Cherry Blossom Cookies

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their sweet cherry flavor and topped with a rich Hershey Kiss, they bring a unique twist to traditional cookies. Ideal for gatherings, holidays, or simply as a comforting snack, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family. The combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate creates a flavor profile that’s both inviting and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherry and chocolate offers a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a sweet indulgence at home.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist by varying the toppings or adjusting the sweetness.
• Beautiful Presentation: These cookies not only taste good but also look stunning with their vibrant colors and chocolate drizzle.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking Cherry Blossom Cookies even smoother. Gather these essentials before you start baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Cookie scoop
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl is essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Cookie scoop: This helps in creating evenly-sized cookies for consistent baking and presentation.
• Baking tray: A sturdy tray ensures even heating, leading to perfectly baked cookies every time.

Ingredients

These Cherry Blossom Cookies require simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Base Cookie

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 ½ cups flour

For the Cherry Filling

• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries

For Topping

• ¼ cup sugar
• 24 Hershey kisses

Optional Drizzle

• 2 ounces chocolate chips (optional)

How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy.
2. Add in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until just incorporated.

Step 2: Fold in the Cherries

• Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Use a cookie scoop to portion out even-sized amounts of dough.
2. Roll each portion into a ball and then coat it in sugar before placing them on a lined cookie tray.

Step 4: Chill Before Baking

1. Once all the cookie balls are formed, refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Add Hershey Kisses

1. As soon as they come out of the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack.
2. Press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm; wiggle it slightly so it sticks.

Step 7: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

1. If you want to add an optional drizzle, melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
2. Transfer melted chocolate into a piping bag and drizzle over the tops of your cooled cookies.

Enjoy your homemade Cherry Blossom Cookies! They’re sure to be a hit!

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies

Cherry Blossom Cookies make for a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies can add a sweet touch to any occasion.

With Tea or Coffee

• Enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee enhances the flavors and provides a comforting experience.

As Party Favors

• Package these cookies in cute boxes or bags as party favors. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing.

At Dessert Buffets

• Place them on dessert tables for parties. Their unique cherry flavor will stand out among other treats.

With Ice Cream

• Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a delightful dessert combo.

With Fresh Berries

• Pair these cookies with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. The tartness balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

How to Perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Blossom Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This helps achieve a creamy texture when mixed with powdered sugar.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough before baking prevents spreading, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.

• Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. This ensures you don’t end up with dry cookies.

• Press gently on the kisses: When adding Hershey Kisses, press down gently but not too hard to avoid breaking the cookie apart.

• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Blossom Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Cherry Blossom Cookies can enhance your overall dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a creamy and crunchy side that contrasts nicely with the cookie’s texture.

3. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses provides a savory balance to the sweet cookies, making it an ideal pairing for gatherings.

4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These indulgent treats echo the chocolate in the Cherry Blossom Cookies and are always a hit at parties.

5. Nutty Granola Bars: These provide a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the softness of the cookies and offer an energy boost.

6. Homemade Lemonade: A refreshing drink option that cleanses the palate and enhances the overall sweetness experience with its tartness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you create perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies every time.

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step may lead to cookies spreading too much while baking. Always chill the dough for 20-30 minutes.
• Using the wrong flour: Using self-rising flour instead of all-purpose can affect the texture. Stick with all-purpose flour for best results.
• Overmixing the dough: This can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in undercooked or burnt cookies. Always preheat your oven properly before baking.
• Skipping the sugar coating: Not coating the cookie balls in sugar can affect their sweetness and appearance. Make sure to coat them generously before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once solid.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for optimal texture.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm treat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, adding a lid for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have more questions about making Cherry Blossom Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked queries:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, but fresh cherries will alter the flavor slightly and may require adjustments in moisture content.

What can I substitute for almond extract?

You can use vanilla extract as an alternative if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well, but ensure it’s suitable for baking.

Are there any variations of Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or different flavored extracts for unique twists on this classic recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it or freeze the baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are delightful treats perfect for any occasion. Their sweet cherry flavor and charming presentation make them irresistible. Feel free to customize them by adding different flavors or toppings to suit your taste!