Cherry blossom cookie

Cherry Blossom Cookies: A Sweet Journey of Flavor

As spring unfurls its petals, a wave of inspiration flows through homes, kitchens, and hearts. The Cherry Blossom Cookie is a delightful treat that embodies the very essence of this season. Picture yourself standing in a sunlit kitchen, the air rich with the sweet aroma of butter and cherries. It’s a moment of pure joy, where every whisk and fold brings you closer to the perfect cookie. These cookies not only celebrate the vibrant hues of cherry blossoms but also evoke cherished memories of laughter shared with friends and family. With the first bite, you are transported to a serene garden, where the delicate notes of almond and cherry dance on your palate, reminiscent of spring days filled with warmth and sunshine.

That initial taste is simply magical; the moment the soft, buttery cookie cradles the sweet surprise of maraschino cherries and the luscious melt of chocolate kisses, your heart sings. Each bite unfolds a story, a memory that sends ripples of nostalgia through your senses. You might recall childhood days spent in the company of loved ones, where baked goods were more than just desserts; they were the heart of the gathering. The Cherry Blossom Cookie captures that spirit perfectly, inviting you to create new memories while honoring the old. Whether shared at festive gatherings or enjoyed quietly with a cup of tea, these cookies are a delightful way to celebrate life’s sweetest moments.

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make

Prepare Your Workspace

To start the journey of making Cherry Blossom Cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure that your cookies bake evenly. This is a crucial step, as it sets the stage for beautifully formed cookies that won’t stick to the pan.

Chop and Flour the Cherries

Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving 1½ tablespoons of the juice for later. Pat the cherries dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps maintain the texture of the cookies. Finely chop the cherries and place them in a small bowl. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This step is vital as it prevents the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the cookies during baking, ensuring a delightful bite of cherry in every cookie.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with the salt. Whisk them together to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This mixture will be added to the wet ingredients, creating the perfect dough consistency.

Beat the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer, beat together the room temperature butter and sifted powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic begins, as the butter and sugar combination forms a light base that will hold the flavors of the cherry and almond extracts beautifully.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the butter and sugar are fluffy, add the reserved cherry juice, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat again until everything is fully incorporated. Gradually add the flour mixture while mixing on low speed, just until the flour is fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Incorporate the Cherries and Color

Using a rubber spatula, gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries until they are well distributed throughout the cookie dough. If you choose to use food coloring, this is the time to add it. Start with 2-3 drops of red food coloring and mix it in. Assess the color and add more drops if you desire a deeper pink hue to your dough.

Shape and Bake

Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop a level amount of dough and gently roll it into a smooth ball in the palms of your hands. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to lightly coat before placing them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 1½ to 2 inches apart. Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and gently press a single Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

Variations to Try

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Storage & Meal Prep

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but make sure to pit and chop them finely. Keep in mind that fresh cherries will have a different flavor profile and moisture content.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you prefer not to use almond extract, you can substitute it with additional vanilla extract or use hazelnut extract for a unique flavor.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that is suitable for baking.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers have set but are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I add more sugar to the dough?

While you can add more sugar, it may alter the texture. The current amount is balanced for sweetness and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Blossom Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at spring gatherings, birthday parties, or simply enjoy them as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert or present them in a beautifully wrapped box as a thoughtful gift for loved ones. The vibrant colors and delightful flavors make them a great addition to any dessert table, and they are sure to impress guests with their charm and taste.

Nutrition & Benefits

These Cherry Blossom Cookies provide a delightful balance of flavors while being a source of joy and comfort. Each cookie contains key ingredients that offer various nutritional benefits. Butter provides essential fats that are important for energy, while cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The use of almond extract adds a hint of healthy fats and flavor without added calories. While these cookies are a treat, enjoying them in moderation can be part of a balanced diet. They are perfect for special occasions and provide a way to indulge while creating lasting memories.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Blossom Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavor, color, and the joy of baking. Embrace the sweet essence of spring and create these delightful cookies that bring warmth and happiness to your table. Whether enjoyed with family or shared with friends, these cookies are sure to become a cherished recipe that you return to time and again. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the magic of baking fill your kitchen with love and laughter!

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips

Cherry blossom cookie

My FavoritMeal

Delicious Cherry blossom cookie recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1½ tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (from the jar of maraschino cherries)
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 drops red food coloring (optional)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (to roll the cookie dough balls in before baking)
• 36 Hershey’s Kiss chocolate candies (unwrapped)

Instructions

 

• Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
• Drain the jar of maraschino cherries, reserving 1 ½ tablespoons of the juice, then pat the cherries dry with a paper towel.
• Finely chop the cherries, add to a small bowl and toss to coat with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
• Add the remaining 2 cups of all-purpose flour and salt to a separate bowl and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and powdered sugar, using a handheld mixer on medium speed, for 1-2 minutes or until smooth and fluffy.
• Add the reserved 1 ½ tablespoons cherry juice, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat again until fully incorporated.
• Slowly add the flour mixture to the bowl, mixing on low speed just until all the flour is fully incorporated.
• If adding red food coloring to the dough, start with 2-3 drops, mix to incorporate, adding an additional 1-2 drops if desired to achieve a pink cookie dough color.
• Using a rubber spatula, stir in the reserved chopped maraschino cherries until well distributed into the cookie dough.
• Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop a level amount of dough and gently roll into a smooth ball in the palm of your hands.
• Roll the smooth ball in the granulated sugar just to lightly coat before placing onto a prepared cookie sheet.
• Repeat until all the cookies have been scooped and rolled in the sugar, placing them 1 ½ - 2 inches apart on each cookie sheet.
• Bake the cookies in the center of the oven for 10-12 minutes or just until lightly golden around the bottom edges of the cookies.
• Remove the cookies from the oven and gently press a single Hershey’s Kiss chocolate candy into the center of each warm cookie.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before plating and serving.

Notes

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Don’t skip the step of coating the cherries in flour; it’s essential for even distribution.