Cherry Blossom Cookies

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a burst of sweetness to any occasion. With their soft cookie base, generous maraschino cherries, and a rich Hershey Kiss on top, these cookies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe stands out with its unique flavors and easy preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherry and almond gives these cookies a sweet and nutty flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, these cookies impress every time.
• Fun for Kids: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and rolling these cookies can be a fun activity for the whole family.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or switch up the chocolate drizzle based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference when baking. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Cherry Blossom Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for that perfect texture.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes which leads to even baking and presentation.

Ingredients

These Cherry Blossom Cookies require some simple ingredients that come together for an incredible treat.

For the Cookie Base

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries

For Topping

• ¼ cup sugar
• 24 Hershey kisses
• 2 ounces chocolate chips – optional

How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Beat Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy. This step creates a smooth base for your cookies.

Step 2: Add Flavors

Add in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract. Mix until well combined. Gradually add in the flour while mixing to ensure everything blends nicely.

Step 3: Fold in Cherries

Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. This will distribute them evenly throughout the cookie dough.

Step 4: Shape Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to portion out even-sized cookies. Roll each portion into a ball and coat them lightly in sugar before placing them on a lined baking tray.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Once all the cookies are shaped, place them in the refrigerator to chill for about 20-30 minutes. This helps them maintain their shape during baking.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly once they’re ready.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they start turning golden at the edges.

Step 8: Add Hershey Kisses

As soon as you remove them from the oven, transfer them onto cooling racks. Press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm so it sticks well.

Step 9: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

If you want extra flair, melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. Transfer melted chocolate into a piping bag and drizzle over the tops of cooled cookies for an elegant finish.

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies

Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their sweet cherry flavor and rich chocolate topping make them a crowd-pleaser. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pair these cookies with a nice cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack. The flavors complement each other well.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in decorative bags tied with ribbon. They make charming party favors for birthdays or celebrations.

During Picnics

• Bring along Cherry Blossom Cookies on your next picnic. They hold up well and add a sweet touch to your outdoor feast.

With Ice Cream

• Serve them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream. The combination makes for a delicious dessert.

How to Perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Blossom Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips.

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to create a creamy texture when mixed with sugar.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough helps prevent spreading during baking, keeping your cookies thick and chewy.

• Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking and consistent appearance.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them from the oven as soon as they start to turn golden for soft cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Blossom Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Blossom Cookies can create a balanced dessert table. Here are some delicious options that complement their sweetness:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs nicely with the sweet cherry flavor, offering a savory contrast.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip their cookies into melted chocolate.

4. Nut Mix: A selection of spiced nuts adds crunch and savory notes that work well with the sweetness of the cookies.

5. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in various flavors for variety while still keeping things sweet.

6. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements the cookies nicely.

7. Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake can enhance your dessert table, providing another sweet option without overshadowing the cookies.

8. Pudding Cups: Individual cups of vanilla or chocolate pudding can provide a creamy texture that contrasts well with the chewy cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Cherry Blossom Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature – Always ensure that the butter is softened before starting. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. Don’t skip this step for better-shaped cookies.
• Overmixing the dough – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement. Too much flour can make cookies dry.
• Neglecting to press the chocolate kisses properly – Ensure you wiggle the kisses slightly into the warm cookies to help them stick better.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds; watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cherry Blossom Cookies that may help enhance your baking experience.

What flavor do Cherry Blossom Cookies have?

Cherry Blossom Cookies have a sweet cherry flavor complemented by almond extract, giving them a unique and delicious taste.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but ensure they are pitted and finely chopped. This will change the texture slightly but still yield tasty cookies.

How do I make Cherry Blossom Cookie Recipe Easy?

To simplify the process, pre-measure your ingredients and follow each step carefully without rushing.

Can I add nuts to Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and additional flavor if desired.

How long do Cherry Blossom Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they will stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are not only visually appealing but also versatile in taste and texture. You can customize them with different toppings or mix-ins based on your preferences. Try making these delightful treats today!