Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I watched the snow gently fall outside my kitchen window, the aroma of freshly baked cookies began to weave through my home, instantly transporting me to those magical holiday moments of my childhood. These Chocolate Cherry Blossoms are the perfect way to celebrate the season! Combining the sweet hint of cherries with delicious dark chocolate kisses, these cookies are not only a feast for the eyes, thanks to their lovely pink hue, but they’re also soft and chewy—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they come together in a snap, making them an ideal treat for busy holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. So, are you ready to fill your home with warmth and cheer? Let’s dive into making these festive delights! Why Are These Cookies So Special? Festive Flavor: The delightful combination of cherry and chocolate creates a taste sensation that’s perfectly festive and uplifting. Quick to Mix: You’ll love how easily these cookies come together in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy holiday schedules. Visual Delight: Their charming pink hue makes them an eye-catching addition to any cookie platter. Versatile and Customizable: Experiment with variations like using white chocolate chips or fresh cherries for a twist! Crowd Favorite: With their soft, chewy texture and the rich surprise of chocolate kisses, these Chocolate Cherry Blossoms are sure to impress guests of all ages. Don’t forget to check out our Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists for another fantastic holiday treat! Chocolate Cherry Blossoms Ingredients For the Cookie Dough • Butter – Provides richness and moisture; use softened butter for easy mixing. • Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a soft cookie texture; avoid granulated sugar to prevent graininess. • Cherry Juice – Imparts a distinct cherry flavor and moisture; substitute with apple juice if unavailable. • Maraschino Cherries – Offers a chewy texture and bursts of cherry flavor; make sure they are well-drained and chopped. • Almond Extract – Enhances the cherry flavor, making it more pronounced; can be replaced with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. • Flour – The main structure of the cookies; all-purpose flour works best without substitutions. For the Topping • Dark Chocolate Kisses – The signature topping providing a rich chocolate balance; using other chocolate varieties will alter the flavor. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Cherry Blossoms Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring that it reaches the right temperature for baking those delightful Chocolate Cherry Blossoms. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup once your cookies are baked. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and powdered sugar, beating them together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps left in the butter, as this will contribute to the smooth texture of your cookies. Step 3: Add Cherry and Flavorings Once the butter-sugar mixture is fluffy, add in cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and almond extract. Mix everything on low speed until well incorporated, allowing the cherry flavor to blend harmoniously with the sweet creaminess. The mixture should have a lovely, inviting color from the cherries, hinting at the delicious result ahead. Step 4: Incorporate the Flour Gradually add the all-purpose flour into the mixture while continuing to mix on low speed. Stop when the dough is combined and has a slightly sticky texture, not overly wet. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a tiny bit more cherry juice to achieve the perfect consistency. Step 5: Shape the Cookie Dough Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake. You’ll want them to have some room to grow while they transform into those irresistible Chocolate Cherry Blossoms. Step 6: Bake the Cookies Slide the trays into your preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as you want the centers to remain soft while the edges become just firm enough to hold their shape. Step 7: Top with Chocolate Kisses When the cookies are done baking and still warm, carefully remove them from the oven. Immediately press a dark chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie, letting it sink slightly into the warm dough. This not only adds a pop of chocolate but creates a beautiful centerpiece for your Chocolate Cherry Blossoms. Step 8: Cool the Cookies Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the cookies to solidify a bit, making them easier to transfer. Afterward, gently lift them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This final step ensures they maintain their soft and chewy texture, making them a delightful treat. Expert Tips for Chocolate Cherry Blossoms Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smoother mixing process, creating a tender cookie dough. Avoid Graininess: Use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar to maintain a soft texture in your Chocolate Cherry Blossoms. Granulated sugar can lead to undesirable graininess. Dough Consistency: Gradually incorporate cherry juice to achieve the right consistency. Too much juice can make the dough overly wet, impacting the final result. Size Matters: Form cookie balls that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. Smaller balls may lead to overpowering chocolate kisses or uneven baking. Aesthetic Appeal: Roll the cookie dough balls in sugar before baking for a beautiful sparkly effect that enhances their festive look. How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cherry Blossoms Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor. Fridge: If you prefer longer storage, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste. Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze the Chocolate Cherry Blossoms in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw by leaving them at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying. Reheating: If you’re enjoying chilled or frozen cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them gently, restoring that delightful soft texture. Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Cherry Blossoms are perfect for busy bakers who want to get a head start on holiday treats! