Name: Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks); 1 cup powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice; ½ teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract; 2-4 drops red food coloring (optional); 2 – 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup maraschino cherries finely chopped and drained; ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling; 24 Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped

If you love buttery cookies with a burst of cherry flavor and a hint of almond, then this Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re beautiful, charmingly pink, and topped with that classic Hershey’s Kiss for an extra touch of nostalgia.

A white plate with a lacy pattern holds about a dozen pale pink thumbprint cookies, each with a chocolate drop pressed into the center. The cookies have a slightly cracked texture and small bits of red cherries mixed into the pink dough. Bright red cherries with stems are scattered on the plate and on a white marbled surface nearby, along with a few round chocolate pieces. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore how easy it is to whip up these cherry blossom cookies, but also how impressive they look when you bring them out for guests or family gatherings. They strike the perfect balance between soft and lightly crisp, with that cherry-almond flavor that feels both festive and comforting.

Subtle Cherry Flavor: Infused with maraschino cherry juice and bits of maraschino cherries for a natural sweetness and tang.
Almond Extract Magic: Adds a delicate nutty aroma that perfectly complements the cherries.
Soft But Slightly Crisp: The texture is carefully balanced to be tender inside with a gently crunchy edge.
Beautiful Presentation: The optional red food coloring tints the dough to a pretty pink, topped with a Hershey’s Kiss for that classic look.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure you have high-quality butter and well-drained maraschino cherries on hand. These two are key to getting the perfect flavor and texture. Also, if you want that lovely pink hue, don't skip the red food coloring—it really makes these cookies pop!

Flat lay of a stick of unsalted butter softened, a small white ceramic bowl filled with powdered sugar, a pinch of salt crystals scattered neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red maraschino cherry juice, a tiny white bowl containing clear almond extract, a few drops of red liquid food coloring in a white ceramic dish, a simple mound of all-purpose flour, finely chopped bright red maraschino cherries piled loosely, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar with sparkling crystals, and uncracked whole Hershey’s Kisses chocolates arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level and yields a rich, creamy texture.
Powdered sugar: Gives the cookies a smooth, tender crumb unlike regular granulated sugar.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and bring out depth in flavor.
Maraschino cherry juice: Adds subtle cherry flavor and moisture to the dough.
Almond extract or vanilla extract: Almond extract gives a lovely nutty aroma, but vanilla is a good alternative if you prefer.
Red food coloring: Optional, but it provides a charming pink tint that enhances the cookie’s presentation.
All-purpose flour: Forms the cookie base; adding it gradually helps control dough softness.
Maraschino cherries: Finely chopped and drained to add bursts of cherry sweetness throughout without extra moisture.
Granulated sugar (for rolling): Coats the dough balls for a subtly crunchy outer layer.
Hershey’s Kisses: The signature topping that adds a nostalgic finish and a touch of chocolate.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about the Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to tweak the flavor or adapt the look for a special occasion, there are plenty of fun variations to try!

Almond Flavor Boost: I love boosting the almond extract slightly (up to 1 teaspoon) when I want a more pronounced nutty aroma. It really elevates that cherry-almond synergy in the cookie.
Vanilla Twist: Sometimes I swap almond extract for vanilla extract for a milder, creamier cookie that's still wonderfully festive.
Pink-Hued Delights: Adding 3-4 drops of red food coloring brings a subtle blush to the cookies, perfect for spring celebrations or Valentine’s Day. It’s optional but so pretty!
Cherry Variations: If you want a less sweet bite, you can rinse the maraschino cherries to reduce extra syrup, or try dried tart cherries for a different texture and flavor twist.
Diet-Friendly Adaptations: For a vegetarian crowd, these cookies already fit perfectly. If you're baking for gluten-sensitive friends, try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend — just keep an eye on dough consistency.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe

The image shows a white decorative plate filled with soft pink cookies that have red cherry bits inside. On top of the pile, two cookies are stacked with the top one broken in half, revealing a smooth, shiny chocolate center inside each half. Each cookie has a rounded shape with a slightly cracked surface and a chocolate drop on top. Bright red cherries with stems are placed around the cookies for decoration. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Surface

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat — this helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking. Having everything ready upfront makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Powdered Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes. This step adds air to the dough, yielding tender cookies with that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Flavorings and Optional Color

Mix in ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice, and ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract if you prefer). If you want pink-tinted cookies, add 2 to 4 drops of red food coloring here. Stir well so all those delicious flavors blend perfectly into the dough.

