If you’re searching for a cookie that’s both gorgeous and completely irresistible, let me introduce you to Cherry Blossom Cookies – Sweet & Soft Treats You’ll Love. These buttery pink bites feature chopped maraschino cherries in a melt-in-your-mouth cookie, all crowned with a classic Hershey’s Kiss. Whether you’re celebrating spring or simply chasing a little extra joy, these cookies deliver eye-catching beauty and a perfect balance of chewy, soft texture and dazzling flavor. You’ll find them joyfully easy to make and almost too pretty to share–but trust me, you’ll want to spread the love.

Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherry Flavor and Hershey’s Kisses Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how a handful of common ingredients come together to create Cherry Blossom Cookies – Sweet & Soft Treats You’ll Love. Each component plays a key role, from giving the dough its sweet blush and soft bite to adding signature touches of flavor and color.

Unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter for that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that forms the base of these cookies.
Powdered sugar: This gives your cookies a soft crumb and gentle sweetness, dissolving smoothly into the dough.
Salt: Just a pinch brightens and balances all the flavors.
Maraschino cherry juice: The key to that pink hue and unmistakable cherry flavor—don’t skip this!
Almond, vanilla, or cherry extract: Choose your favorite extract for extra layers of flavor; almond and cherry complement the cherries beautifully, while vanilla keeps it classic.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure, but add gradually so your dough stays soft and not dry.
Maraschino cherries: Chop these sweet, juicy cherries small so every bite is filled with cherry goodness.
Granulated sugar: Rolling the dough balls in sugar gives the cookies a delicate sparkle and a gentle crunch.
Hershey’s Kisses: The perfect finishing touch—a rich, creamy Kiss pressed into each cookie as they come out of the oven.

How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies – Sweet & Soft Treats You’ll Love

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating your softened butter together with the powdered sugar. This creates a fluffy base and helps your cookies achieve that signature soft and tender bite. Make sure everything is fully blended, with no lumps hiding at the bottom of your bowl.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

Pour in the maraschino cherry juice and your choice of extract (almond, vanilla, or cherry). These liquids not only build the delicious cherry blossom flavor but also lend the dough that charming pink tint. Beat until your mixture is smooth and silky.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add the salt and gradually mix in two cups of flour. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, a spoonful at a time, until it becomes soft and pliable. Don’t overwork it—stop as soon as you reach that dreamy cookie dough consistency.

Step 4: Fold in Chopped Cherries

Gently fold in those chopped maraschino cherries. Be careful here—the goal is to get even distribution throughout the dough without breaking the cherries into mush. You want lovely little bursts of cherry in every bite!

Step 5: Shape and Sugar

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll each one in granulated sugar. This gives the cookies a subtle crunch and that sparkly exterior. Arrange them on a baking sheet and pop into the fridge for a short chill—this important step keeps your cookies perfectly thick and soft.

Step 6: Bake

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F. Once ready, line your baking sheet with parchment, set out the chilled dough balls with plenty of room, and bake for about 10 minutes. The goal is just-set edges and soft centers; watch carefully so they stay pale and delicate.

Step 7: Add Hershey’s Kiss

As soon as your cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss deeply into the center of each one. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so the Kisses can gently set and the cookies firm up, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling completely.

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies – Sweet & Soft Treats You’ll Love

Garnishes

Give your Cherry Blossom Cookies – Sweet & Soft Treats You’ll Love a festive touch by dusting them with powdered sugar, adding a sprinkle of sparkling sanding sugar, or dotting them with edible glitter before the Kisses set. Each option makes these cookies as cheerful to look at as they are to eat.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet pink treats with a pot of floral tea, a cool glass of milk, or even sparkling lemonade for a whimsical, irresistible snack spread. They also sit beautifully on a dessert tray alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries or vanilla madeleines.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in clear gift bags tied with ribbon for adorable edible gifts, scatter them across a spring brunch table, or serve on a tiered stand at your next afternoon tea. These cookies are the perfect centerpiece for baby showers, bridal showers, and any dessert table that could use a splash of pink cheer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cherry Blossom Cookies – Sweet & Soft Treats You’ll Love in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Their soft texture and delightful flavor hold up beautifully, making them perfect for baking ahead of time for parties or lunchbox treats.

Freezing

If you want to save some for another day, these cookies freeze like a dream. Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months—just let them come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

While Cherry Blossom Cookies – Sweet & Soft Treats You’ll Love are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can revive that just-baked flavor by warming them for a few seconds in the microwave. Be gentle so the Kisses don’t melt, and you’ll have warm, gooey cookies on demand.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and less sweetness than maraschino, which can change the dough’s texture. For best results, stick with classic maraschino cherries—they give the right flavor, color, and soft texture that makes Cherry Blossom Cookies – Sweet & Soft Treats You’ll Love so special.

What extract should I choose for the best flavor?

Almond extract pairs beautifully with cherries for a lovely bakery-style aroma, but cherry and vanilla extracts are equally delicious. Try each option to discover your personal favorite—there’s no wrong answer!

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much, helping them stay round and thick with that signature soft, pillowy bite. It also intensifies the cherry flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Do I have to use Hershey’s Kisses or can I substitute?

While Kisses are classic, you can experiment with white chocolate kisses, dark chocolate, or even heart-shaped chocolates. Just be sure to press them in right after baking so they melt slightly and set firmly in place.

How do I keep my cookies from getting too hard?

Be careful not to overbake! Remove the cookies when the bottoms are just starting to turn golden; they’ll continue setting up as they cool. Also, keep them tightly sealed to lock in moisture.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just to share a little sweetness, I can’t recommend Cherry Blossom Cookies – Sweet & Soft Treats You’ll Love enough. These cheerful cookies are easy to make, a treat to behold, and truly unforgettable with every bite. Go ahead—whip up a batch and brighten someone’s day!

Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherry Flavor and Hershey’s Kisses Recipe