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Dear friends and fellow baking enthusiasts, I have a special treat for you today that I’ve been absolutely thrilled to share! We all deserve a moment of joy and what better way to sprinkle some sweetness into our day than with a batch of homemade Cherry Blossom Cookies. This recipe has a special place in my heart, inspired by the beauty of spring and the whimsical cherry blossoms that paint our world with hues of pink and white. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this delicious journey!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 4 teaspoons juice from maraschino cherries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- 3/4 teaspoon almond flavoring
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package of dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon almond flavoring
How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Add the maraschino cherry juice and almond flavoring, blending until smooth. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until well combined. Finally, fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press down slightly on each ball to flatten it a bit. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookie dough balls for about 10-12 minutes or until they are just set and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Make the Glaze: While the cookies cool, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, water, and almond flavoring until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Enjoy! Allow the glaze to set before serving. These cookies are perfect as a festive treat or a thoughtful homemade gift!
Helpful Tips
- Cookie Consistency: If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s easy to handle. If it’s too dry, add a bit more cherry juice.
- Cherry Chopping: Finely chop the cherries to distribute them evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every bite is filled with their delightful flavor.
Substitutions/Variations
- Vegan Options: Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use vegan chocolate kisses.
- Flavor Twists: Swap the almond flavoring with vanilla extract or add orange zest for a citrusy punch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino? Yes, but ensure they are pitted and dried well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- How long do these cookies keep? They last beautifully for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature.
Storage Instructions
Store the Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you’ve already applied the glaze, make sure it’s set before stacking the cookies, using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
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Thank you for joining me in this delicious baking adventure! I can’t wait to hear how your Cherry Blossom Cookies turn out. Remember, every batch comes with its own sprinkle of love and creativity. Happy baking!
PrintCherry Blossom Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Embrace the essence of spring with these Cherry Blossom Cookies! Each cookie combines the sweet tang of maraschino cherries with the rich depth of dark chocolate, topped with a hint of almond. Perfect for celebrating the new season or any festive gathering. Let’s bake a batch and spread some cherry-filled joy!
Ingredients
1 cup softened butter
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
4 teaspoons juice from maraschino cherries
1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
3/4 teaspoon almond flavoring
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 package of dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses
1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for the glaze)
1 tablespoon water (for the glaze)
1 teaspoon almond flavoring (for the glaze)
Instructions
Cream the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light. Add cherry juice and almond flavoring; mix well.
Gradually add flour until combined, then fold in chopped cherries.
Roll into 1-inch balls, flatten slightly, and chill for 30 minutes.
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Press a chocolate kiss into each cookie while hot.
Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and chocolate.
Add extra cherry juice if the dough is too dry, or a bit more flour if it’s too sticky.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg