Cherry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a touch of whimsy to any dessert table. These cookies combine the sweetness of maraschino cherries with the rich, creamy goodness of milk chocolate kisses, creating a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Their vibrant color and unique flavor combination make them perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack.
With their soft, buttery texture and a hint of almond, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the world of Cherry Kiss Cookies and discover why they’re a must-bake!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Once you take a bite of Cherry Kiss Cookies, you’ll understand why they are destined to be a staple in your cookie rotation. Here are just a few reasons to keep coming back to this delightful recipe:
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate is simply divine.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant red from the cherries and the chocolate kisses create a stunning presentation.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a party or a cozy gathering, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser.
What to Buy
To make your Cherry Kiss Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 6 drops red food coloring (optional)
- 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 30 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh maraschino cherries and pure almond extract will elevate your cookies to the next level.
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools:
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for mixing your cookie dough.
- Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar effortlessly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Baking Sheet: To hold your cookies while they bake.
- Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookie sizes.
Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable!
Mastering Cherry Kiss Cookies: How-To
Making Cherry Kiss Cookies is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to create your delicious treats:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and become perfectly golden.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Mix in the salt, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and food coloring (if using). Beat until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Add the Kisses
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, creating a delicious gooey center.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Cherry Kiss Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
In-Season Swaps
If you want to put a seasonal twist on your Cherry Kiss Cookies, consider these ingredient swaps:
- Fresh Cherries: In summer, replace maraschino cherries with fresh sweet cherries for a burst of flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Kisses: For a richer flavor, swap milk chocolate kisses for dark chocolate ones.
- Coconut Flakes: Add shredded coconut during the mixing process for a tropical twist.
- Orange Zest: Incorporate orange zest for a citrusy flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!
Troubleshooting Tips
Baking can sometimes be tricky, but here are a few tips to help you troubleshoot any issues with your Cherry Kiss Cookies:
- Cookies Spread Too Much: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Too Dry: If your dough seems crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk or an additional cherry juice.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies; they continue to cook while cooling on the baking sheet.
- Uneven Baking: Rotate your baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting your Cherry Kiss Cookies!
Save for Later: Storage Tips
To keep your Cherry Kiss Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
- Thawing: Allow frozen cookies to come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
These tips will ensure you can savor your Cherry Kiss Cookies for as long as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate kisses?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even caramel-filled kisses to create different flavor profiles.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?
If you can’t find maraschino cherries, you can use dried cherries or fresh cherries, chopped finely. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly.
How do I ensure my cookies are soft and chewy?
Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to set while cooling.
If you love baking, here are some other delightful treats to try on your next weekend baking adventure:
These recipes will keep your kitchen filled with delicious aromas and your friends and family happy!
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make the perfect Cherry Kiss Cookies, it’s time to get into the kitchen. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic happen! These cookies are sure to impress and will have everyone asking for the recipe. Happy baking!
Cherry Kiss Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 6 drops red food coloring optional
- 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries chopped
- 30 milk chocolate kisses unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and become perfectly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the salt, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and food coloring (if using). Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
- As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, creating a gooey center.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks to extend freshness.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