Step 4: Slowly Incorporate Flour

Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. The dough should start coming together but still feel soft. If it’s sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time, up to 2 ½ cups, until you have a soft, non-sticky dough that’s easy to handle. Be careful not to overmix for tender results.

Step 5: Gently Fold in the Chopped Cherries

Carefully fold in the finely chopped and well-drained maraschino cherries — about 1 cup. Spreading them evenly in the dough gives each bite that delightful burst of cherry flavor without crushing the fruit.

Step 6: Roll Dough Into Sugar-Coated Balls

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Then, roll each ball in ¼ cup of granulated sugar to coat. This gives the cookies a subtle crunch and a pretty sparkly finish as they bake.

Step 7: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. You’ll notice the gorgeous pink tone and inviting aroma filling the kitchen!

Step 8: Press a Hershey’s Kiss Into Each Cookie

As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The chocolate softens slightly, creating a perfect gooey centerpiece that pairs beautifully with the cherry-almond base.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies have that lovely soft yet slightly crisp texture, and each bite bursts with cherry and almond goodness. Perfect with tea, coffee, or as a festive treat anytime!

Final Step: Share Your Experience

Once you’ve enjoyed these charming treats, please leave a rating and comment! Your feedback helps improve the recipe and inspires others to bake their own batch of Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries.

Top Tip

These tips come from my own baking adventures with this Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe — they’ll help you get perfect cookies every time and avoid common pitfalls.

Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky or soft to work with, pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This little pause makes rolling easier and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Drain Cherries Well: One lesson learned — excess moisture from maraschino cherries can make the dough too wet and affect texture. Always drain and pat them dry before folding into your dough.
Use Granulated Sugar for Rolling: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a delightful delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
Press Kisses Gently: Put the Hershey’s Kiss onto the cookie right after baking but handle them gently to avoid cracking the cookies. They settle nicely without breaking when done carefully.

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits in the middle on a pink textured surface, filled with a light beige dough mixture topped with a pile of bright red chopped cherries. To the left of the bowl, there are silver-wrapped candy pieces scattered around and a small container of whole red cherries with stems. A green and white checkered cloth is placed next to the bowl on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the look and taste, consider dusting the cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a tiny edible flower next to each cookie for a spring-inspired presentation. You can also finely chop some extra maraschino cherries for a vibrant garnish on the serving plate.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cherry Blossom Cookies with a delicate cup of green or jasmine tea to complement the almond and cherry flavors. Alternatively, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light fruit salad for a balanced, refreshing dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 1 week. This way, they retain that perfect balance of soft and slightly crisp texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy warm cookies, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This gently refreshes their softness without melting the Hershey’s Kiss topping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute vanilla extract for the almond extract?

Absolutely! The recipe suggests almond extract or vanilla extract, so feel free to use vanilla for a more classic flavor that still pairs beautifully with the cherries.

What if I don’t have red food coloring? Will the cookies still taste good?

Yes, the red food coloring is optional and purely for that lovely pink tint. Your cookies will still have the delicious cherry-almond flavor without it.

How do I prevent the cherries from making the dough too wet?

Make sure you drain the maraschino cherries very well and pat them dry on paper towels before chopping and adding them to the dough. This minimizes excess moisture for the best texture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?

Yes! You can shape the dough balls, freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

Baking Cherry Blossom Cookies with Maraschino Cherries is such a joyful experience — from the beautiful pink-hued dough dotted with cherries to the classic Hershey’s Kiss on top. These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or brightening any ordinary day. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen as it is in mine. Happy baking and enjoy every delightful bite!