Introduction

Cherry Blossom Cookies are a soft, delicate, and visually stunning dessert inspired by the beauty of cherry blossoms and the nostalgic flavors of cherry and chocolate. Featuring tender sugar cookies topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss or chocolate center, these cookies are perfect for spring celebrations, Valentine’s Day, baby showers, tea parties, or any occasion that calls for an elegant yet approachable treat.

What Are Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Cherry Blossom Cookies are traditionally soft sugar cookies flavored with maraschino cherry juice, rolled in sugar, baked until tender, and topped with a chocolate candy while still warm. The cookie cracks gently around the chocolate, creating a signature “blossom” look that is both charming and instantly recognizable.

They are closely related to classic blossom cookies but stand out for their pink hue and subtle cherry flavor.

Why Cherry Blossom Cookies Are So Popular

Soft, chewy texture with a nostalgic flavor
Eye-catching pink color
Easy to make with simple ingredients

Perfect for gifting and parties
Adaptable for holidays and themed events

Cherry-flavored desserts consistently perform well in seasonal and celebratory baking searches.

Ingredients for Cherry Blossom Cookies

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Egg

Vanilla extract
Maraschino cherry juice
Pink food coloring (optional)

Topping

Chocolate kisses (milk, dark, or white chocolate)

For Rolling

Granulated or pink sanding sugar

How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and maraschino cherry juice, mixing until smooth. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Tint with food coloring if desired.

2. Shape the Cookies

Roll dough into evenly sized balls, then roll in sugar to coat.

3. Bake

Place dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake until just set but still soft.

4. Add the Chocolate

Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly, forming the blossom shape.

5. Cool

Allow cookies to cool completely so the chocolate can set.

Expert Tips for Perfect Blossom Cookies

Do not overbake: Soft cookies crack beautifully.
Press chocolate gently: Avoid flattening the cookie.

Chill dough if needed: Helps prevent excessive spreading.
Unwrap chocolates ahead of time: Speed matters once cookies leave the oven.

Chocolate Cherry Blossoms

Add cocoa powder to the dough for a richer base.

White Chocolate Blossoms

Use white chocolate kisses for a lighter look.

Almond Cherry Cookies

Replace vanilla with almond extract for a classic cherry-almond flavor.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Decorating and Presentation Ideas

Roll cookies in pink or red sanding sugar
Drizzle with melted chocolate after cooling
Dust lightly with powdered sugar

Package in clear gift bags with ribbon

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

Make-Ahead

Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking, resulting in dry cookies
Adding chocolate too late

Skipping sugar coating, which affects texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino juice?
Maraschino juice provides consistent flavor and color; fresh cherries may add too much moisture.

Do these cookies need refrigeration?
No, they store well at room temperature.

Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes, the cookies will still have great flavor without added color.

Conclusion

Cherry Blossom Cookies are a timeless, festive treat that combines soft sugar cookies with sweet cherry flavor and rich chocolate centers. Easy to make and beautiful to present, they are perfect for celebrations, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. With their signature look and crowd-pleasing taste, these cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking collection.

Cherry Blossom Cookies

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 230g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract (or ½ tsp vanilla + ½ tsp almond for balance)
• 1–2 drops pink gel food coloring (optional, for soft blush tone)
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup finely chopped dried cherries or freeze-dried cherries (crushed to powder for color + flavor)
• Optional: coarse sugar or edible sakura petals for garnish

Instructions

In a bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (~3 min).
Mix in almond extract and food coloring (if using) until evenly tinted.

Whisk flour and salt; gradually add to butter mixture. Fold in chopped or powdered cherries until just combined.
Divide dough in half. Shape each into a 1″-thick log; wrap in parchment. Chill 1–2 hours (or freeze 30 min) until firm.
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.

Slice dough into ¼”-thick rounds. Place 1″ apart on sheets. Press gently with a fork or stamp with a cherry blossom cookie cutter if desired. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake 12–14 min until edges are just golden (centers should stay pale). Cool on sheet 5 min, then transfer to rack.
💡 Pro tip: For extra floral elegance, brush cooled cookies lightly with edible gold luster dust or drizzle with white chocolate.