Name: Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks); 1 cup powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice; ½ teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract; 2–4 drops red food coloring (optional); 2 – 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup maraschino cherries finely chopped and drained; ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling; 24 Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped

If you're looking for a sweet, buttery cookie with a pop of cherry and a festive touch, you’re going to adore this Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries recipe. These soft, sugar-coated treats topped with Hershey’s Kisses are a perfect way to brighten any dessert table or satisfy your sweet tooth.

A white plate with a decorative pattern is filled with many small round pink cookies that have red flecks inside them. Each cookie has a smooth, shiny dollop of brown chocolate in the center. The cookies look soft with slight cracks on the surface. Bright red cherries with stems are scattered between the cookies, adding a fresh contrast. The plate is on a white marbled surface, and two round chocolates appear nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share these cookies because they’re soft, lightly flavored with almond extract, and loaded with maraschino cherries that bring that perfect burst of sweetness. Plus, they’re topped with Hershey’s Kisses, which just makes them irresistible.

Soft, Creamy Texture: These cookies come out perfectly tender with just the right amount of buttery richness.
Cherry Flavor that Pops: Using maraschino cherries and their juice infuses a gentle cherry sweetness throughout.
Festive and Fun: The optional pink hue and iconic Hershey’s Kiss topping make them a standout dessert for any occasion.
Simple to Make: With straightforward ingredients and an easy process, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into mixing and baking, let’s quickly talk about the ingredients. Most of these staples you may already have in your pantry, but I’ll share a few tips on how to pick the best ones for this recipe, especially the cherries and extracts.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with powdered sugar, a few grains of salt scattered nearby, a small white ceramic bowl containing deep red maraschino cherry juice, a small white ceramic bowl with pale almond extract, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl holding finely chopped bright red maraschino cherries, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, and a neat cluster of whole Hershey’s Kisses chocolates with shiny silver wrappers, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: I use softened unsalted butter to control salt levels and create that rich, smooth texture.
Powdered Sugar: This gives the dough a melt-in-your-mouth lightness, different from regular granulated sugar.
Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
Maraschino Cherry Juice: This adds that distinct sweet cherry flavor with a splash of color.
Almond Extract or Vanilla Extract: I love almond extract here—it pairs beautifully with cherries, but vanilla works if you prefer.
Red Food Coloring (Optional): A few drops brighten the dough with a subtle pink hue that’s perfect for festive occasions.
All-Purpose Flour: The amount varies slightly to ensure the dough is soft but not sticky—important for shaping.
Maraschino Cherries (finely chopped and drained): Properly drained so your dough isn’t soggy, these chunks bring lovely bursts of cherry sweetness.
Granulated Sugar (for rolling): Coats the outside of each cookie, giving a delicate crunch and sparkle after baking.
Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped): A classic finishing touch that melts slightly into each warm cookie for that signature look and taste.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a twist on flavors or adjust the look, these cookies welcome your creativity!

Extract Swap: If almond extract isn’t your favorite, try using vanilla extract instead for a classic, warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
Natural Color Boost: Want to keep things natural? Use a small amount of beet juice for a lovely pink tint instead of food coloring.
Cherry Variations: Dried cherries or fresh tart cherries can be used if you’re looking for a less sweet but tangy bite—just make sure to adjust moisture accordingly.
Dietary Friendly: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan kisses or small chocolate chips as a topping.
Seasonal Touch: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a subtle seasonal twist that makes these cookies perfect for fall or winter holidays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe

A white plate shows a stack of pink cookies with small red cherry pieces mixed inside. The top cookie is broken in half, revealing a thick, smooth dark brown chocolate layer inside. On top of some cookies, there is a chocolate kiss sitting in the middle, shining slightly. A shiny red cherry with a green stem lies next to the stack on the plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. The cookies have a soft, crumbly texture and a round, slightly domed shape, with some cookies blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this makes for easy cleanup and ensures the cookies won’t stick. Lining up your workspace now means smoother sailing when the dough is ready to roll.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Powdered Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light, fluffy, and smooth. This creaming step is crucial for that tender texture, so don’t rush it—you want the mixture pale and airy.

Step 3: Add Flavorings and Color

Stir in the salt, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract (or your chosen alternative). If you want that pretty pink blush, add 2 to 4 drops of red food coloring now. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite bursts with flavor and a lovely hue.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour Gradually

Start adding 2 cups of all-purpose flour slowly to your wet ingredients, stirring as you go. You want a soft dough but not sticky—add up to a ½ additional cup of flour if needed. The dough should come together without clinging to your fingers.

Step 5: Gently Fold in Chopped Cherries

Carefully fold in the finely chopped and well-drained maraschino cherries. Be gentle so you don’t crush them—those sweet bursts of cherry will shine through in each cookie.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat

Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough, rolling them into balls with your hands. Then roll each ball in granulated sugar until well coated—this adds a subtle crunch and sparkle that’s simply delightful.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. The aroma at this stage is truly inviting!

Step 8: Add Hershey’s Kisses While Warm

As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The heat softens the cookie slightly around the kiss, creating a lovely melted embrace once cooled.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just right, so each bite is soft, buttery, and perfectly balanced with sweet cherry and chocolate.

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe, ensuring the perfect balance of softness, flavor, and festive charm every time.

Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, giving it a 30-minute chill in the fridge makes rolling easier and helps maintain the cookie’s delicate texture during baking.
Drain Those Cherries Well: Excess moisture from maraschino cherries can make your dough too wet. Pat them dry carefully before folding them in to keep your cookies perfectly soft but not soggy.
Gentle Folding: When mixing in the chopped cherries, fold gently to avoid crushing them—this keeps little bursts of cherry flavor intact throughout your cookies.
Press Kisses While Warm: Adding the Hershey’s Kiss to each cookie immediately after baking ensures it slightly softens and sticks beautifully, creating that signature look and taste.

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing a thick beige dough with bright red chopped cherries piled in the center on top. Near the bowl, a white cup filled with whole red cherries is placed on the bottom left, with some scattered cherries around it. Silver-wrapped chocolate kisses are scattered in the top left corner, and a green and white checkered cloth lies folded partially under the bowl on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While the Hershey’s Kiss adds its own charm, consider sprinkling a pinch of edible glitter or a few finely chopped pistachios on top for an extra festive touch. Light dustings of powdered sugar right before serving also complement these soft, buttery treats beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist. Serving alongside fresh fruit or a light citrus sorbet can balance their sweetness and brighten the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft and maintains their fresh, buttery flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Just be sure the cookies are completely cooled before freezing to avoid excess moisture buildup.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat and melt the Hershey’s Kiss too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and a less sweet profile than maraschino cherries, which can affect the dough consistency and sweetness. If using fresh cherries, be sure to pit and finely chop them, then pat dry thoroughly to reduce moisture. You might also want to adjust sugar levels to taste.

Why is it important to press the Hershey’s Kiss onto the cookies while they’re still warm?

Pressing the Hershey’s Kiss onto warm cookies allows it to gently soften and adhere, creating that signature look and a gooey center. If added after the cookies cool, the Kiss won’t stick as well and may crack when you bite into the cookie.

What’s the best way to store these cookies for maintaining freshness?

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to preserve their soft texture. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months in sealed containers.

Can I omit the red food coloring?

Absolutely! The red food coloring is optional and mainly adds a pretty pink hue to enhance the festive look. The cookies will still taste delicious without it.

Final Thoughts

Making Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries is such a joy—each bite offers a perfect blend of buttery sweetness and that little pop of cherry flavor topped with a classic chocolate kiss. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warm moments to your table. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your cookie creations!