If you adore the delightful combination of rich chocolate and the sweet, floral pop of cherries, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a joyous celebration of flavors and textures: soft, cocoa-infused dough studded with juicy maraschino cherries and crowned with a melty chocolate kiss right out of the oven. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping all to yourself, these cookies bring a touch of elegance and whimsy to any dessert table or cozy coffee break.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is easier than you think! Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of softness, flavor, and sweetness that makes this recipe unforgettable. From the creamy butter that gives the dough richness to the fresh bursts of cherry that surprise your palate, every component counts.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy, rich base essential for tender cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s light texture.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Imparts a subtle molasses flavor and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for a soft bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that shapes the cookie’s structure.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep chocolate flavor and rich color.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry): Brings bursts of sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- 48 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped: The signature finishing touch that melts into a gooey center.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly, setting the stage for cookie perfection.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor, helping the dough come together smoothly and imparting a rich, homey aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures the cocoa is evenly distributed and the leavening agent is activated uniformly.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until fully incorporated. Don’t overmix here; you want to keep the cookies tender, not tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Chopped Maraschino Cherries
Gently fold the cherries into your cookie dough. This adds those delightful fruity bursts that contrast beautifully with the chocolate, making each bite unique and exciting.
Step 7: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges set but centers remain slightly soft. This timing creates the perfect texture balance you’re aiming for.
Step 8: Add the Chocolate Kiss and Cool
Right after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step adds that irresistible gooey chocolate center that makes these cookies so special.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To add extra charm, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the top. A sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios can also bring a lovely color contrast and crunch that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and cherries.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For a more festive touch, serve them with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to accentuate their rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter studded with fresh cherries and edible flowers for a stunning presentation. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for an adorable handmade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for anytime snacking.
Freezing
You can freeze both the dough and baked cookies. For dough, shape the balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple minutes to baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookies as if freshly baked, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or on a low oven setting for a few minutes. This brings back that soft, melty chocolate goodness that makes the Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries are wonderful but contain more moisture, which may affect the cookie texture. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit and chop them finely, then gently pat to reduce moisture before folding into the dough.
What makes the chocolate kiss candies special in this recipe?
The chocolate kisses melt slightly when pressed into the warm cookies, creating a luscious, gooey center that contrasts perfectly with the chewy cookie exterior and juicy cherries. They truly elevate the cookie experience.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for 1:1 substitution. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the right texture.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about one week. Beyond that, they might start to lose their soft texture.
Is there a way to intensify the cherry flavor?
Absolutely! Adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of maraschino cherry juice into the dough can enhance the cherry flavor beautifully. Just be careful not to add too much liquid or the dough could become too soft to handle.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe is such a joyful treat to bake and even more delightful to enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies will bring smiles around your kitchen table. Give it a try and experience the magic of chocolate and cherries in every bite—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies, featuring a rich cocoa-infused dough studded with sweet maraschino cherries and crowned with a classic chocolate kiss. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a sweet, chewy treat with a burst of fruity flavor and a chocolatey finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
Topping
- 48 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine all the wet ingredients, ensuring a smooth dough base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped, drained maraschino cherries to distribute their flavor and texture throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, providing room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft, indicating perfectly baked cookies.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss candy into the center of each hot cookie for a melty, festive touch.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For enhanced cherry flavor, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of maraschino cherry juice to the dough during mixing.
- If the dough is too soft to roll comfortably, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes prior to shaping.
- Ensure cherries are well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
