Cherry Kiss Cookies

Cherry Kiss Cookies are delightfully soft, buttery cookies filled with chopped maraschino cherries and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss at the center. Their vibrant pink hue and festive flavor make them perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or any time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Fun: The pink color and Hershey’s Kiss center make these cookies stand out.
• Perfectly Soft and Buttery: The dough is rich and tender without the need for eggs or leaveners.
• Customizable: Use food coloring for a vibrant look, or let the natural cherry juice provide a subtle pink hue.
• Great for Sharing: A batch makes about 30 cookies, ideal for parties or gifting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 6 drops red food coloring (optional)
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup chopped maraschino cherries
• About 30 Hershey’s chocolate Kisses, unwrapped

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt on low speed until blended. Increase the speed to medium and cream until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• Add maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and food coloring (if using). Mix until combined.
• Stir in the chopped maraschino cherries, then gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

• Scoop and shape the dough into 1-inch balls, using about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie. Place the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the bottoms are just starting to turn light golden brown.

Step 4: Add the Hershey’s Kisses

• Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookies will crack slightly around the edges—this is normal.

Step 5: Cool Completely

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Avoid touching the Kisses while they’re warm to preserve their shape.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 30 cookies
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 39 minutes

Tips for Success

1. Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.
2. Avoid Touching the Kisses: The heat from the cookies will slightly melt the Kisses. Let them set completely before handling.
3. Optional Food Coloring: Add red food coloring for a more vibrant pink or skip it for a natural cherry tint.
4. No Eggs or Leaveners: This recipe doesn’t require eggs or baking powder/soda for its soft texture.

Variations

• Flavor Twist: Substitute almond extract with vanilla or add a splash of cherry liqueur for an adult version.
• Chocolate Options: Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or caramel-filled Hershey’s Kisses for variety.
• Toppings: Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra flair.
• Nutty Additions: Add finely chopped almonds or pecans to the dough for a crunchy contrast.

Storage and Freezing

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Dough: Freeze shaped dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, but fresh cherries will need to be finely chopped and patted dry to remove excess moisture.

2. What can I use if I don’t have almond extract?

Vanilla extract is a great substitute for almond extract.

3. Why does this recipe not include eggs or leaveners?

The recipe relies on butter and sugar to create a soft and tender texture without needing eggs or baking powder/soda.

4. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking to help maintain the cookie shape.

6. What other food coloring options can I use?

Gel food coloring works well for more vibrant colors with less liquid.

7. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

8. How long do Hershey’s Kisses take to set?

The Kisses typically set in about 30 minutes at room temperature or 10 minutes in the refrigerator.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to make more cookies.

10. What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries?

Use a sharp knife and pat the cherries dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid before chopping.

Conclusion

Cherry Kiss Cookies are a delightful addition to any cookie tray, offering a burst of cherry flavor and a rich chocolate center. With their eye-catching appearance and irresistible taste, these cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Whip up a batch and share the love!

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