Name: Chocolate Cherry Blossoms Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
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 all-purpose flour; 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses (dark chocolate preferred); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon almond extract

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

1 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is creamy.

Step 3: Add the cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix well to combine. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to enhance the pink hue.

Step 4: Gradually mix in the flour until fully combined. The dough should be dry but moist enough to form into balls. If it feels too dry, add cherry juice one teaspoon at a time until the right consistency is reached.

Step 5: Shape the dough into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on ungreased cookie sheets or sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 6: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottom edges turn a light golden brown.

Step 7: While the cookies are still warm and on the baking sheet, carefully press an unwrapped Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them rest on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: To make the optional glaze, mix the powdered sugar, water, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to harden before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use dark chocolate Hershey Kisses for a richer flavor that complements the cherry and almond notes.

If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, add a bit more cherry juice or finely chopped cherries to the dough.

For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar on the dough balls before baking.

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you glaze them, make sure the glaze is completely set before stacking. For longer storage, cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to soften the chocolate if desired.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have much more moisture and a different texture, which can affect the dough consistency. Maraschino cherries provide sweetness and color that complement the cookie perfectly. If using fresh cherries, it’s best to chop them finely and reduce any added liquids.

What other chocolate varieties can I use?

You can substitute dark chocolate Hershey Kisses with milk chocolate or white chocolate Kisses, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly with each chocolate type.