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–+ servings

Cherry Blossom Cookies

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Soft, sugar-coated cookies studded with bright chopped cherries and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, perfect for cookie exchanges and after-school snacks.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookie dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature Use European-style for richer flavor
  • 1 cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla or cherry extract)
  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (start with 2 cups and add up to 1/2 cup more as needed)
  • 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, well-drained (pat with paper towel to remove excess juice)
  • 1/4 cup granulated white sugar (for rolling)
  • 24 Hershey’s Kisses (or chocolate kisses of your choice)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F while the dough chills, not before mixing.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, salt, and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. Scrape the bowl once.
  4. Pour in 1 tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice and the extract of choice. Mix on medium until smooth and evenly combined.
  5. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and mix on low until incorporated. If sticky, add flour 1–2 tablespoons at a time until a play-dough consistency is achieved.
  6. Carefully stir in the chopped, drained cherries just until distributed.
  7. Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to portion dough into small balls. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat.
  8. Place the sugared dough balls on a tray and chill for at least 20 minutes.
Baking
  1. Arrange the cookies evenly on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes — they should look set and slightly cracked at the top.
  3. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
  4. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 50mgSugar: 10g

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use a vegan stick butter substitute. If you prefer a stronger cherry note, add a few drops of cherry extract. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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