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Every spring I whip up these Cherry Blossom Cookies after finding out how perfectly they showcase the season's magic. That soft pink color coming from the maraschino cherries plus the amazing mix of almond and cherry tastes makes me think I'm strolling under those gorgeous blooming trees. Whenever I make them, my whole kitchen smells incredible and brings that springtime feeling, no matter when it happens to be.
Your Shopping List
Here's what you'll want to grab:
- A package of dark chocolate Hershey's Kisses
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon almond flavoring
- 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- 4 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup butter softened to room temperature
For our sweet pink topping:
- 1 teaspoon almond flavoring
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
Good cherries and quality almond flavoring will totally change your results.
Baking Time
Beat your butter with the confectioners' sugar until it gets super fluffy - about 3 minutes does the trick. Stir in the pretty cherry juice and that almond flavoring. Slowly mix your flour in until everything comes together, then gently add those chopped cherries. Your dough should turn a lovely soft pink shade.
Form small 1 inch balls from your dough and set them on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Push them down slightly and then cool them in the fridge for 30 minutes. While they're cooling, get your oven hot at 350°F. After they've chilled, bake them for 10 to 12 minutes. Right when they come out, push a Hershey's Kiss into the middle of each cookie.
Cookie Success Secrets
I've picked up some handy tricks over the years for making these extra wonderful. Got sticky dough? Just throw in a bit more flour. Dough looking too dry? A little more cherry juice will sort it out. Chop those cherries really small - it helps spread that cherry taste through every single bite. Don't forget to add those chocolate kisses right away - the cookies need to be warm so the chocolate sticks properly.
Putting Your Spin On It
These treats can be changed up so many ways. My vegan buddies love when I use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate - they turn out just as yummy. Sometimes I switch out the almond flavoring for vanilla, or throw in some orange zest for a fruity kick. White chocolate chips work great instead of the dark kisses, and adding a little melted chocolate on top makes them look fancy.
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Questions People Ask
My friends always wonder if they can swap in fresh cherries instead of maraschino ones. You can definitely try, but make sure they're super dry first. Too much moisture will mess with how your cookies turn out. These tasty treats stay good for about a week in a sealed container at room temp, though at my house they're usually gone way before that.
Storage Tips
Keep your finished cookies in an airtight box at room temperature and they'll stay tasty for about a week. If you need to stack them up, wait until the glaze gets completely hard and put some parchment paper between the layers so they don't stick together.
Other Tasty Treats
If these hit the spot, you might love my Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls when you need a quick pick-me-up. My grandma's Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are another big hit in our family, and my Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins bring their own touch of springtime feeling to your kitchen.
Cherished Traditions
These Cherry Blossom Cookies have become such a big part of how we celebrate spring. I make them for family get-togethers or just when we want something sweet, and they always make everyone happy. I bet they'll become one of your favorite recipes too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling keeps the cookies from spreading too much. It holds their shape and makes sure the chocolate kiss stays snug in the center.
- → Can different chocolates work?
Absolutely! Pick any type, like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a fun twist.
- → Why press the chocolate onto hot cookies?
The warmth slightly melts the chocolate’s bottom, helping it stick and set perfectly as it cools down.
- → Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Sure, freeze them for around 3 months. Add the glaze when you thaw them later. Store in an airtight box with wax paper between the layers.
- → How do I perfect the glaze consistency?
Start with the listed measurements. Gradually add water if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar to make it thicker.
Conclusion
These vibrant cookies blend juicy maraschino cherries with smooth chocolate kisses and a gentle almond glaze. Great for spring parties or when you need a unique dessert.