Name: Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses 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're looking for a charming cookie that combines buttery sweetness with a pop of cherry and a touch of almond, then this Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe is just the thing to try. These delightful treats are as pretty as they are delicious, perfect for sharing or gifting!

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 Hershey’s Kisses Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I could not resist these cookies the first time I made them. Between the soft, tender dough, the vibrant cherry pieces, and that signature Hershey’s Kiss on top, they feel festive and cozy all at once.

Beautiful presentation: The pink-hued dough with a shiny Hershey’s Kiss on top makes for an irresistible, eye-catching cookie.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip these up even on a busy day.
Perfect texture: Buttery softness with just the right amount of chew and sugar crunch.
Versatile flavor: The maraschino cherries and almond extract add a unique twist that feels both festive and nostalgic.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, gather your ingredients carefully. A few little tips will help you pick the best items for these cookies and ensure your baking goes smoothly.

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: Softened to room temperature for smooth creaming, which gives the cookies their tender crumb.
Powdered sugar: Creates a delicate sweetness while helping to keep the dough light and fluffy.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste of the cookie.
Maraschino cherry juice: Adds a subtle cherry flavor and moisture to the dough, tying the cookie to its namesake blossom inspiration.
Almond extract or vanilla extract: I love almond extract here for that classic cherry-almond combo, but vanilla works too if you prefer milder flavors.
Red food coloring (optional): For a soft pink color that makes these cookies pop on any dessert tray.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure; start with less and add as needed for the right dough consistency.
Maraschino cherries: Finely chopped and well-drained to prevent soggy dough but pack a fruity burst.
Granulated sugar: For rolling the dough balls, adding a delightful crunch and sparkle on the outside.
Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic topping that adds a creamy chocolate finish and completes the cherry blossom look.

📝

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

Feel free to put your own spin on this Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe. Whether you fancy a subtle twist or want to cater to special tastes, these cookies are the perfect canvas for creativity!

Almond-Free Variation: Swap out the almond extract for vanilla extract to suit those with nut allergies or who prefer a more classic cookie flavor. I tried this for a family gathering, and it was just as delicious—milder but still wonderfully fragrant.
Seasonal Twist: Try folding in orange zest along with the maraschino cherries for a zesty burst that feels perfect during spring and summer celebrations. It added a lovely brightness to my batch and paired beautifully with the almond notes.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be sure to check the blend’s protein content for the best texture. I made a gluten-free version for a friend, and the cookies stayed tender and flavorful.
Color Pop: While the red food coloring is optional, I love using it to give my cookies that charming pink blush reminiscent of cherry blossoms in full bloom—a true feast for the eyes as well as the palate!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses 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 and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This helps keep the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I find that having this done upfront makes the whole baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Whip them until the mixture looks light, airy, and fluffy. This step sets the stage for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. You’ll notice the texture change as you cream—it should be noticeably softer and pale.

Step 3: Add the Flavorful Goodies

Mix in ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice, ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla, if you prefer), and 2 to 4 drops of red food coloring if you’re using it. Stir until the color and flavors are well blended. The cherry juice not only adds flavor but also a subtle pinkish tint that pairs nicely with the food coloring.

Step 4: Flour Time – Form the Dough

Gradually add 2 to 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour into the mixture, starting with 2 cups. Mix gently until a soft dough begins to form—soft but not sticky. If your dough feels a bit too tacky, sprinkle in a little more flour until it’s just right. This balance is key to shaping perfect cookie balls later.

Step 5: Fold in the Cherries

Gently fold in 1 cup of finely chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries. Taking care to drain and pat them dry prevents the dough from getting too wet, which could affect baking. The bright, juicy cherries bring that signature burst of flavor to every bite.

Step 6: Shape, Coat, and Space

Using a tablespoon scoop, portion out the dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Then, roll each dough ball in ¼ cup granulated sugar to coat completely—that sugary crunch on the outside is so satisfying! Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheet to give them room to spread just right.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a light golden color and the kitchen fills with the smell of buttery sweetness. Resist the urge to overbake—they’re perfect soft and tender straight from the oven.

Step 8: Top with Hershey’s Kisses

As soon as you pull the cookies out, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth softens the chocolate just enough to nestle perfectly without melting away. This final touch gives the cookies their iconic look and a delicious chocolate surprise.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart and lets the flavors fully meld. Once cooled, gather your loved ones and enjoy these delightful Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses. Don’t forget to share your feedback—we love hearing from you!

Top Tip

These tips will help you bake the most beautiful and perfectly textured Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses every time, making your baking experience smooth and satisfying.

Drain the Cherries Well: I always make sure to drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries thoroughly before adding them to the dough to avoid extra moisture that can make the cookies too soft or cakey.
Don’t Skip the Chill: If your dough feels too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes helps tremendously in shaping beautiful cookie balls without frustration.
Roll in Sugar: Rolling each dough ball in granulated sugar before baking not only adds a subtle crunch but also gives the cookies a lovely glisten.
Add Kisses Right Away: Press the Hershey’s Kiss onto the cookie immediately after baking so it softens slightly and adheres perfectly without cracking.

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses 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

Add an extra pop of color and flavor by sprinkling a little crushed pistachio or edible glitter around the kiss after baking. You could also dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish that complements their delicate pink hue.

Side Dishes

Pair these Cherry Blossom Cookies with a hot cup of green tea or a creamy chai latte to enhance their almond and cherry flavors. They also serve beautifully alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad for a lovely dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh, buttery, and maintain their delicate texture perfectly.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and slightly melts the Hershey’s Kiss for an irresistible, just-baked taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of Hershey’s Kisses?

Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are classic and melt nicely, you can substitute with mini chocolate chips, chocolate buttons, or even white chocolate kisses for a fun twist.

What if I don’t have almond extract? Can I skip it?

You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract for a milder flavor. The cookies will still be delicious but the almond note adds that signature cherry blossom vibe.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your dough is well-chilled if needed, and avoid adding too much cherry juice or wet ingredients. Also, rolling the cookies into tight balls before baking helps them keep their shape.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to check the cherries and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

Making these Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses always feels like a little celebration in the kitchen. Their tender crumb, delightful cherry flavor, and that iconic chocolate kiss on top make them a treat that’s both charming and delicious. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it has to mine—happy baking and enjoy every sweet bite!