Let's talk about perfect flavor combinations. Peanut butter has jelly, and coffee has cream, but the trio of cherry, almond, and chocolate is in a league of its own. It’s a sophisticated blend that feels both nostalgic and a little bit fancy, all at the same time. These cherry almond blossom cookies capture that magic perfectly. The dough is soft and tender, with a delicate almond flavor and little bursts of sweet cherry throughout. Then, a rich chocolate kiss is pressed into the center, creating a gooey, delicious finish. If you’re ready to bake a treat that truly delivers on flavor, you’ve come to the right place.

Key Takeaways

• Balance is Everything: The signature taste of these cookies comes from the perfect harmony of sweet maraschino cherry, nutty almond, and rich chocolate. Getting this combination right is the key to their irresistible flavor.
• Patience with Your Dough Guarantees Perfect Texture: Chilling the dough is the most important step for preventing flat cookies and making it easy to handle. For a soft, chewy result, pull them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone.
• Nail the Signature Blossom Finish: Timing is crucial for the final touch. Press the chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie the moment they leave the oven, allowing the cookie's heat to set the chocolate perfectly without melting it.

What Are Cherry Almond Blossom Cookies?

If you’ve ever looked for a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, you’ve probably heard of the Cherry Almond Blossom. So, what is it exactly? At its heart, this is a sweet, almond-flavored cookie filled with finely chopped maraschino cherries. Before baking, the dough is rolled in sugar, which gives it a lovely sparkle and a slightly crisp exterior. The final, iconic touch is a chocolate kiss pressed into the center the moment the cookies come out of the oven, creating that signature "blossom" shape.

This cookie is a classic for a reason. It brings together some of the most comforting and nostalgic flavors in one perfect package. The soft, chewy texture of the cookie contrasts beautifully with the smooth, melting chocolate on top. The almond extract provides a warm, nutty background note that perfectly complements the bright, sweet pop of the maraschino cherries. It’s a treat that feels special enough for a holiday but is simple enough to bake any time you're craving something sweet. Whether you're making them for a party, a cookie exchange, or just for yourself, they never fail to impress.

A Perfect Blend of Cherry, Almond, and Chocolate

What makes this cookie so irresistible is its incredible flavor combination. Each bite truly tastes like a miniature chocolate-covered cherry, but with the added warmth of almond. The cherry flavor isn't just a hint; it's woven throughout the cookie thanks to the chopped maraschino cherries and a bit of their juice, which also gives the dough a lovely, natural pink hue. This perfect pairing of sweet cherry, rich chocolate, and nutty almond creates a balanced and deeply satisfying treat. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable flavor that appeals to just about everyone.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Beyond the amazing taste, Cherry Almond Blossom cookies are true show-stoppers. Their pretty pink color and iconic chocolate center make them stand out on any dessert platter. They are a fantastic choice if you need a special cookie for a holiday gathering or a cookie exchange, because they always get rave reviews. The beautiful color comes naturally from the maraschino cherry juice, so you don't have to fuss with food coloring unless you want an even more vibrant pink. They look like they took hours to decorate, but their charm is all in the simple, elegant assembly.

Gather Your Ingredients for Cherry Almond Blossom Cookies

Before we roll up our sleeves and get our hands doughy, let's do a quick kitchen inventory. Getting all your ingredients measured and ready to go is a baker's secret to a stress-free process. It’s the best way to make sure your cookie-making session goes off without a hitch and you end up with a perfect batch of treats.

Pantry Staples You'll Need

Most of what you need for these cherry almond beauties are probably already hanging out in your pantry and fridge. For this recipe, you’ll want to grab:

• Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• Powdered sugar
• A splash of maraschino cherry juice (from the jar!)
• Almond extract
• All-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• Chopped maraschino cherries
• Granulated sugar for rolling
• A bag of Hershey’s Kisses

Using unsalted butter is a great habit for baking because it gives you complete control over the saltiness of your final cookie. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in achieving that perfect, balanced flavor.

