Name: Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 4 teaspoons cherry juice (from the maraschino cherries jar); 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped; 3/4 teaspoon almond extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses (dark chocolate preferred); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon almond extract

Ingredients

1 cup butter (softened)

1 cup powdered sugar

4 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice

1/2 cup maraschino cherries (chopped)

3/4 teaspoon almond extract

2 1/2 cups flour

1 bag Hershey Kisses (dark chocolate preferred)

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup powdered sugar together until creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Add the cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and 3/4 teaspoon almond extract to the mixture. Stir or beat until everything is well combined. For a more vibrant color, you can add a few drops of red food coloring.

Step 4: Gradually mix in the flour until the dough comes together. It will feel dry but should be moist enough to form into balls. If the dough is too dry, add extra cherry juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it holds.

Step 5: Shape the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Avoid making them too small, as the Hershey Kisses can overpower smaller cookies. Place the balls on ungreased baking sheets or sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges just start to turn light golden brown.

Step 7: While the cookies bake, unwrap the Hershey Kisses. Remove the cookies from the oven and gently press a kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm. Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften without melting completely, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Once cooled, prepare the optional glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and 1 teaspoon almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cookies and let it harden before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add a few drops of red food coloring to brighten the cherry flavor and enhance the cookie’s appearance.

Substitute dark chocolate Hershey Kisses with milk or white chocolate for variation.

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the glaze quantity or skip it altogether.

Chop cherries finely to distribute them evenly and prevent dough dryness.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week, but bring to room temperature before serving for best texture. The glaze hardens well and will keep the cookies from sticking together. Reheat gently in a microwave if you want the chocolate kiss slightly soft again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries lack the syrupy sweetness and color of maraschino cherries, so the flavor and moisture level will change. If using fresh cherries, chop finely and adjust the sugar slightly to balance sweetness.

Why do my cookies turn out dry?

The dough should be dry but hold together well. If the dough feels crumbly or too dry to form balls, add more cherry juice a teaspoon at a time to achieve the right consistency.