Name: Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); 1 cup confectioners sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (liquid from the jar of cherries); ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla or cherry extract); 2 to 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained); ¼ cup granulated white sugar; 24 Hershey Kisses

Print Recipe·4 from 10 reviews

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines charming color, irresistible flavor, and a lovely nostalgic twist, this Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe is a must-try. These cookies are beautifully soft with a slight sugary crunch on the outside, thanks to the granulated sugar coating, and surprise you with bursts of tangy maraschino cherries in every bite. The hint of cherry blossom essence paired with buttery dough creates a flavor that feels both fresh and comforting. Whether you’re making them to celebrate a spring afternoon or just craving something distinctly delightful, these Cherry Blossom Cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and two sticks of butter placed neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a small white bowl filled with bright red chopped cherries at the top left, and next to it, a larger white bowl full of white powdered sugar. Below the powdered sugar is a white bowl with white flour, and beneath that is a small white bowl filled with smooth, dark brown chocolate chips. Two sticks of pale yellow butter are positioned to the left of the flour. To the right of the powdered sugar is a tiny bowl with bright red liquid, while below it is a very small bowl of white salt, same sized bowl with white granulated sugar below the salt, and a small bowl with a clear liquid at the bottom right. The overall image is clean and bright. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that work together perfectly to create a delicately textured, flavorful cookie. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the rich butter that provides softness to the maraschino cherries that add that signature pop of color and fruity sweetness.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened to room temperature): Gives the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Confectioners sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough gently and ensures a smooth batter.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Maraschino cherry juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of that classic cherry flavor and beautiful aroma.
Almond, vanilla, or cherry extract (¼ teaspoon): Deepens the flavor profile—choose according to your taste preference.
All-purpose flour (2 to 2 ½ cups): The foundation of the dough, giving structure to your cookies.
Chopped maraschino cherries (1 cup, drained): These little bursts make the cookies colorful and deliciously fruity.
Granulated white sugar (¼ cup): For rolling the dough balls to add a pleasant, subtle crunch.
Hershey Kisses (24 pieces): The crowning touch that melts beautifully into each cookie’s center.

How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter, salt, and confectioners sugar together in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Whip them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will give your cookies that delicate, airy texture everyone will love.

Step 2: Add Cherry Juice and Extract

Next, pour in the maraschino cherry juice along with the extract of your choice. These are the secret ingredients that infuse the dough with that unmistakable cherry blossom essence, setting this cookie apart from everyday treats.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour gradually, mixing on low speed until it’s fully blended. Then add extra tablespoons of flour a bit at a time until the dough feels like pliable playdough—not sticky but soft and easy to handle.

Step 4: Fold in Chopped Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. These morsels will provide pretty pops of pink and bursts of sweet juiciness throughout your cookies, giving each bite a cheerful surprise.

Step 5: Shape and Roll in Sugar

Use a tablespoon scoop to shape the dough into small balls, then roll each ball in granulated white sugar. This coating gives the cookie exterior a subtle crunch and a glittery finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Place the sugared dough balls in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances their texture during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and space the dough balls evenly on the sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until the cookies are just set and lightly golden.

Step 8: Add Hershey Kisses

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The heat will soften the chocolate slightly, melting it into the cookie’s center for a luscious finish.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to set. This final step ensures the perfect texture and keeps the chocolate center beautifully intact.

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

The image shows a small white ramekin filled with white granulated sugar, topped with one small pink ice cream scoop that has a smooth texture and some small bits within it. Behind this ramekin, there is a larger clear glass bowl filled with pink ice cream with a creamy, slightly chunky texture. To the right of the large bowl, there is another small white ramekin containing several smooth, dark brown chocolate pieces. The entire setup is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a charming presentation, sprinkle a few finely chopped maraschino cherries or a light dusting of confectioners sugar on top before serving. You can also add a tiny edible blossom or a fresh mint leaf to echo the springtime theme.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of green tea or a glass of chilled milk. For a special occasion, serve alongside a simple fruit salad or a light cheesecake to round out the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Cherry Blossom Cookies on a pretty platter lined with edible flower petals or pastel-colored doilies for a festive display. Wrapping them in cellophane tied with a cherry-red ribbon makes for a delightful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They maintain their texture best when kept cool and protected from humidity.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls before baking—just place them on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to baking time. Finished cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To revive slightly stale cookies, warm them gently in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This refreshes the texture and melts the chocolate center slightly, bringing back that freshly-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Hershey Kisses with another type of chocolate?

Absolutely! While Hershey Kisses add a classic touch, you can swap them for chocolate chips, chunks of your favorite chocolate bar, or even white chocolate pieces to customize the flavor.

What if I don’t have maraschino cherry juice? Can I use something else?

If you don’t have maraschino cherry juice, try using a teaspoon of cherry syrup or a little bit of cherry-flavored liqueur. Just be careful not to add too much liquid to keep the dough consistency right.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. You might need to adjust the amount slightly to achieve the same dough texture.

How do I keep the cherries evenly distributed in the dough?

Fold the chopped cherries in gently at the end of mixing to prevent crushing. Also, using chilled cherries and draining them well helps keep them from bleeding too much color into the dough.

Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?

Definitely! These cookies are a fun project for kids because of the simple steps and colorful cherries. Just be sure to supervise around the oven and when handling the cookie dough balls.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making and sharing a batch of Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe. From their delightful cherry flavor and buttery softness to the joyful pops of color, these cookies never fail to impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring them as much as I do—this recipe is sure to become a treasured staple in your cookie repertoire.