Name: Cherry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (6-ounce) jar Maraschino cherries (or 1/2 cup very finely diced fresh cherries); 5 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice (from jar); 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 1/4 cup (142 grams) confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract; 5-10 drops red food coloring; 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour, divided; 24-30 Hershey’s Kisses (favorite variety); Pink sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional)

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

If you’re searching for a delightful, festive treat that’s bursting with fruity flavor and a touch of chocolate charm, the Cherry Kiss Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These soft, tender cookies combine the vibrant sweetness of maraschino cherries with the iconic melt-in-your-mouth Hershey’s Kisses, delivering a perfect balance of chewy texture, tangy cherry notes, and rich chocolate indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply to brighten your day, this recipe is sure to win hearts and produce smiles all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of different baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a wooden bowl filled with white granulated sugar and a wooden spoon inside it. Next to it on the right, a small white square plate holds a block of pale yellow butter. Below the butter, there is a wooden bowl filled with white all-purpose flour with a dark metal scoop resting in it. At the center left, a small white bowl contains bright red maraschino cherries with shiny surfaces and stems. Below it, a small bottle of red food coloring with a red cap stands next to a small wooden spoon holding white salt. To the right of the salt, two small white round bowls hold dark amber vanilla extract and clear almond extract, respectively. Below these, a small white bowl contains bright red maraschino cherry juice. At the bottom left, a wooden bowl filled with white powdered sugar holds a silver sifter. On the bottom right, a clear glass bowl is filled with silver-wrapped Hershey’s Kiss chocolate candies. The overall scene is bright, clean, and organized. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cherry Kiss Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a key role in creating its signature flavor and texture. From the creamy butter that provides richness to the bright cherry juice that infuses every bite with fruitiness, each component is essential for the perfect cookie.

6-ounce jar of Maraschino cherries: These provide the sweet cherry flavor and a splash of color to your dough.
24-30 Hershey’s Kisses: Your cookie’s crowning jewel, adding a luscious chocolate center.
1 cup unsalted butter: Room temperature butter ensures a smooth, tender dough.
1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar: Helps create a delicate sweetness and soft texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a slight lift and softness.
5 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice: Adds that unmistakable cherry zing and moistness.
1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract: Boosts complexity with warm undertones.
Red food coloring (5-10 drops): For that cheerful, eye-catching cherry red dough.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to your cookies, balanced for soft chewiness.
Pink sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional): Adds sparkle and texture to finish your cookies beautifully.

How to Make Cherry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cherries and Kisses

Begin by chilling the Hershey’s Kisses in the refrigerator so they stay firm until the perfect moment. Drain your maraschino cherries, pat them dry gently to avoid excess moisture, and chop them very finely or pulse them in a food processor for even distribution through the dough. Setting these aside helps streamline the next steps and ensures even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Base Dough

Use an electric mixer to cream together your softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until silky and smooth. This step is crucial because it determines your cookie’s texture—aim for no lumps and a nice fluffy blend. Then, add salt and baking powder to activate the rise and deepen flavors.

Step 3: Add Liquid Flavors and Colors

Blend in the maraschino cherry juice along with your choice of vanilla or almond extract. This is also the time to add red food coloring; it creates that signature rosy hue reminiscent of luscious cherries. Adjust the drops of coloring to get the shade you love before moving on.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Chopped Cherries

Sift 2 cups of flour into the bowl and mix gently until the dough starts to come together. Fold in the chopped cherries carefully to avoid squishing them too much. Sprinkle in the remaining half cup of flour and knead lightly by hand just until all the ingredients unite into a smooth ball.

Step 5: Chill and Shape the Dough

Wrap your dough ball or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 10 to 20 minutes. This resting time makes the dough easier to handle and helps maintain those beautiful bursts of cherry later. After chilling, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced on parchment-lined cookie sheets—don’t flatten these little gems!

Step 6: Bake and Press in Kisses

Bake your cookies at 350°F (180°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, just until golden edges appear. When you remove them hot from the oven, immediately press a cold Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This creates a gentle melt that bonds the chocolate to the cookie, resulting in a luscious cherry-kissed delight.

How to Serve Cherry Kiss Cookies Recipe

A baking tray with slightly worn edges is lined with white parchment paper, holding 21 small pink dough balls evenly spaced in three columns and seven rows; each dough ball has a smooth texture with tiny darker red specks, giving them a fresh, soft look. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface next to a white cloth with black stripes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these cookies further, finish with a sprinkle of pink sanding sugar or colorful sprinkles right after pressing in the Kisses. This not only catches the eye but gives a fun, sugary crunch that complements the softness beneath.

Side Dishes

Pair Cherry Kiss Cookies with a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for an irresistible combo. They also sit beautifully beside a glass of cold milk or even a light dessert wine if you want to glam up your gathering or enjoy a cozy night in.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a festive platter lined with fresh mint leaves or cherry blossoms for a beautiful seasonal display. You could also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for charming homemade gifts that show your care and culinary flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To prevent the Hershey’s Kisses from sticking, separate layers of cookies with parchment paper—it’s a small touch that makes all the difference.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough shaped into balls by placing them on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer bag once firm. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze just as well for up to three months, giving you a ready supply of joy whenever you crave it.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, gently reheat them in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and revives the melty charm of the Hershey’s Kiss without drying out the cookie.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries bring a more natural tartness and subtle texture; just be sure to chop them finely and consider replacing the cherry juice with milk or fresh cherry juice to keep the cookie moist.

Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough firms up the butter, making the dough easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking. It also gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

Your cookies will still taste delicious without the food coloring—it simply enhances the visual appeal. You could also try natural coloring options like beet juice, but results may vary.

How do I prevent the Hershey’s Kisses from melting too much?

By refrigerating the Kisses before pressing them into the hot cookies, you slow down melting just enough to create a soft bond without losing their distinctive shape.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep an eye on baking time, as gluten-free dough might bake slightly differently.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cherry Kiss Cookies Recipe enough if you want a treat that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully festive. These cookies embody the joy of baking and sharing, combining classic flavors with a chocolate twist that everyone adores. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and make these charming cookies your next kitchen adventure!