Cherry Almond Blossom Cookies: The Pink Holiday Kiss

Introduction

While the Japanese “Sakura” cookie is a delicate floral treat, in American holiday baking, a “Cherry Blossom” refers to something entirely different: a soft, cherry-infused sugar cookie topped with a chocolate kiss.

This recipe for Cherry Almond Blossom Cookies is a vibrant, fruity twist on the classic Peanut Butter Blossom. We replace the peanut butter with the sweet nostalgia of Maraschino cherries and almond extract. The result is a tender, pink cookie that tastes like a chocolate-covered cherry. They are visually popping, incredibly soft, and a mandatory addition to any colorful Christmas cookie box.

Ingredients List

The secret to the flavor and texture is using the cherry liquid in the dough. Here is your curated shopping list.

The Cookie Base:

1 Cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature.
1 Cup Powdered Sugar: (Confectioners’ sugar).
- Why Powdered? It creates a “melt-away” texture similar to shortbread, rather than a chewy texture like granulated sugar would.
1 Large Egg: Room temperature.
2 Teaspoons Maraschino Cherry Juice: (From the jar).
1 Teaspoon Almond Extract:
- Flavor Pairing: Cherry and Almond are best friends. The almond enhances the fruitiness significantly.
½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract.
Red Food Coloring: (Optional, but 1-2 drops helps achieve that candy-pink color).

The Dry Mix & Add-ins:

2 ¼ Cups All-Purpose Flour: Spooned and leveled.
½ Teaspoon Baking Powder.
¼ Teaspoon Salt.
½ Cup Maraschino Cherries: Finely chopped and pat dry.
- Prep: You must dry these well on paper towels, or the extra juice will make the dough sticky.

The Topping:

½ Cup Granulated Sugar: For rolling (sparkling sugar is even better).
36–40 Hershey’s Kisses: (Milk or Dark Chocolate), unwrapped.

Timing

The “press” step requires immediate attention after baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Chilling Time: 0–15 minutes (if kitchen is warm).
Baking Time: 8–10 minutes.
Total Time: Approx. 45 minutes.

Data Insight: The heat of the cookie slightly melts the bottom of the chocolate kiss, adhering it to the cookie. However, if you press the kiss on before baking, the chocolate will burn and lose its shape. The window to press the chocolate is within 2 minutes of removing the pan from the oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Aromatics

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Beat: In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Liquid: Add the egg, cherry juice, almond extract, vanilla, and food coloring. Beat until combined.

Step 2: The Dough

Dry: Slowly mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until streaks of flour disappear.
Fold: Stir in the chopped cherries.
- Texture Check: The dough should be soft but rollable. If it’s too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Roll and Coat

Scoop: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough.
Roll: Roll each ball into a smooth sphere, then roll it in the granulated sugar to coat completely.
Place: Arrange on baking sheet, 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake

Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes.
Visual Cue: The cookies should be puffed and set, but not brown. If the bottoms brown too much, the cookie becomes dry.

Step 5: The Blossom Press

Press: Immediately upon removing the pan from the oven, press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges—this is the signature “blossom” look.
Cool: Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Note: The chocolate will be soft/melty for a while. Do not touch the kisses until they firm up again (or pop them in the fridge to set quickly).

Nutritional Information

A festive fruit-and-chocolate bite. Estimated breakdown per cookie (makes approx. 36):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	105 kcal	–
Total Fat	6g	8%
Saturated Fat	3.5g	18%
Carbohydrates	13g	4%
Sugars	8g	–

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Customize your Cherry Blossoms for wellness goals:

Lower Sugar:
- Use sugar-free chocolate kisses.
- Reduce the sugar in the dough (the cherries add sweetness).
Dye-Free:
- Omit the food coloring. The chopped cherries will give natural speckles of red, though the dough will be paler.
Nut-Free:
- Omit the almond extract and just use vanilla if allergies are a concern.

Serving Suggestions

The Valentine: These are just as popular for Valentine’s Day as they are for Christmas due to the pink/red color scheme.
The Swap: Use a White Chocolate Hug (striped kiss) or a Cherry Cordial Kiss for an extra meta flavor profile.
The Platter: Arrange in a circle to mimic a wreath.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep the chocolate shape intact.

Wet Dough:
- The Error: Using dripping wet cherries.
- The Result: Sticky dough that spreads into flat pancakes.
- The Fix: Pat those chopped cherries dry with a paper towel!
Melted Kisses:
- The Error: Touching the chocolate while the cookie is cooling.
- The Result: The kiss collapses into a puddle.
- The Fix: Let them set completely. If you are in a rush, put the tray in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Overbaking:
- The Error: Waiting for them to turn golden.
- The Result: Hard, dry cookies.
- The Fix: Pull them out when they look puffy and matte.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Stacking: Do not stack these cookies until the chocolate is rock hard.
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies (with the kisses on). Layer with wax paper so the chocolate doesn’t get scratched. Thaw at room temperature.

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Blossom Cookies are a joyful explosion of texture and flavor. The tender, cake-like crumb of the cherry cookie combined with the snap of the chocolate kiss creates a nostalgic bite that appeals to kids and adults alike. They are the “pink pop” that every cookie tray needs.

Summary: A soft, pink, almond-cherry sugar cookie rolled in sugar and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss while warm.

Ready to bake?

Unwrap those chocolates! Rate this recipe 5 stars if you loved the almond flavor, and leave a comment below: milk chocolate or dark chocolate kiss? Subscribe for more holiday favorites!