The Key Ingredients for That Signature Flavor

The magic of these cookies is in the simple but perfect combination of flavors. The dough itself is a soft, shortbread-style cookie that gets its signature taste from a duo of almond extract and sweet maraschino cherry juice. We’re also folding in chopped cherries for little bursts of flavor and a beautiful pink hue. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make maraschino cherries at home! Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking gives them a lovely, slightly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender cookie inside. The final touch—a chocolate kiss pressed into the center—melts just enough to create that dreamy, gooey chocolate-and-cherry moment.

How to Make Cherry Almond Blossom Cookies, Step-by-Step

Ready to get baking? This recipe is straightforward and delivers beautiful, delicious cookies every time. We’ll walk through creating the perfect dough, shaping the cookies, and baking them to soft, chewy perfection. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of irresistible treats ready in no time. Let’s get started!

Prepare the Perfect Dough

The foundation of any amazing cookie is the dough. Start by creaming your softened butter and powdered sugar together in a bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, mix in the cherry juice and almond extract until everything is smooth and well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk your flour and salt together, then gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms that has a texture similar to moist playdough. It’s crucial to chill your cookie dough for at least one hour, or even overnight. This step makes the dough much easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Shape the Cookies and Add the Cherry

Once your dough is chilled and firm, it’s time to shape your cookies. Scoop the dough into one-tablespoon portions and roll them into small, neat balls. Pour some granulated sugar into a shallow bowl and roll each dough ball in the sugar until it’s fully coated. This gives the finished cookies a lovely, slightly crunchy exterior. Place the sugar-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one for them to spread. The final, signature touch comes after baking—you’ll press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie the moment they come out of the oven.

Bake for Soft, Chewy Results

For that perfect soft and chewy texture, bake your cookies for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and just beginning to turn a light golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft and underdone. This is the secret! Don’t be tempted to leave them in longer. The cookies will continue to bake on the hot cookie sheet after you remove them from the oven, a process known as carryover cooking. Letting them finish on the pan ensures they set up perfectly without becoming hard or dry. After a few minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Get Perfect Cherry Almond Blossom Cookies Every Time

You’ve mixed the perfect dough, and now it's time for the final steps. Getting that bakery-quality look and taste is easier than you think. It all comes down to a few key techniques that ensure your cookies are chewy, perfectly shaped, and topped with that signature chocolate kiss. Let's walk through the simple tricks that make all the difference between a good cookie and a great one. These small details will give you consistent, delicious results every single time you bake a batch.

Handle and Chill the Dough Correctly

Patience is a virtue in baking, and chilling your dough is a non-negotiable step for this recipe. Chilling the dough for at least an hour (or even overnight) makes it firm and much easier to scoop and roll into uniform balls. This is the secret to getting cookies that all look the same. For extra insurance against spreading, pop the rolled dough balls back in the fridge for another 20 minutes before they go into the oven. This little trick helps them hold their shape, giving you a thicker, chewier cookie. You can see this technique in action in many great Cherry Blossom Cookie recipes.

Get the Baking Temperature and Timing Right

Your oven's temperature can make or break a cookie. For this recipe, preheat your oven to a steady 350°F. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, but keep a close eye on them. The perfect moment to pull them out is when the edges just start to turn a light golden brown. They might look slightly underdone in the center, but they'll continue to set on the hot baking sheet. To prevent the bottoms from getting too dark, always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. It’s a simple step that guarantees an even bake every time, just like in this classic Cherry Blossom Cookies recipe.

How to Place the Chocolate Kiss Perfectly

This is the grand finale! The key to getting that perfect chocolate center is timing. As soon as you pull the cookies from the oven, you'll want to gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each one. The residual heat from the warm cookie will soften the base of the chocolate, helping it adhere perfectly without melting into a puddle. The cookie will crackle slightly around the edges, creating that beautiful signature blossom look. If you're in a hurry to serve them (or just can't wait to taste one), you can place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 20 minutes to help the chocolate set faster.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all been there: you follow a recipe perfectly, but your cookies come out flat, tough, or just not quite right. Baking is definitely a science, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating! Often, the difference between a good cookie and a truly fantastic one comes down to a few simple techniques. Getting these Cherry Almond Blossom cookies just right is easy when you know what to look out for.

