Cherry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a touch of sweetness and elegance to any occasion. These cookies, with their luscious maraschino cherries and rich chocolate centers, are perfect for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or even a cozy afternoon tea. What makes these cookies truly special is the combination of soft, buttery dough bursting with cherry flavor, topped off with a classic Hershey’s Kiss. Every bite is a delicious reminder of childhood and the joy of homemade sweets.
Why should you make Cherry Kiss Cookies? Imagine the joy of effortless baking that results in decadently beautiful cookies, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying sweet cravings. This recipe is wonderful for family baking sessions, as everyone can pitch in to roll the dough and press the chocolates. An easier bake doesn’t often come along, and these cookies are child-approved. Watching the cherries soften and the chocolate melt just right is a treat, making this a fun and aromatic exercise in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Cherry Kiss Cookies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. With minimal ingredients, these cookies can be whipped up quickly, making them the ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or school bake sales. They’re wonderfully versatile, perfect for various occasions, from Christmas parties to birthdays or even a casual weeknight dessert. The flavor combination of tart cherries and sweet chocolate is irresistible, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
“These cookies are a crowd-pleaser at every holiday gathering. Everyone loves the chocolate surprise and the cherry flavor is just perfect!” – A happy home baker
Step-by-Step Overview
The beauty of making Cherry Kiss Cookies lies in their straightforward process. You’ll start by creaming butter and sugar, then mix in the extracts and cherry juice. Adding the dry ingredients comes next, followed by gently folding in the cherries. After rolling the dough into balls coated with sugar, it’s time to shape them before baking. The final touch is pressing a delicious Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie when they come out of the oven, creating a warm, gooey center.
What You’ll Need
To create these delectable Cherry Kiss Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4-6 drops red food coloring
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 36 Hershey’s Kiss chocolate candies
Feel free to substitute unsalted butter with margarine if you prefer. The maraschino cherries are essential for that signature flavor, so make sure they’re fresh.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the almond extract, vanilla extract, maraschino cherry juice, and food coloring, mixing well until fully blended.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, mixing until combined and no streaks of flour remain.
- Fold in the maraschino cherries gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Place the rolled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Cherry Kiss Cookies are delightful on their own but can shine even brighter with a few creative serving suggestions. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For special occasions, consider presenting them on a decorative platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. They also make a charming gift when placed in a decorative box tied with a ribbon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your Cherry Kiss Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just place them in freezer-safe bags, and they will last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to regain their softness.
Pro Chef Tips
- For extra flavor, toast the almonds before adding the extract.
- Be careful not to over-bake; you want the cookies to be soft and chewy.
- Use mini chocolate chips as an alternative to Hershey’s Kisses for a fun twist.
- If the dough feels too sticky, chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes can help make rolling easier.
Creative Twists
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations to consider. You can add white chocolate chips that contrast beautifully with the vibrant red cherries. Another option is to swap the cherry extract with raspberry or strawberry for a fruity twist. For those who prefer a more intense cherry flavor, add a few extra maraschino cherries to the dough.
FAQs
- What is the preparation time for Cherry Kiss Cookies?
The prep time is about 15-20 minutes, followed by baking for 10-12 minutes. - Can I substitute maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients for consistency. - How should I store leftover Cherry Kiss Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
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Cherry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped Essential for flavor; use fresh.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Plus 2 tablespoons.
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Can substitute with margarine.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 tsp almond extract For flavor.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract For flavor.
- 4-6 drops red food coloring For color.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar For rolling the cookies.
- 36 Hershey’s Kiss chocolate candies
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the almond extract, vanilla extract, maraschino cherry juice, and food coloring, mixing well until fully blended.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, mixing until combined and no streaks of flour remain.
- Fold in the maraschino cherries gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Place the rolled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.