If you’re searching for a sweet treat that blends fruity flair with chocolatey decadence, these Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies are truly a showstopper. Each cookie is boldly chocolaty, accented with bright bits of maraschino cherries, and crowned with a classic chocolate kiss. They’re as gorgeous as they are delicious, making them perfect for everything from festive gatherings to casual afternoon snacks. The blend of flavors and textures in every bite is utterly irresistible—don’t be surprised if these become your new go-to cookie recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted by how simple, classic ingredients come together to make something this magical. Each component brings a little something special to the party, from creaminess to rich chocolate notes, cheerful cherry pops, and that signature soft-baked texture.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Soft, creamy butter forms the rich base and ensures the cookies are perfectly tender.
Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies spread beautifully.
Large Egg (1): Binds everything together for a soft and slightly chewy interior.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a warm, cozy aroma that pairs perfectly with chocolate and cherries.
Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon): This secret ingredient brightens all the flavors and hints at classic cherry desserts.
All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cups): The backbone of the cookies, yielding just enough structure while staying soft.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): Delivers deep chocolate flavor and that gorgeous dark hue.
Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise for a bit of lightness and gentle spread.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Maraschino Cherries (1/2 cup, chopped, drained and patted dry): These add pops of color and a lovely tart-sweetness—essential for the blossom effect!
Chocolate Kiss Candies (24, unwrapped): Placed on each cookie fresh from the oven, they gently melt and give that irresistible chocolate center.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Don’t skimp on this step—creaming creates a tender texture and helps the cookies rise.

Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Extracts

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Beat until everything is completely combined and silky-smooth. The vanilla and almond extracts will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Blending the dry ingredients first helps prevent any clumps of cocoa or baking soda in your final dough.

Step 5: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. You’ll end up with a thick, chocolatey dough that already looks and smells incredible!

Step 6: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold the chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries into the dough. Be careful not to overmix—just a quick stir to evenly distribute those precious cherry gems.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to give them plenty of room to spread.

Step 8: Bake

Bake your cookies for 9–11 minutes, just until they’re set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Don’t overbake—soft and chewy is the goal for Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies!

Step 9: Add Chocolate Kisses

While the cookies are still warm from the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss candy into the center of each. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, so it nestles right in.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool directly on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up beautifully while staying extra soft in the center.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies have plenty of personality as they are, but if you want to take them up a notch, try dusting them with a pinch of powdered sugar before serving. You can also drizzle them with a tiny bit of melted dark chocolate for extra visual flair and a luscious finish.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies pair wonderfully with simple classics—a glass of cold milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or even a cup of black coffee to balance the sweetness. For a fun dessert tray, serve alongside fresh strawberries or a bowl of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for festive gifts, or place them on a cake stand for a centerpiece-worthy display. Layering them between parchment in a decorative tin also keeps them fresh and makes them easy to share at any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, but be sure they’re fully cooled before storing to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these cookies! Once baked and cooled, simply place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freeze-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge or share.

Reheating

If you’d like that just-baked warmth, pop a couple of cookies in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. The chocolate kiss will soften and the cookies will taste as if they just came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While you can use fresh cherries, make sure to pit and chop them finely, and pat them extra dry. Maraschino cherries offer extra color and sweetness, but fresh cherries will lend a more natural, subtle flavor if you want to experiment.

What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries for this recipe?

First, drain the cherries very thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent extra moisture. Then, use a sharp knife to chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout your Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just let it come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes, then scoop, shape, and bake as usual.

Why do I have to press the chocolate kiss in while the cookies are warm?

Pressing in the chocolate kiss while the cookies are warm allows the candy to slightly melt and fuse with the cookie, ensuring it stays nestled right in the center and making each bite perfectly gooey.

Do Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies make good holiday gifts?

They’re fantastic for gifting! The color, the sparkle of cherries, and the irresistible chocolate kiss on top make them festive and universally loved. Wrap them up in boxes or bags for a homemade touch that’s sure to delight anyone on your list.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies—the perfect harmony of rich chocolate and tangy, jewel-like cherries, all topped with that melty chocolate centerpiece. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just because, I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do in mine. Give them a try, and get ready for rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to grab one!

Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate cookies studded with juicy maraschino cherries and topped with a sweet chocolate kiss. These Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to everyday treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)

Topping:

24 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
Add cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
Form cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes until set. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm.
Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Be sure the cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
For a festive twist, use cherry-flavored chocolate kisses if available.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American