Let's walk through some of the most common slip-ups and how to sidestep them for a perfect batch every single time. Think of me as your baking bestie, here to share all the secrets to cookie success. From the way you mix your dough to the moment you pull them from the oven, small adjustments can have a huge impact. By avoiding these simple mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to baking cookies that look and taste like they came from a gourmet bakery. It's all about understanding the "why" behind the steps, which turns you from someone who follows a recipe into a confident baker who can troubleshoot on the fly. We'll cover the three biggest culprits behind cookie fails so you can get consistently delicious results.

Don't Overmix the Dough

It’s so tempting to let the stand mixer keep running, thinking you’re making the dough extra smooth. But this is one of the quickest ways to get a tough, dense cookie. When you overmix the dough after adding flour, you overdevelop the gluten. This is great for chewy bread, but it’s the enemy of a tender, delicate cookie. The goal is to mix just until the last streaks of flour disappear and the dough comes together. This gentle touch ensures your Cherry Almond Blossom cookies have that perfect, soft texture that melts in your mouth. It’s a small change that makes a huge difference in the final result.

Watch Your Baking Time and Temperature

Trust your instincts, not just the timer. Ovens can be fickle, and what works in one might not work in another. The biggest secret to a soft, chewy cookie is to slightly underbake it. Pull your cookies from the oven when the edges are lightly golden and set, but the center still looks a little soft and puffy. They might not look completely “done,” but they will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet as they cool. This is called carryover cooking, and it's the key to avoiding a dry, crumbly texture. Let them rest on the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Stop Your Cookies from Spreading

Is there anything more disappointing than putting perfectly round balls of dough into the oven, only to pull out thin, flat discs? This common problem is usually caused by butter that's too soft, which makes the dough spread too quickly in the oven's heat. The simple fix? Chill your dough! After you’ve shaped your cookies, pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This solidifies the fat, which helps the cookies maintain their beautiful shape as they bake. It’s an extra step that guarantees your cookies will look as amazing as they taste, with the perfect thickness for that chocolatey center.

How to Customize Your Cherry Almond Blossom Cookies

While the classic Cherry Almond Blossom cookie is a star on its own, one of the best parts of baking is making a recipe truly yours. Think of this recipe as a fantastic starting point for your own creative twists. A few simple swaps or additions can transform these cookies into a signature treat that reflects your personal taste. Whether you’re a fan of rich dark chocolate or love a little extra crunch, there are plenty of easy ways to customize this recipe. Let’s get into a few ideas to get you started.

Try Different Flavor Variations

The balance of cherry and almond is what makes these cookies so special, but you can easily adjust the flavors to your liking. If you’re a big almond fan, a touch more almond extract will give you a stronger marzipan-like flavor. You can also experiment with the chocolate. While a classic milk chocolate kiss is traditional, try pressing a dark chocolate or a cherry-filled cordial kiss into the center for a richer taste. For a bit of texture, consider adding finely chopped almonds or even white chocolate chips directly into the dough. This soft shortbread style cookie is the perfect canvas for your flavor experiments.

Get Creative with Toppings and Decorations

Decorating is where you can really let your personality shine. Before baking, try rolling the dough balls in coarse sanding sugar or colorful nonpareils for a festive, crunchy exterior. Once the cookies are baked and cooled, the possibilities continue. A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. For a more decadent finish, drizzle the cookies with melted white, milk, or dark chocolate. This highlights the perfect pairing of cherry and chocolate and makes them look like they came straight from a professional bakery. These small touches make the cookies even more special for gifting or serving at an event.

How to Store Your Cherry Almond Blossom Cookies

You’ve just baked a perfect batch of Cherry Almond Blossom Cookies, and your kitchen smells incredible. Now, let's make sure every single cookie stays as fresh and delicious as the first one. Storing them correctly is the secret to preserving that soft, chewy texture and amazing flavor. Whether you’re planning to enjoy them over the next few days or save a batch for a special occasion down the road, I’ve got you covered with the best ways to keep your cookies tasting like they just came out of the oven.

