Cherry Blossom Cookies are soft, chewy pink cherry cookies topped with a melty chocolate kiss and a pretty chocolate drizzle that makes them look festive, fun, and perfect for the holidays. They remind me of those cozy baking days when bright colors and sweet smells filled the kitchen, and every cookie felt like a tiny treat made to share. The cherry flavor, soft texture, and chocolate center create a delicious mix that feels playful, cheerful, and ideal for Christmas cookie trays, gifting, parties, or any moment when you want a sweet and colorful holiday cookie.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice
3/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (patted dry)
24 chocolate kiss candies
1/2 cup melted chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and fluffy. This creates a soft cookie base.
Step 2: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then pour in the maraschino cherry juice. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Pat the chopped cherries dry with paper towels, then fold them gently into the dough until evenly spread.
Step 6: Scoop 1-inch portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 7: Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to help them hold their shape while baking.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly puffy.
Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one chocolate kiss candy into the center of each warm cookie.
Step 10: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
Step 11: Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate for a decorative finish, then allow the drizzle to set before serving.
Variations
• Roll dough balls in sugar before baking
• Use white chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate
• Add red sanding sugar for sparkle
• Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough
• Make smaller bite-size cookies for parties
COOKING NOTES
• Dry cherries well to avoid excess moisture
• Chill dough before baking to prevent spreading
• Press the chocolate kiss on while cookies are warm
• Don’t overbake; soft centers keep cookies chewy
• Let drizzle set before stacking
Serving suggestions
• Add to Christmas cookie trays
• Package in clear bags or tins for gifting
• Serve with hot cocoa or coffee
• Use for cookie swaps or holiday parties
• Display as colorful festive treats
Tips
• Use a small cookie scoop for even sizes
• If dough feels sticky, chill a bit longer
• Press kisses gently to avoid cracking cookies
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup
• Store in a single layer until drizzle sets
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes (plus chilling)
Nutritional Information
(Per cookie, based on 24 cookies)
Calories: ~130
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 1g
FAQs
Why did my cookies spread too much?
- The dough may not have been chilled long enough; chilling helps the cookies keep their shape.
Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?
- Yes, the cookies are delicious with just the chocolate kiss on top.
Why are my cookies too soft?
- Too much cherry juice or moisture from the cherries can soften the dough, so dry cherries well and measure juice carefully.
Can I replace the chocolate kiss?
- Yes, you can use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chocolate chunks.
Can I freeze them?
- Yes, freeze baked cookies (without the drizzle) for up to 2 months, then thaw and drizzle later.
Conclusion
Cherry Blossom Cookies are colorful, soft, and full of sweet cherry flavor with a rich chocolate finish that makes them stand out on any holiday dessert table. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for gifting, parties, and cozy Christmas moments. The chewy cookie base, glossy chocolate kiss, and playful drizzle create a festive cookie that looks beautiful and tastes even better. Once you make them, they’re the kind of recipe family and friends will ask for every holiday season and remember as a cheerful, joyful Christmas treat.
