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 - 2½ 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 to bake something absolutely charming and delicious, you’ve got to try this Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe. Soft, buttery, and bursting with a subtle cherry-almond flavor, these cookies are like a little spring celebration in every bite.

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

I remember the first time I baked these cherry blossom cookies—I couldn’t get over how perfectly the juicy maraschino cherries paired with a buttery cookie topped with a melty Hershey’s Kiss made everyone smile. It’s such a joyful, quick bake that’s great year-round!

Perfect balance of flavors: The almond extract and cherry juice create a delicate, naturally sweet taste that feels fresh and inviting.
Beautiful presentation: The soft pink hue and Hershey’s Kiss on top make these cookies a feast for your eyes as well as your taste buds.
Easy and quick to prepare: In just 30 minutes, you’re baking up 24 cookies that are ready to impress.
Versatile treat: Ideal for holidays, parties, or anytime you want to brighten your afternoon tea or snack time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive into mixing your dough, let’s talk about what goes into these cookies. Choosing quality ingredients helps the flavors shine—especially those maraschino cherries and butter. And if you want that lovely pink color, a few drops of red food coloring can do wonders.

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: I like using unsalted so I can control the saltiness and get that rich, creamy foundation for the cookie.
Powdered sugar: Gives the cookies a tender crumb and sweetness without any graininess.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out all the sweetness perfectly.
Maraschino cherry juice: This adds a subtle cherry flavor and moisture, making the cookies extra soft.
Almond extract or vanilla extract: Almond extract is my go-to here for that classic cherry-almond combo, but vanilla works beautifully too.
Red food coloring (optional): A couple drops bring out an enchanting pink hue that makes these cookies pop.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie! Adding just enough to get the dough soft but not sticky is key.
Maraschino cherries: Finely chopped and drained, these little bursts of sweetness give great texture and flavor.
Granulated sugar: Rolling the dough balls in sugar adds a lovely crunch and sparkle on the outside.
Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic finishing touch—immediately pressed into warm cookies for that classic melty center.

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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

The beauty of this Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe is how easy it is to make these charming treats your own. Whether you want to add a different extract or switch up the toppings, these cookies invite your creativity with open arms.

Variation: I love switching almond extract for vanilla extract when I want a subtler, more classic cookie flavor that everyone enjoys. It’s a small change but really shifts the aroma and taste beautifully.
Seasonal Touch: Around the holidays, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy twist that pairs perfectly with the cherry flavor.
Color Play: Use the optional red food coloring sparingly to create a soft pink hue that makes the cookies extra festive without overpowering the natural cherry tones.
Dietary Adaptations: For a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative. Just be sure to keep the dough consistency soft but not sticky.

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 Your Baking Surface

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Powdered Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. The texture here is key—it gives the cookies their soft, buttery base.

Step 3: Add Cherry Juice, Extracts, and Optional Color

Mix in the ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice, and ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract if you prefer). If you want a pretty pink hue, add 2-4 drops of red food coloring now. Stir well to combine all those lovely flavors and tones.

Step 4: Gradually Incorporate Flour to Form Dough

Begin adding 2 cups of all-purpose flour gradually, mixing gently as you go. Add up to 2½ cups if the dough feels too sticky. Your goal is a soft, pliable dough that's not sticky to the touch. Keep an eye on the texture—it should hold together nicely without clinging to your fingers.

Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Maraschino Cherries

Carefully fold in 1 cup of finely chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries. Make sure they're evenly distributed so every cookie gets bursts of cherry sweetness. Remember, draining the cherries well helps avoid excess moisture that could make your dough too soft.

Step 6: Roll Dough Balls and Coat with Granulated Sugar

Scoop out tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Then, roll the dough balls in ¼ cup granulated sugar to add a little sparkle and a delicate crunch to the cookie exterior.

Step 7: Bake and Press Hershey’s Kisses

Arrange the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Right when you take them out, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will soften the cookie slightly to hold the Kiss perfectly in place.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—this helps them set without breaking apart. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed fresh or stored for later snacking!

Top Tip

These Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses are all about balance—soft, buttery dough meets bursts of cherry sweetness and that iconic chocolate kiss on top. Here are some tips straight from my kitchen that will help you get them just right every time.

Drain Those Cherries Well: Excess moisture from the maraschino cherries can make your dough too sticky, so I always pat them dry before folding them in. It really helps maintain the perfect dough consistency.
Chill if Needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, don’t hesitate to pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes. It firms up nicely and makes rolling sugar-coated balls easier.
Don’t Skip the Sugar Roll: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a lovely texture and a subtle sparkle that catches the eye and adds a tiny crunch—you’ll notice the difference!
Add Food Coloring Wisely: Red food coloring is optional but enhances that pretty pink hue. I add just 2-4 drops to avoid overpowering the natural cherry flavor while making the cookies visually cheerful.

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

For an elegant touch, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. If you want to step it up, scatter a few edible flower petals or finely chopped pistachios around the plate to play off the “cherry blossom” theme. A small mint leaf next to each cookie also adds a burst of fresh color and aroma.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a variety of beverages such as a hot cup of green tea, a floral white tea, or even a cold glass of milk to complement the buttery richness. For a complete dessert spread, offer alongside light fruit salads, vanilla bean ice cream, or lemon bars to balance the sweet cherry flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cherry Blossom Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and chewy while preserving the delightful cherry flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freezing is the way to go. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature—easy and convenient!

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookies and slightly melts the Hershey’s Kiss for an irresistible treat. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies too soft or cause the chocolate to seize.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While you can use fresh or frozen cherries, maraschino cherries provide that signature sweetness, color, and flavor. If substituting, make sure to finely chop and drain any excess juice to keep the dough from becoming too wet.

Is almond extract necessary?

Almond extract adds a lovely, nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with cherry flavor, but you can substitute it with vanilla extract if you prefer a milder taste. Both work well in this recipe.

Why did my dough turn out sticky?

Sticky dough usually means either too little flour was added or the cherries weren’t drained properly. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Try substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Final Thoughts

Making Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses at home is such a joyful experience — from mixing the fragrant dough to pressing that final chocolate kiss on top. They’re not only beautiful but deliver a comforting, buttery sweetness that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen, bringing a touch of springtime charm and smiles to every bite.