Description
Delightfully soft and buttery Cherry Blossom Cookies, infused with maraschino cherry juice and chopped cherries, rolled in sugar for a sweet crust, then topped with a classic Hershey Kiss. Perfect for festive occasions or a charming treat any time.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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)
For Rolling
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
Topping
- 24 Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter, salt, and confectioners sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the dough.
- Add Flavors: Mix in the maraschino cherry juice and your choice of almond, vanilla, or cherry extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly flavored.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add 2 cups of flour and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. Slowly add extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a playdough-like consistency that can be handled without sticking.
- Add Chopped Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Form and Roll Dough Balls: Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to portion dough balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat the outside evenly.
- Chill Dough: Place the sugared dough balls in the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 minutes to firm up before baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange the dough balls evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until cookies are baked through and lightly set.
- Add Hershey Kiss Topping: Immediately upon removal from the oven, press one Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie, allowing it to soften slightly and adhere.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving to set the shape and topping.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- If dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually until manageable but avoid making it too dry.
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a better texture during baking.
- You can substitute Hershey Kisses with other small chocolates if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