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re planning further ahead, you can freeze the formed dough balls for up to 3 months; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven from the fridge or freezer, adding a minute to the baking time if frozen. By prepping ahead, you’ll save precious time during the holidays while still enjoying cookies that are just as delicious as freshly made! Chocolate Cherry Blossoms Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful cookies to suit your taste! Fresh Cherries: Use fresh, pitted cherries instead of maraschino for a burst of natural flavor. The result is wonderfully fresh and vibrant! Dried Cranberries: Swap the maraschino cherries for dried cranberries for a chewier texture with a tart twist. This gives your cookies a sweet and tangy contrast that’s irresistible. White Chocolate Kisses: For a sweeter option, substitute dark chocolate kisses with white chocolate variations. The creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with the cherry flavor. Nutty Addition: Add crushed almonds or walnuts into the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture. The nutty flavor enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and cherry. Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or ground ginger for a surprising warmth that beautifully contrasts with the sweet cherry and chocolate. It’s a unique flavor twist that can ignite your taste buds! Coconut Flakes: Mix in unsweetened coconut flakes for added chewiness and a tropical touch. The coconut pairs well with the other flavors, giving your cookies an exotic flair. Almond Extract Swap: Replace almond extract with orange zest for a refreshing citrus note that elevates the overall flavor profile. Just a hint can enliven the cookie in delightful ways. Sprinkle Finishing Touch: Before baking, dust your cookie dough balls with colorful sprinkles. This adds a festive vibe, perfect for holiday gatherings. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out our recipe for Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies—another holiday favorite that’s sure to wow your guests! What to Serve with Chocolate Cherry Blossoms These delightful treats are just the beginning of a festive feast that will fill your home with warmth and cheer! Creamy Hot Chocolate: The smooth, rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet cherry flavor, making each delightful sip a warm hug on a cold night. Serve it in festive mugs to keep spirits high during holiday gatherings. Sweet Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop it alongside your cookies for a delightful contrast, creating a dreamy combination that’ll satisfy every sweet tooth. The cold creaminess complements the soft, chewy texture of the cookies beautifully. Spiced Apple Cider: This warm beverage offers a fragrant infusion of spices that balances the sweetness of the cookies, keeping the holiday spirit alive in every sip. Serve it in a punch bowl and enjoy throughout your get-together. Shortbread Cookies: The buttery crispiness of shortbread makes for a lovely contrast to the soft Chocolate Cherry Blossoms, and they can be made in festive shapes to enhance your cookie display. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: A fresh, fruity option that pairs wonderfully with the cherry flavors, these treats add an extra pop of color and sweetness to your dessert table, making it visually appealing. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing accompaniment that adds a burst of flavor and texture, balancing out the richness of the cookies while providing a healthy, vibrant touch. Walnut or Pecan Pie: This traditional dessert will entice guests with its rich, nutty flavor, offering a sweet and crunchy contrast to the soft cookies. Perfect for ending a holiday meal on a festive note! Peppermint Bark: The crispness and minty flavor of peppermint bark create a delightful contrast to the cookies, making for a fun and festive end to your holiday spread. Sparkling Cranberry Drink: Add a festive touch with some fizz! This sparkling drink enhances the holiday theme and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between desserts. Chocolate Cherry Blossoms Recipe FAQs What cherries should I use for this recipe? Absolutely! I recommend using well-drained maraschino cherries, as they provide a lovely chewy texture and a burst of flavor. If you’re looking for a fresh twist, you can also use fresh or dried cherries, but keep in mind dried cherries will be less juicy. How should I store my Chocolate Cherry Blossoms? To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week, but make sure they come to room temperature before serving for the best taste! Can I freeze Chocolate Cherry Blossoms? Certainly! To freeze these delicious cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. What if my cookie dough is too sticky? No worries! If your dough is overly sticky, just sprinkle in a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure to mix well but avoid overworking the dough, as that can affect texture. Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies? Very! By omitting the almond extract and using vanilla extract instead, these Chocolate Cherry Blossoms can be made nut-free, making them suitable for all your guests, including those with nut allergies. How can I make these cookies more visually appealing? For a charming and festive touch, consider rolling your cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking. This not only adds a lovely sparkly effect but enhances their visual appeal, making them the perfect decoration for your holiday cookie platter! Irresistible Chocolate Cherry Blossoms for Holiday Cheers These Chocolate Cherry Blossoms are a festive treat merging cherries and chocolate into soft, chewy cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 32 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: HolidayCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough1 cup Butter softened1 cup Powdered Sugar avoid granulated sugar1/4 cup Cherry Juice or apple juice if unavailable1/2 cup Maraschino Cherries well-drained and chopped1 teaspoon Almond Extract can substitute with vanilla extract2 cups Flour all-purpose flourFor the Topping24 pieces Dark Chocolate Kisses Equipment Mixing bowlElectric Mixerbaking sheetsParchment papercookie scoopwire rack Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Cherry BlossomsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.Add cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix on low speed until well combined.Gradually mix in the flour until the dough is combined and slightly sticky.Shape the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the baking sheets.Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden.Immediately press a dark chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm.Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 70mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor best results, ensure butter is at room temperature and use powdered sugar for a smooth texture. Cookies can be rolled in sugar for added sparkle before baking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
