Dessert

Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

Byluca Carter November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Introduction

Chocolate Cherry Blossoms are delightful bite-sized cookies that combine the sweetness of maraschino cherries with rich dark chocolate. These festive treats offer a perfect balance of fruity and nutty flavors, ideal for sharing or gifting during special occasions.

The image shows several round cookies with a soft pink color and a slightly rough texture, mixed with small pieces of red fruit embedded throughout. Each cookie has a golden brown bottom layer visible beneath the pink top layer. On the center of each cookie, there is a cone-shaped dollop of smooth, dark chocolate that stands out against the pink. The cookies are placed on a white marbled surface with soft shadows, arranged loosely with some overlapping edges. The overall look is inviting with a balance of bright pink and dark brown colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar

4 teaspoons cherry juice (from the maraschino jar)
1/2 cup maraschino cherries (chopped)

3/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups flour

1 bag Hershey Kisses (dark chocolate preferred)
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until creamy.

Step 3: Add cherry juice, chopped cherries, and almond extract to the mixture. Blend well. Optionally, add a few drops of food coloring for a pinker hue.
Step 4: Gradually mix in the flour until fully incorporated. The dough will be dry but should hold together when formed into balls. If too dry, add more cherry juice, one teaspoon at a time.
Step 5: Shape the dough into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on ungreased cookie sheets or sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 6: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Immediately after baking, while the cookies remain on the sheet, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let sit on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.
Step 8: Once cooled, prepare the optional glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar, water, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cookies and allow it to harden before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use dark chocolate Hershey Kisses for a richer flavor that balances the sweetness.
Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the dough for a more vibrant look.
If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, increase the almond extract slightly, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the cherries.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If glazed, keep them separate from moist foods to prevent the glaze from softening. Reheat briefly in a low oven if you prefer them warm, but they are best enjoyed at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows seven pink cookies arranged on a round white plate with a smooth surface. Each cookie has a soft, slightly cracked texture with small red specks inside, and a tall, dark brown chocolate kiss is placed in the center of each cookie, creating two layers—the pink base and the chocolate peak. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background there is a metal cooling rack with more of the same cookies and a small metal cup filled with red candy, blurred to keep the focus on the cookies in the front. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but they lack the sweetness and soft texture of maraschino cherries. To replicate the flavor, you might need to add some cherry juice or syrup and finely chop them well. The dough texture might also vary slightly.

Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?

Yes, you can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract for a more classic cookie flavor. However, the almond extract adds a signature note that complements the cherry taste beautifully.