Cherry Blossom Cookies

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are delightful treats that combine the sweetness of cherries with the richness of chocolate. Ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations, these cookies are sure to impress with their unique flavor and visually appealing presentation. With a simple recipe and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll find these cookies a joy to make and share.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maraschino cherries and almond extract creates a sweet and nutty profile that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for birthdays, holidays, or just as a special dessert, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Fun Presentation: Topped with Hershey Kisses and optional chocolate drizzle, they are as beautiful as they are tasty.
• Kid-Friendly: These cookies are fun for little hands to help with rolling and decorating.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Cherry Blossom Cookies, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools can make your baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all your ingredients easily without any spills.
• Electric mixer: It saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for a smooth dough.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking, making your cookies look professional.

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Ingredients

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are sweet cherry cookies topped with a rich Hershey Kiss, finished with a drizzle of melted chocolate. Such a great treat!

For the Cookies

• 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 the Topping

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

How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy.
2. Add in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract; mix until combined.
3. Gradually add in the flour while mixing until well incorporated.

Step 2: Fold in Cherries

1. Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries into the dough until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Use a cookie scoop to portion out even-sized balls of dough.
2. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on a lined baking tray.

Step 4: Chill Before Baking

1. Refrigerate the cookie dough balls for 20-30 minutes to firm up before baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Add Hershey Kisses

1. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and place them on a cooling rack.
2. Press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie and wiggle it slightly so it sticks.

Step 7: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

1. If desired, melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until fully melted.
2. Transfer melted chocolate to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, then drizzle over cookies before serving.

Enjoy making these delightful Cherry Blossom Cookies, perfect for sharing or indulging yourself!

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies

Cherry Blossom Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a party or a cozy evening snack, these cookies can be paired with different accompaniments to elevate their taste and presentation.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing with cookies, milk complements the sweetness of Cherry Blossom Cookies perfectly.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats for a festive display. This works well for gatherings or celebrations.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve with fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoying Cherry Blossom Cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea creates a cozy experience, perfect for afternoon breaks.

Topped with Ice Cream

• For an indulgent treat, serve warm Cherry Blossom Cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination is delicious!

How to Perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Blossom Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately; too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Press Kisses Gently: When adding Hershey Kisses, press them gently into the center so they melt slightly and adhere well.
• Add Optional Drizzle: Enhance flavor with melted chocolate drizzle after baking for an extra touch of indulgence.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Blossom Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Blossom Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements the flavors of cherry.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience.
5. Nut Mix: A simple mix of nuts provides crunch and is a great contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.
6. Mini Cupcakes: Serve tiny cupcakes in complementary flavors like vanilla or almond for variety on your dessert table.
7. Pudding Cups: Individual servings of chocolate or vanilla pudding can enhance sweetness while remaining light.
8. Gelato Scoops: Offer small scoops of gelato in various flavors as a cool companion to warm cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Cherry Blossom Cookies can be a delightful experience. However, there are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Incorrect butter temperature – Using melted butter instead of softened can lead to flat cookies. Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a light, tender cookie.
• Not chilling the dough – Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill your dough for at least 20-30 minutes.
• Ignoring measurements – Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the outcome. Use precise measurements for consistency and success.
• Overbaking – Baking for too long can lead to hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are lightly golden.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Blossom Cookies

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

Reheating Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a covered skillet over low heat for about 2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Cherry Blossom Cookies.

How do I make Cherry Blossom Cookies?

To make Cherry Blossom Cookies, combine softened butter and powdered sugar, then add cherry juice and almond extract. Gradually mix in flour and fold in chopped cherries before baking.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Yes! You can swap almond extract with vanilla extract or use different types of cherries based on your preference.

How long do Cherry Blossom Cookies last?

Cherry Blossom Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Can I freeze Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze these cookies by placing them in an airtight container. They will maintain their quality for up to three months.

Are there variations of Cherry Blossom Cookies?

You can customize your Cherry Blossom Cookies by adding nuts or using different flavored chocolate for drizzling on top.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them as is or customize them with various toppings and flavors. Try this recipe today and delight your family or friends with these sweet treats!