugar-coated dough balls to chill for at least 20 minutes before baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cookies evenly apart on the prepared sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until fully baked. Remove from the oven and, while still warm, place a Hershey’s kiss in the center of each cookie. Allow these chocolate-topped treats to cool before serving.
Notes
Feel free to put your own spin on this cookie recipe by trying out various extracts and flavor combinations. Whether you prefer the nutty taste of almond, the sweetness of vanilla, or the tartness of cherry, there are countless ways to make this recipe truly unique. That’s what I love most about it! When it comes to chilling the dough, don’t skip this crucial step. Allowing the mixture to rest before rolling and baking helps maintain its shape, yields a smooth texture, and makes handling the dough much easier. It also allows for a nice even coating of granulated sugar when you roll them out. Finally, get creative with your cookie decorations! The Hershey’s Kiss on top is not only a tasty addition but also adds a charming touch. Consider swapping it out for another type of chocolate or adding some edible glitter to give your cookies an extra-special flair.