Cherry Kiss Cookies

Introduction

If you’re looking for the perfect bite-sized treat that combines buttery goodness with a sweet cherry twist, Cherry Kiss Cookies are just what you need! These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are bursting with maraschino cherry flavor and topped with a delightful chocolate kiss. The combination of cherry and chocolate creates a classic pairing that’s both festive and irresistible.

Whether you’re baking them for a holiday cookie platter, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Their vibrant pink hue makes them especially perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or even a fun baking day with loved ones. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients and no complicated techniques—just mix, roll, bake, and top with a chocolate kiss!

With their chewy texture, rich flavor, and eye-catching appearance, Cherry Kiss Cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover. One batch might not be enough, so be prepared to make extra because these little gems disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with Cherry Kiss Cookies:

• Delightfully Sweet and Buttery – The cookie base is rich and soft, with just the right amount of cherry flavor.
• Perfect for Holidays – These cookies are a great addition to holiday cookie trays, Valentine’s Day treats, or even a summer picnic.
• Easy to Make – No need for complicated steps or special techniques—just mix, shape, bake, and enjoy.
• Beautiful Presentation – The pink hue of the cookies with a chocolate kiss on top makes them visually stunning.
• A Fun Baking Project – Get the kids involved by letting them place the chocolate kisses on top.
• Great for Gifting – Package them in a festive tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Customizable – You can easily tweak the recipe with different extracts, toppings, or add-ins.
• Perfectly Portable – These cookies hold up well, making them great for taking to parties or events.
• A Family Favorite – The combination of cherry and chocolate makes them a universally loved treat.
• No Chilling Required – Unlike many cookie recipes, you don’t have to wait for the dough to chill before baking.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 140 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 7g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious Cherry Kiss Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 24 chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Ingredient Highlights

• Maraschino Cherry Juice – Infuses the cookies with a subtle cherry flavor.
• Almond Extract – Enhances the cherry taste and gives the cookies a nutty depth.
• Chocolate Kisses – The perfect finishing touch, adding a pop of chocolate to every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add flavor – Mix in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract until well combined.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients – Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Fold in cherries – Gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed.

Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Form dough balls – Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Flatten slightly – Press down gently on each ball to create a slight indentation in the center.
3. Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the cookies remain soft.
4. Add the chocolate kiss – As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
5. Cool completely – Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve

Here are some fun serving ideas for your Cherry Kiss Cookies:

1. On a Holiday Cookie Tray – Pair them with other festive cookies for a beautiful display.
2. With Coffee or Hot Chocolate – Enjoy these cookies with a warm drink for a cozy treat.
3. As a Party Favor – Wrap them in clear bags with a ribbon for an easy gift.
4. With Ice Cream – Crumble them over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for extra indulgence.
5. Stacked on a Tiered Platter – Arrange them in layers for an elegant dessert table presentation.
6. As a Valentine’s Day Treat – Their pink color and chocolate topping make them perfect for Valentine’s Day.
7. In Lunchboxes – Pack a couple for a sweet surprise.
8. As an Afternoon Pick-Me-Up – A great treat when you need a little something sweet.
9. At a Cookie Exchange – A guaranteed hit at any cookie swap.
10. With Whipped Cream – Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Cherry Kiss Cookies with these helpful tips:

1. Use Softened Butter – This helps create a smooth dough.
2. Chop Cherries Finely – This ensures even distribution throughout the cookies.
3. Use Fresh Kisses – Stale chocolate won’t melt properly.
4. Store Properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
5. Swap Extracts – Try vanilla instead of almond for a different flavor.
6. Make Them Mini – Use mini chocolate kisses for a bite-sized version.
7. Freeze Dough Balls – Make the dough ahead and freeze for later baking.
8. Avoid Overbaking – These cookies should stay soft.
9. Try White Chocolate Kisses – A fun twist on the classic.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar – Adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Recipe Variations

Want to change things up? Try these fun variations:

• Drizzle with Chocolate – Melt chocolate and drizzle over the cookies.
• Add Nuts – Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Use Different Kisses – Try caramel or cookies and cream kisses.
• Add Sprinkles – Roll dough balls in sprinkles before baking.
• Make Sandwich Cookies – Add a chocolate or cherry filling between two cookies.
• Use Cherry Extract – For an even stronger cherry flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Proper storage ensures your Cherry Kiss Cookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store and freeze them effectively:

• Storing Cherry Kiss Cookies
• At Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer to keep them longer, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Prevent Sticking: Layer the cookies with parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together.
• Freezing Baked Cookies
• Flash Freeze First: Place cooled cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1 hour to prevent them from sticking together.
• Transfer to a Container: Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
• Thawing Instructions: Remove cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Freezing Cookie Dough
• If you want fresh-baked cookies anytime, freeze the dough instead!
• Roll and Freeze: Shape the cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1 hour until firm.
• Store for Later: Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air before sealing. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
• Baking from Frozen: No need to thaw! Simply bake frozen dough balls as directed, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ Section

Got questions about Cherry Kiss Cookies? Here are some common ones to help you bake the perfect batch!

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
  • Fresh cherries have more moisture, which may affect the texture of the cookies. Maraschino cherries work best for this recipe.
• Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
  • No, this dough doesn’t require chilling, making the process quicker and easier.
• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
  • Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
• What if my chocolate kiss melts too much?
  • If your chocolate kisses get too soft, try letting the cookies cool for a minute or two before pressing the kiss into the center.
• How do I store these cookies?
  • Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Print

Conclusion

Cherry Kiss Cookies are a charming and delicious treat that combines the sweet, fruity flavor of cherries with the indulgent richness of chocolate. Their vibrant color and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because you’re craving something sweet. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself baking them again and again!

Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a festive gathering or surprising someone with a homemade treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The pop of cherry flavor, the buttery cookie base, and the chocolate kiss on top create an irresistible combination. So, why wait? Preheat that oven, get your ingredients ready, and let’s bake up some happiness!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!