Name: Chocolate Cherry Blossoms Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 4 teaspoons cherry juice (from the maraschino jar); 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped; 3/4 teaspoon almond extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses (dark chocolate preferred); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon almond extract

Ingredients

1 cup butter (softened)

1 cup powdered sugar

4 teaspoons cherry juice (from the maraschino jar)

1/2 cup maraschino cherries (chopped)

3/4 teaspoon almond extract

2 1/2 cups flour

1 bag Hershey Kisses (dark chocolate recommended)

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

1 tablespoon water (for glaze)

1 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup powdered sugar together until creamy.

Step 3: Add the cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix well to combine. For a brighter pink color, you may add a few drops of food coloring if desired.

Step 4: Gradually stir in the flour until fully incorporated. The dough will be dry but moist enough to form into balls. If it’s too dry, add cherry juice 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach the right consistency.

Step 5: Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Avoid making them too small to balance with the size of the Hershey Kisses. Place the balls on ungreased cookie sheets or sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the bottom edges just start to turn light golden brown.

Step 7: Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press one Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie while still on the baking sheet. Let them sit on the tray for another 5 minutes, then transfer the cookies to cooling racks to cool completely.

Step 8: (Optional) To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and 1 teaspoon almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and let the glaze harden before serving.

Tips & Variations

Substitute the dark chocolate Hershey Kisses with milk or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to enhance the cherry theme visually.

Use finely chopped nuts in the dough for added texture and flavor.

If dough feels too dry, add cherry juice gradually instead of water to keep the cherry flavor prominent.

Storage

Store the chocolate cherry blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat cookies slightly in a microwave or let them come to room temperature before serving. The glaze will keep best if the cookies are stored in a cool, dry place.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a different texture and moisture content, which can affect the dough. Maraschino cherries add sweetness and moisture that balance well. If using fresh cherries, chop finely and reduce any added cherry juice to avoid a soggy dough.

Do I have to use almond extract?

Almond extract adds a lovely complementary flavor to the cherry and chocolate combination, but you can omit it or substitute with vanilla extract if almond is not available or to suit your taste.