Storing Them at Room Temperature

If you know your cookies will be devoured within the week, storing them at room temperature is the way to go. Once they have cooled completely, place them in a sealed, airtight container. This is the most important step to prevent them from becoming dry and crumbly. Stored this way, your Cherry Almond Blossom Cookies will maintain their wonderful softness and flavor for about four to five days. This method is perfect for keeping a ready supply for after-school snacks, a late-night treat, or when friends drop by. Any airtight container will do the trick!

How to Freeze Cookies for Later

Want to enjoy these cherry-almond delights weeks or even months from now? The freezer is your best friend. Freezing is a fantastic way to keep your cookies fresh for up to three months. To do it right, allow the cookies to cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, using sheets of parchment paper to separate any layers. This little trick prevents them from sticking together. A quick note: the chocolate kiss on top can sometimes become loose during the freezing and thawing process, so just be gentle with them. When a craving hits, simply pull a few out and let them thaw on the counter. It’s a great way to prepare for future events or simply to have a gourmet treat on hand.

Why These Cookies Make the Perfect Gift

Finding a gift that feels both personal and universally loved can be a real challenge. You want something that says, "I was thinking of you," without guessing sizes or favorite colors. This is where a truly special, delicious treat comes in, and let me tell you, Cherry Almond Blossom cookies are that perfect gift. They go beyond the standard box of chocolates and show you put real thought into finding something unique.

First off, the flavor is simply unforgettable. These aren't your average cookies. They have a soft, shortbread-style texture with a delicate hint of almond, creating the perfect base for the delicious combo of chocolate and cherry. It’s a sophisticated yet comforting taste that feels like a special occasion in every bite. Gifting these means you’re sharing an experience, not just a snack.

Beyond the amazing taste, these cookies are just plain beautiful. They have that classic, charming "blossom" look that’s instantly appealing. The rich chocolate kiss nestled in the center against the pale cookie and vibrant cherry topping makes them a feast for the eyes. They look stunning arranged on a platter for a party or packed into a gift box, making them an ideal present for holidays, thank-you gifts, or just because.

Honestly, these cookies are a total showstopper. If you're looking for a gift that will get a "wow," this is it. They have a reputation for being a favorite cookie exchange recipe for a reason—they stand out from the crowd. Bringing or sending these cookies is like sharing a little piece of joy that’s guaranteed to make someone’s day brighter. They’re a thoughtful, beautiful, and incredibly tasty way to show you care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time? Absolutely! This dough is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to bake, just let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften slightly before you scoop and roll it. It’s a great way to get a head start on your baking.

My cookies spread out and became flat. What happened? This is a very common issue, and it almost always comes down to the dough being too warm before it hits the oven. Chilling the dough is the most important step for preventing spread. For extra insurance, I recommend chilling the rolled dough balls on the baking sheet for another 20-30 minutes right before they go into the oven. This helps the butter stay solid longer, giving your cookies a thicker, chewier result.

Do I have to use almond extract? While almond extract gives these cookies their classic flavor, you can definitely switch it up if you're not a fan or have an allergy. A good quality vanilla extract is a wonderful substitute and will create a delicious cherry-vanilla cookie. You could also try a half-teaspoon of cherry extract to really amplify that fruity flavor.

Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries? It's best to stick with maraschino cherries for this specific recipe. Fresh or frozen cherries release a lot more water when they bake, which can make your cookies soggy and cause them to spread too much. Maraschino cherries have the right moisture content and sweetness to give you that perfect soft, chewy texture every time.

Why didn't my chocolate kisses keep their shape? The trick to the perfect chocolate blossom is all about timing. You need to press the kisses into the cookies the moment they come out of the oven. If you wait too long, the cookies won't be hot enough to melt the base of the chocolate so it sticks. If your cookies are too hot or overbaked, the chocolate might melt completely. Pull them when the centers are still soft for the best results.