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 on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe. Soft, buttery, and bursting with cherry flavor, these cookies are perfect for sharing or savoring with a cozy cup of tea.

A white plate with a decorative pattern is filled with many small round pink cookies that have red flecks inside them. Each cookie has a smooth, shiny dollop of brown chocolate in the center. The cookies look soft with slight cracks on the surface. Bright red cherries with stems are scattered between the cookies, adding a fresh contrast. The plate is on a white marbled surface, and two round chocolates appear nearby. photo 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 still remember the first time I made these cookies—they felt like little bites of spring with every tender, cherry-studded bite. Plus, the pop of a Hershey’s Kiss on top makes them irresistibly playful and nostalgic.

Soft & Buttery Texture: These cookies melt in your mouth thanks to the perfect balance of butter and powdered sugar.
Cherry-Infused Flavor: We use maraschino cherry juice and chopped cherries for a natural, fruity sweetness that shines.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re great for last-minute celebrations or casual weekend baking.
Eye-Catching Presentation: Rolled in sugar and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, they’re both festive and fun.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, grab some quality unsalted butter and well-drained maraschino cherries—they’re key to this recipe’s rich flavor and perfect texture. Optional red food coloring helps bring out that charming pink hue if you want your cookies to look extra festive.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with powdered sugar, a few grains of salt scattered nearby, a small white ceramic bowl containing deep red maraschino cherry juice, a small white ceramic bowl with pale almond extract, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl holding finely chopped bright red maraschino cherries, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, and a neat cluster of whole Hershey’s Kisses chocolates with shiny silver wrappers, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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 give these cookies their rich, tender crumb.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Salt: Balances flavor and enhances the sweetness.
Maraschino cherry juice: Infuses the dough with authentic cherry flavor.
Almond extract (or vanilla): Adds a subtle nutty note that perfectly complements the cherries.
Red food coloring (optional): Gives the cookies a pretty pink blush, but skip it if you prefer natural coloring.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for these soft yet sturdy cookies.
Maraschino cherries: Finely chopped and drained to distribute sweet cherry bursts throughout the dough.
Granulated sugar: For rolling the dough balls to create a sparkling, sweet exterior.
Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic kiss on top that balances sweetness with a touch of chocolate charm.

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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 the Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. Whether you want to dial up the almond flavor or play with seasonal twists, these cookies warmly invite your creativity.

Almond Lover’s Twist: I love adding an extra ¼ teaspoon of almond extract when I want that lovely nutty aroma to shine through even more. It’s like a cozy hug in every bite!
No Red Food Coloring: If you prefer to keep things natural, skip the red drops — the chopped maraschino cherries provide plenty of pretty pink pops without any artificial coloring.
Chocolate Cherry Delight: Sometimes, I swap out the classic Hershey’s Kiss for a dark chocolate or cherry-filled Kiss to give the cookies a richer, fancier feel—perfect for holiday gifting.
Gluten-Free Version: Using a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well here. Just watch the dough texture — you may need to add the additional flour a little at a time to get that perfect soft, non-sticky dough.
Seasonal Spice Addition: For a warm seasonal note, try mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger to the dough. It adds a cozy flair without overpowering the cherry and almond notes.

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

A white plate shows a stack of pink cookies with small red cherry pieces mixed inside. The top cookie is broken in half, revealing a thick, smooth dark brown chocolate layer inside. On top of some cookies, there is a chocolate kiss sitting in the middle, shining slightly. A shiny red cherry with a green stem lies next to the stack on the plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. The cookies have a soft, crumbly texture and a round, slightly domed shape, with some cookies blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep for Success

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Powdered Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The airy texture here is key to buttery, delicate cookies.

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

Stir in the salt, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract (or vanilla if you prefer), and a few drops of red food coloring if you’re using it. This combination infuses the dough with that signature cherry blossom flavor and a lovely pink hue.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour Gradually

Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour into your wet mixture little by little, stirring gently until it forms a soft dough. If the dough feels sticky, add up to ½ cup more flour in increments until the dough is soft but manageable — not sticky to the touch.

Step 5: Gently Fold in Chopped Cherries

Carefully fold in the finely chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries. The cherries add unexpected bright bursts of flavor and moisture — just be sure they’re patted dry so the dough doesn’t get too wet.

Step 6: Roll, Sugar-Coat, and Arrange

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll every ball in granulated sugar until it’s well coated — this gives a delightful sweet crust and sparkle to your cookies. Arrange the balls on your baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for baking spread.

Step 7: Bake to Light Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want the edges to be lightly golden while keeping the centers soft. This quick bake locks in that tender crumb everyone loves.

Step 8: Add the Iconic Hershey’s Kiss

The magic moment! Right after pulling your cookies from the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The heat softens the bottom of the Kiss, helping it adhere perfectly as the cookie cools.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are delightful fresh but also store well so you can savor them over the week.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most delightful results from your Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe, ensuring each bite is as perfect as the last.

Properly Draining the Cherries: Make sure to drain and pat dry your maraschino cherries very well before folding them into the dough. Excess moisture can make the dough too sticky and affect the texture of your cookies.
Chilling Dough if Too Soft: If you find your dough a bit too soft or sticky when rolling, don’t hesitate to chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes handling easier and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
Rolling in Granulated Sugar: Rolling each dough ball in granulated sugar before baking gives these cookies a lovely sparkle and a slight crunch on the outside, creating a fantastic texture contrast with the soft center.
Pressing Hershey’s Kisses Right Away: Be sure to press the Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie immediately after removing them from the oven. The warmth slightly softens the cookie top, allowing the kiss to nestle perfectly without cracking.

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing a thick beige dough with bright red chopped cherries piled in the center on top. Near the bowl, a white cup filled with whole red cherries is placed on the bottom left, with some scattered cherries around it. Silver-wrapped chocolate kisses are scattered in the top left corner, and a green and white checkered cloth lies folded partially under the bowl on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a little extra charm, sprinkle some finely chopped maraschino cherries or edible pink flower petals around your serving plate. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving can enhance their delicate, rosy look as well.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of green tea or a subtly flavored fruit-infused water to balance the sweetness. For occasions, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of mixed fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 1 week. This makes them a great make-ahead treat for the entire week!

Freezing

You can extend the life of your cookies by freezing them. Place fully cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave briefly for 10–15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as you don’t want the Hershey’s Kisses to lose their shape.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract in this recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe suggests using either almond extract or vanilla extract. Almond extract offers a classic pairing with cherries, but vanilla will provide a lovely, mellow flavor if you prefer.

Why do I need to press the Hershey’s Kiss right after baking?

Pressing the Hershey’s Kiss into the hot cookie allows it to slightly melt and settle perfectly into the center without cracking the cookie. This creates that iconic “blossom” look and enhances the texture.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky to handle?

If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling. This helps firm it up and makes it easier to roll into balls without sticking to your hands.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can bake them up to a week in advance and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them as noted in our storage tips.

Final Thoughts

Baking Cherry Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses is such a joyful experience — from mixing that buttery dough infused with cherry juice and almond extract to the moment you press that iconic chocolate kiss on top. These cookies not only taste delicious but also bring a pop of color and a touch of nostalgia to any dessert table. I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with warmth and sweet smiles as much as it does mine. Happy baking!