Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

These Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are delightful bite-sized treats, perfect for any occasion. With their charming pink color and a sweet Hershey’s Kiss on top, they bring a festive flair to Christmas and a romantic touch for Valentine’s Day. The blend of cherry and almond flavors creates a unique taste that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, these cookies come together in no time.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
• Kid-Friendly: Children will love helping out in the kitchen, from mixing ingredients to rolling dough balls.
• Irresistibly Sweet: The combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate kisses makes each bite heavenly.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to swap out extracts or use different types of chocolates to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather the essential tools to make your cooking experience smoother. Having everything ready ensures that you can focus on creating delicious cookies!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Electric Mixer
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Cookie Dough Scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients without making a mess.
• Electric Mixer: This tool helps achieve the light and fluffy texture needed for the cookie dough efficiently.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet provides an even surface for baking, ensuring your cookies cook evenly.

Ingredients

These cherry blossom cookies are bite-sized pink cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss which makes them great for Christmas and Valentine’s!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 Cup powdered sugar
• ¼ Teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice liquid
• ¼ Teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla or cherry)
• 2 Cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
• 1 Cup maraschino cherries (chopped)

For Rolling and Topping

• ¼ Cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 24 Hershey Kisses

How to Make Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

Add the maraschino cherry juice and extract of choice (almond, vanilla, or cherry). Continue mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until fully incorporated. If necessary, gradually add more flour until the dough reaches a play-dough-like consistency that doesn’t stick to your hands.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries

Carefully stir in the chopped maraschino cherries just until combined. Avoid over-mixing.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Use a tablespoon-size cookie dough scoop to form small cookie dough balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated.

Step 6: Chill the Dough Balls

Chill the dough balls for at least 20 minutes before baking. This step helps maintain their shape while baking.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place cookies evenly apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until baked through.

Step 9: Add Hershey Kisses

Remove from the oven and gently place a Hershey Kiss in the center of each cookie immediately after taking them out of the oven.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these delightful Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies!

How to Serve Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

These delightful Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive seasons. They can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your dessert table.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.

Gift Boxes

• Arrange the cookies in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

Dessert Table Display

• Showcase these cookies on a dessert table at parties or gatherings for an appealing visual treat.

Kids’ Parties

• These colorful cookies are fun additions to children’s parties, sure to please their sweet tooth!

Holiday Plates

• Serve alongside other holiday treats to create a festive cookie platter that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies can elevate your baking game. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a smoother dough and ensures better incorporation of ingredients.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough balls to chill for at least 20 minutes prevents them from spreading too much while baking.

• Check oven temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly; an oven thermometer can help maintain accurate baking temperatures.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined after adding flour; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some delicious suggestions that complement their sweetness.

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

2. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses, like brie and cheddar, provides a savory contrast.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well with cookies.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip fresh fruits or even additional cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.

5. Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced nuts adds crunch and saltiness alongside sweet cookies.

6. Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combination that’s hard to resist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Use proper measuring cups and spoons to avoid variations in dough consistency.
• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring a better shape.
• Overmixing the dough – Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and light; overmixing can make them tough.
• Not preheating the oven – Ensure your oven is at 350 degrees F before baking for even results.
• Ignoring cooling time – Allow cookies to cool slightly before adding the Hershey’s Kiss; this prevents melting into a puddle.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350 degrees F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies special?

These cookies are not only adorable but also have a delightful cherry flavor that makes them perfect for celebrations.

Can I use other flavors instead of cherry?

Yes! You can substitute maraschino cherry juice with other fruit juices like raspberry or strawberry for different flavors.

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?

Make sure not to overbake and consider slightly underbaking them, as they will continue cooking on the baking sheet after removal.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, you can use any chocolate or candy of your choice.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to 5 days at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously versatile. They make great treats for any occasion and can be customized with various flavors and toppings. Give them a try, and enjoy the sweet delight they bring!