Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies

Name: Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1 Cup powdered sugar; ¼ Teaspoon salt; 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice; ¼ Teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla or cherry); 2 Cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed); 1 Cup maraschino cherries (chopped); ¼ Cup granulated sugar (for rolling); 24 Hershey Kisses

by Peter Harper

Published on: November 28, 2025

Delicious and easy-to-make cherry blossom cookies decorated with pink icing.

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Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring in every bite. These cookies boast a tender, buttery texture, enhanced by the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries. As they bake, the inviting aroma fills your kitchen, promising a delicious experience. This recipe is not only simple but also perfect for celebrating seasonal flavors or sharing with friends at gatherings.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll find yourself reaching for this Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies recipe during parties or as a sweet escape from a busy day. With its vibrant colors and delectable taste, these cookies are perfect for holidays or simply indulging in comfort food. They’re incredibly convenient, requiring minimal ingredients, yet pack a flavor that everyone will adore. Plus, the versatility makes them a fun option for experimentation, allowing you to tailor them to your taste.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

These delightful cookies highlight fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients that truly elevate their taste. The maraschino cherries lend a vibrant pop of red, while the sweet, almond-like aroma wafts through your home as they bake. The contrast of the crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior is a perfect representation of spring’s freshness. By incorporating seasonal ingredients, you’re not only treating yourself but also supporting sustainable practices that connect you to your community’s farms.

What You’ll Need

To make Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

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

For added flavor, consider using vanilla or cherry extract. If you need substitutions, almond flour can replace regular flour for a gluten-free option, or you can omit the cherries for a simple sugar cookie.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Prepare the Base
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture will be creamy and pale, setting a delicious foundation for your cookies.

2. Mix the Ingredients
Add the cherry juice and your chosen extract, continuing to mix until smooth. You’ll notice a lovely creaminess as these flavors meld together.

3. Shape the Dough
Gradually add 2 cups of flour and the salt, mixing on low until fully incorporated. If needed, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough resembles play-dough—smooth and moldable without being sticky.

4. Stir in Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped cherries just until combined, adding delightful specks of red that will burst with flavor.

5. Scoop and Roll
Use a tablespoon-size cookie dough scoop to form small balls, then roll them in granulated sugar until coated. This will create a sweet, sparkly exterior.

6. Chill the Dough
Chill the rolled dough balls for at least 20 minutes before baking. This step helps maintain their shape during baking.

7. Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8. Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between each one. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

9. Add Hershey Kisses
Once removed from the oven, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

10. Serve and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool completely before serving. The creamy center combined with the chewy cookies results in a delightful balance of flavors and textures that are hard to resist!

Essential Tools

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Mixing bowls (for combining and mixing ingredients)
Electric mixer (for easily creaming the butter and sugar)
Cookie dough scoop (for even sizing)
Baking sheet (for baking the cookies)
Parchment paper (to prevent sticking)
Wire rack (for cooling)

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

To ensure your Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be enjoyed for up to a week. If you’d like to make them ahead, prepare the cookie dough and freeze it for later use. Simply thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy!

Perfect Pairings

These cherry blossom cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive presentation, serve them on a bright platter alongside fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, to complement their sweetness. Their colorful appearance and tender texture make for an inviting treat any time of year!

Nutrition Facts

Estimated nutrition per cookie:

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dough Too Dry
If your dough is crumbly, add a splash of milk to bring it back to a pliable consistency.

Unevenly Shaped Balls
Ensure uniform cookie sizes by using a cookie scoop for even baking.

Chocolate Coating Breaks
If the melted chocolate for the Hershey Kiss is too thick, warm it gently to achieve a smooth consistency.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a better texture.
Don’t Overbake: For soft cookies, remove them from the oven when just set. They will continue to bake on the tray.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a touch of coconut or orange zest for a unique twist!

Recipe Variations to Explore

Feel free to experiment with this base recipe! Consider substituting dried cranberries or fresh raspberries instead of cherries for a different flavor profile. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra depth of flavor. For a chocolatey variation, mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

This recipe can easily be adapted to accommodate various dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can use dairy-free butter to make this recipe dairy-free. However, please be cautious if you’re serving guests with allergies and ensure all ingredient labels are checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and freeze the dough, then bake them fresh when you’re ready.

2. Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?
While they can be substituted, fresh cherries will change the cookie’s sweetness and texture, so adjust other ingredients accordingly.

3. How should I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

4. Can these cookies be made vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of regular eggs.

5. What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is sticky, slowly add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Thanks for exploring this Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies recipe! We hope you’ll try making these delightful treats at home. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures! For more delicious dessert options, check out our recipe category page. Happy baking!