From festive holiday celebrations to everyday treats, these Cherry Blossom Cookies are a must-try cookie recipe. They are the perfect pairing of cherry and chocolate with a touch of almond. Simple to make and ideal for every occasion, these are set to be a baking favorite!

cherry blossom cookies on a marble board.

Let’s talk cookies. Specifically, Cherry Blossom Cookies. I’m a firm believer that the best recipes combine simplicity with downright deliciousness, and that’s precisely what we’re diving into today. These cookies are a unique take on the beloved Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies (I even made a Peppermint Kiss version) but revamped with an irresistible cherry-chocolate combo.

Because of their red color, I crafted these for Christmas, but they’re versatile enough for any occasion. The contrasting colors and textures, coupled with the harmonious flavors of cherry and chocolate, make these cookies a true crowd-pleaser.

cherry blossom cookies stacked on a small white plate.

So, if you’ve been searching for a recipe that strikes the right balance between ease and indulgence, this might just be your next baking project. I think you’re going to love them.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Cookie Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 Instructions

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 More Cookie Recipes You May Enjoy

6 Cherry Blossom Cookies

They are so easy! With just a handful of ingredients and a couple of steps, you’ve got yourself a plate of these stunning treats. Voila! Even if you’re new to baking, this is your chance to shine.
Cherry and chocolate? It’s a match made in heaven! Not just in taste, but visually too. The vibrant cherry cookie paired with a rich chocolate kiss on top is adorable. (You’ll also love the kiss of almond flavor.)
While I whipped these up for Christmas, there’s absolutely no reason to limit them to just the festive season. Valentine’s Day, a birthday, parties, picnics, brunches, or just a cozy evening in – these cookies fit right in.

In need of more cookie recipes? You’ve got it! Here are some of my favorite fancy cookie recipes, and these are my must-make Christmas cookie recipes.

cherry blossom cookies in two lines on a marble slab.

Ingredients

Let’s gather up all the ingredients you’ll need to make these Cherry Blossom Cookies truly unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Unsalted Butter: As the creamy base for these cookies, it provides that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Not just any sugar, this fine powdery delight ensures our cookies have a smooth and sweet touch.
Kosher Salt: A sprinkle of this elevates the flavors. It’s the unsung hero in many baked delights, giving a balance to the sweetness.
Maraschino Cherry Juice: This brings a lovely touch of cherry flavor and a bit of that pretty pink hue to our dough.
Almond Extract: A hint of this magic extract gives our cookies a delightful, aromatic twist that pairs so well with cherry.
Red Food Coloring (optional): For those who want a deeper pop of color in their cookies, a dash of this coloring can make these beauties even more vibrant.
All-Purpose Flour: It’s the backbone of these cookies by giving them structure and that perfect chewy bite.
Maraschino Cherries: These little gems add bursts of cherry flavor and a cute touch to our cookie dough.
Chocolate Kisses: The pièce de résistance! Nestled atop, they add a rich chocolatey finish, making every bite a delightful surprise.

Now that we’ve introduced all of our star players, let’s get baking!

Instructions

With all of your ingredients on hand, it’s time to preheat your oven so we can bake these Cherry Blossom Cookies. You can find the step-by-step instructions below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until blended. Then beat in the cherry juice and almond extract. (If desired, this is when you can add the food coloring.)
Gradually beat in the flour. Once just combined, stir in the cherries.

round balls of cherry cookie dough on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Then, shape the dough into one-inch round balls. Place the balls about one inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the bottoms are light brown.

hand adding Hershey kiss to cherry cookie.

Remove from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Cool on the baking sheet for two minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool.
Allow the chocolate to harden before packing and storing the cookies in an airtight container.

And done!

If you’re looking for a new festive, delicious, and colorful cookie to try, I recommend you give these a go!

cherry blossom cookies line up on a platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the red food coloring necessary?

Nope, it’s totally optional! It just gives the cookies a brighter red hue; they’ll taste delightful with or without it.

Any recommendations for storing these cookies?

Sure thing! Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

While fresh cherries are delicious, maraschino cherries work best for this particular recipe due to their flavor and texture. If you’re feeling experimental, give fresh cherries a go but be mindful of the moisture content.

Yes, you can! Shape the dough into balls, place the balls on a baking sheet, and freeze them until firm. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I package the cookies if I want to gift them?

These Cherry Blossom Cookies make delightful handmade holiday gifts! Once the cookies are completely cooled, place them in a decorative tin or a cellophane bag with parchment or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Make sure to seal the container or bag well to maintain freshness.

cherry cookies stacked up on marble plate.

If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that’s easy, looks fabulous, and tastes even better, look no further. If you do try these Cherry Blossom Cookies, please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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