Chocolate Cherry Blossoms Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Cherry Blossoms are a delightful twist on the classic kiss cookie, combining the rich flavor of dark chocolate with a burst of cherry and almond. These tender, fruity treats are perfect for sharing during holidays or anytime you crave a sweet, festive bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 teaspoons cherry juice (from the maraschino jar)
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries (chopped)
• 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 bag Hershey Kisses (dark chocolate recommended)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon water (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup powdered sugar together until creamy and smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and 3/4 teaspoon almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix well to combine. Optionally, add a few drops of food coloring to enhance the pink hue.
4. Step 4: Gradually mix in the flour until fully incorporated. The dough will feel dry but should hold together. If it feels too dry, add more cherry juice one teaspoon at a time until manageable.
5. Step 5: Form the dough into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
7. Step 7: While baking, unwrap the Hershey Kisses. When cookies come out of the oven, gently press one kiss into the center of each cookie. Leave on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring to a cooling rack.
8. Step 8: Once completely cooled, prepare the glaze by stirring together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies and let it harden before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger cherry flavor, soak the chopped cherries in cherry juice for 30 minutes before mixing into the dough.
• Dark chocolate Hershey Kisses add richness, but milk chocolate works well for a sweeter taste.
• Add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance the sweetness.
• Substitute almond extract with vanilla if preferred for a different flavor profile.
• Use silicone baking mats or parchment to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator up to one week. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving for best texture. The glaze may soften slightly upon refrigeration but will remain tasty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a different moisture content and sweetness than maraschino cherries, so the dough texture and flavor will change. You can try substituting, but you may need to adjust the amount of flour and sugar accordingly.

What if I don’t have cherry juice?

If cherry juice is unavailable, substitute with a small amount of cherry syrup from the maraschino jar or a teaspoon of cherry-flavored extract. Be cautious with extracts as they are more concentrated.

Chocolate Cherry Blossoms Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 62 reviews

Chocolate Cherry Blossoms are delightful cookies featuring a buttery, cherry-infused dough baked to a light golden perfection and topped with a luscious Hershey’s Kiss. Enhanced with almond extract and optionally drizzled with a sweet glaze, these cookies combine rich chocolate and cherry flavors for a festive and irresistible treat.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 teaspoons cherry juice (from the maraschino jar)
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Topping and Glaze

• 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses (dark chocolate recommended)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking your cookies.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
3. Add Flavorings and Cherries: Stir in the cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and almond extract. For a more vibrant pink hue, consider adding a few drops of food coloring.
4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually mix in the flour until fully combined. The dough should be dry but still moist enough to form balls. If too dry, add more cherry juice, one teaspoon at a time.
5. Form Cookie Balls: Roll the dough into balls approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on ungreased cookie sheets or those lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, spacing them evenly.
6. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.
7. Add Hershey’s Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and, while still warm, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Leave them on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set.
8. Cool Cookies: Transfer the cookies to cooling racks and allow them to cool completely before glazing.
9. Prepare and Apply Glaze (Optional): Mix the 1 cup powdered sugar, water, and almond extract together to make a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and let the glaze harden before serving.

Notes

• For a stronger cherry flavor, add extra cherry juice one teaspoon at a time if the dough feels too dry.
• Using dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses enhances the flavor contrast with the cherry dough.
• If you want brighter pink cookies, adding food coloring can enhance the appearance.
• Cookies should be cooled completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: chocolate cherry blossoms, cherry cookies, Hershey’s kisses cookies, almond extract cookies, holiday cookies, baked cherry treats