Soft, Buttery Sugar Cookies with Maraschino Cherries and Hershey Kisses
Introduction
There are certain cookies that instantly spark nostalgia, and Cherry Blossom Cookies are firmly in that category. With their delicate pink hue, tender shortbread-like texture, and iconic chocolate center, these cookies have been gracing holiday trays, bake sales, and family gatherings for decades. They’re the kind of treat that disappears quickly, not because they’re flashy, but because they’re quietly irresistible.
Cherry Blossom Cookies strike a perfect balance between sweet, buttery richness and bright cherry flavor, all finished with the familiar comfort of a Hershey Kiss pressed gently into the center. The powdered sugar base creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb, while the maraschino cherry juice adds subtle flavor and color without overwhelming the dough. Rolled in granulated sugar before baking, each cookie has a delicate sparkle that makes it feel special without being fussy.
This recipe is particularly beloved because it’s simple, reliable, and crowd-pleasing, yet it feels nostalgic and festive all at once. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or just a cozy weekend treat, Cherry Blossom Cookies are always welcome.
What truly makes this recipe stand out is its careful balance of structure and tenderness. These cookies are not meant to be chewy or crisp; instead, they’re intentionally soft, delicate, and shortbread-like. When handled properly, they bake into perfectly shaped cookies that cradle the chocolate kiss beautifully without spreading or collapsing.
If you’ve ever struggled with Cherry Blossom Cookies in the past, this guide walks you through every step with clarity and precision—ensuring consistent, bakery-quality results every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, buttery shortbread-style texture that melts in your mouth
- Classic cherry and chocolate flavor combination
- Visually beautiful cookies perfect for holidays and special occasions
- Simple ingredients with straightforward preparation
- Dough can be made ahead and chilled for better results
- Trusted, time-tested recipe that delivers consistent results
Ingredients Breakdown
Yield
24 cookies
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (liquid from the jar of cherries)
- ¼ teaspoon almond, vanilla, or cherry extract
- 2 to 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
For Rolling & Topping
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar, for rolling
- 24 Hershey Kisses
Important: Ingredient amounts and preparation details are listed exactly as provided. No substitutions or adjustments are required for accuracy.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tablespoon cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl (for sugar rolling)
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter, salt, and confectioners sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This step is essential for creating the tender texture these cookies are known for.
2. Add Liquid Ingredients
Add 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice and ¼ teaspoon extract of your choice. Continue mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Incorporate the Flour
Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. After the initial flour is mixed in, begin adding additional flour a few tablespoons at a time until the dough reaches a playdough-like consistency. The dough should be soft, pliable, and easy to handle without sticking to your hands.
4. Fold in the Cherries
Carefully stir in the chopped maraschino cherries just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can release excess moisture and affect the dough structure.
5. Shape the Dough
Use a Tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to portion the dough into small balls. Roll each ball in granulated white sugar until fully coated.
6. Chill the Dough
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto a baking sheet and chill for at least 20 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
7. Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Bake the Cookies
Arrange the chilled dough balls evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are baked through but not browned.
9. Add the Chocolate Kiss
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie.
10. Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before serving to allow the chocolate to set.
Tips & Variations
Texture Tips
- Do not overbake. These cookies should remain pale.
- Always chill the dough to prevent spreading.
- Pat cherries dry before chopping to reduce excess moisture.
Dietary Adjustments
- Vegetarian: Naturally vegetarian
- Nut-Free: Use vanilla or cherry extract instead of almond
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Flavor Profile & Texture
Cherry Blossom Cookies are lightly sweet with a delicate cherry flavor, balanced by rich butter and finished with creamy milk chocolate. The texture is intentionally tender and crumbly, similar to classic shortbread rather than chewy sugar cookies.
Nutritional Overview
Estimated per cookie:
- Calories: ~170
- Fat: ~9g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Protein: ~2g
Exact values vary based on brands used.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Dough balls can be prepared and chilled up to 24 hours in advance.
- Baked cookies can be stored unfrosted and topped with kisses later if needed.
- Dough freezes well for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Why didn’t my cookies hold their shape?
This is usually due to excess moisture from cherries or too little flour. Ensure cherries are very well drained and flour is added gradually.
Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling is strongly recommended to prevent spreading and ensure structure.
Why are my cookies crumbly?
Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness.
Do these cookies brown?
No. Cherry Blossom Cookies are meant to stay pale.
Can I use different chocolate?
Hershey Kisses are traditional and recommended for proper size and melt consistency.
Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 30 minutes |
| Chill | 20 minutes |
| Bake | 10 minutes |
| Total | 40 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
Arrange cookies on a decorative tray or stack in clear gift bags tied with ribbon. These cookies are ideal for cookie exchanges, dessert tables, and holiday gifting.
Recipe Variations (Using the Same Ingredients)
- Smaller bite-sized cookies using a teaspoon scoop
- Lightly tinted dough using extra cherry juice
- Extra sugar coating for added sparkle
- Flattened cookie base before baking for a wider shape
Ingredient Spotlight
Maraschino Cherries
Maraschino cherries provide color, sweetness, and classic flavor. Drying them thoroughly before use is essential for structural success.
Confectioners Sugar
Powdered sugar creates the signature soft texture. Unlike granulated sugar, it dissolves fully, preventing crisp edges.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Measure flour carefully and add gradually
- Always chill dough before baking
- Press chocolate kisses gently to avoid cracking
- Allow cookies to cool fully before storing
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Room Temperature: Up to 3 days in airtight container
- Refrigerator: Not recommended (can dry cookies)
- Freezer: Baked or unbaked cookies freeze well for 2 months
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Expanded Conclusion
Cherry Blossom Cookies are proof that classic recipes endure for a reason. Soft, buttery, and beautifully nostalgic, these cookies deliver comfort and charm in every bite. With careful measuring, properly prepared cherries, and a short chill time, this recipe produces consistent, bakery-worthy results that look as good as they taste.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a celebration, or simply because you love timeless cookies, Cherry Blossom Cookies are always a winning choice. Try them once, and they’ll earn a permanent place in your baking rotation.
Print
Cherry Blossom Cookies
Cherry Blossom Cookies are soft, buttery shortbread-style cookies rolled in sugar, studded with sweet maraschino cherries, and topped with a classic Hershey Kiss. They’re delicate, festive, and perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or anytime you want a pretty cookie that’s guaranteed to impress.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond, vanilla, or cherry extract
- 2–2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar (for rolling)
- 24 Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, salt, and confectioners sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the cherry juice and extract, mixing until smooth.
- Mix in 2 cups of flour on low speed until incorporated. Gradually add additional flour, a few tablespoons at a time, until the dough has a soft, playdough-like consistency and is not sticky.
- Gently stir in the chopped cherries until just combined.
- Scoop dough using a tablespoon-sized scoop, roll into balls, and coat in granulated sugar.
- Chill dough balls for at least 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place cookies evenly apart on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until set.
- Remove from oven and immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Start with the lower amount of flour and add gradually to avoid dry cookies.
- Pat cherries very dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- These cookies are tender and will not brown much; avoid overbaking.
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
