Cherry Kiss Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Cherry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the flavor of cherries with the sweetness of chocolate. These cookies are unique and fun, perfect for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or just enjoying at home. The mix of soft cookie, tart cherries, and the creamy chocolate kiss on top makes them hard to resist!

How to Make Cherry Kiss Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
  • Hershey’s Kisses, for topping

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until combined.
  5. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
  6. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
  9. Allow to cool before serving.

How to Serve Cherry Kiss Cookies

Cherry Kiss Cookies are best served fresh. You can enjoy them warm right out of the oven or let them cool completely. They are great as a dessert or a sweet snack throughout the day. Serve them on a nice plate for a special touch or pack them in a jar for a delightful gift!

How to Store Cherry Kiss Cookies

To keep your Cherry Kiss Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies without the Hershey’s Kisses. Just thaw and add the kisses when you’re ready to enjoy!

Tips to Make Cherry Kiss Cookies

  • Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a fluffier dough.
  • For an extra flavor boost, try adding almond extract along with the vanilla.
  • Don’t skip cooling the cookies before serving. This helps the cookies set and makes them easier to handle.

Variation

You can switch up the toppings if you want! Instead of using Hershey’s Kisses, try using chocolate chips or other types of candies for different flavors. You can also add nuts to the dough for some crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to pit and chop them finely. Fresh cherries may make the cookies slightly less sweet.

2. What can I do if the cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients, and you can make a larger batch to share or freeze some for later.

Cherry Kiss Cookies

Cherry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the flavor of cherries with the sweetness of chocolate, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the cookies
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a fluffier dough.
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For an extra flavor boost, try adding almond extract along with the vanilla.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped Fresh cherries can be used, but they should be pitted and finely chopped.
  • Hershey’s Kisses, for topping You can use chocolate chips or other candies as variations.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until combined.
  5. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
  6. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
  9. Allow to cool before serving.

Notes

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. To keep them longer, freeze the cookies without the Hershey’s Kisses, then thaw and add them later.