Description
Chocolate Cherry Blossoms are delightful, soft cookies infused with cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and a hint of almond extract. Topped with a luscious Hershey’s Kiss and a sweet almond glaze, these cookies offer a perfect blend of fruity and chocolatey flavors, ideal for festive occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
Topping
- 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses (dark chocolate preferred)
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixer bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is creamy and smooth, ensuring a good base for the cookie dough.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and almond extract. This combination infuses the dough with its distinctive cherry-almond flavor. Optionally, add food coloring to enhance the pink tone of the cookies.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour and mix until fully combined. The dough should be dry but moist enough to form into balls. If too dry, add cherry juice one teaspoon at a time to achieve the right consistency.
- Form Cookie Balls: Roll the dough into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The size is important so the Hershey’s Kisses topping won’t overpower the cookies. Place the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets or those lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Bake: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the bottom edge turns light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: While still warm on the baking sheet, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Leave them on the tray for 5 minutes to set.
- Cool: Transfer cookies to cooling racks and allow to cool completely before glazing.
- Make Optional Glaze: Stir 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 for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Using dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses provides a richer chocolate flavor that complements the cherry and almond.
- For a more vibrant pink hue, add a few drops of red food coloring to the dough.
- If you don’t have maraschino cherries, you can substitute with dried cherries rehydrated in cherry juice.
- The glaze is optional but adds a beautiful glossy finish and extra sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate cherry blossom cookies, cherry almond cookies, Hershey's Kiss cookies, holiday cookies, baked cherry cookies
