Cherry Kiss Cookies: A Festive Burst of Sweetness You Can’t Resist!

Unwrap a little joy with our delightful Cherry Kiss Cookies! These charming treats, with their tender, buttery base and vibrant maraschino cherry center, are guaranteed to bring smiles to any gathering. If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious, look no further. Whether you’re a fan of classic cookie flavors or have a soft spot for the fruity sweetness reminiscent of Cherry Chocolate Cookies, these “kiss” cookies are the perfect blend of tradition and a pop of color. Get ready to bake a batch of pure happiness!

Quick Glance Summary

These Cherry Kiss Cookies are a simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for holidays, parties, or a cozy evening treat. Featuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie dough cradling a juicy maraschino cherry, they offer a delightful contrast of textures and a sweet, subtly almond-like flavor. They’re relatively quick to prepare and yield a generous batch, making them ideal for sharing.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of irresistible Cherry Kiss Cookies. Most are likely staples in your pantry!

• ✦ 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ✦ ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ✦ 1 large egg
• ✦ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ✦ 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ✦ ¼ teaspoon salt
• ✦ 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved
• ✦ ½ cup powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your way to perfect Cherry Kiss Cookies. This recipe is straightforward, ensuring delicious results every time, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. Embrace the vibrant color and sweet aroma as your kitchen fills with the scent of these delightful treats, almost as enchanting as baking a batch of Cherry Chocolate Cookies.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until they are well combined with the butter mixture.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
5. Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Form Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
7. Create Indentations: Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create a shallow indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball.
8. Add Cherries: Carefully place a halved maraschino cherry into each indentation.
9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
10. Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Finish (Optional): Once completely cooled, you can lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

 

• ✦ Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an extra layer of decadence.
• ✦ Nutty Base: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• ✦ Citrus Zest: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the dough to brighten the flavor profile and complement the cherry.
• ✦ Almond Extract Boost: Replace half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a more pronounced cherry-almond flavor.
• ✦ Holiday Sprinkles: Before baking, roll the cookie dough balls in festive red or green sprinkles for an even more celebratory look.

 

FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: While fresh cherries would be delicious, they have a higher moisture content and can make the cookies soggy. If you do use fresh, make sure to pit them and pat them very dry before adding to the indentations.

Q: How long do Cherry Kiss Cookies last?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 3-5 days.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can roll the dough into balls, create the indentations, and then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slightly before adding cherries and baking.

Q: My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
A: This can happen if your butter was too soft (almost melted) or if your oven temperature was too low. Ensure butter is softened but still cool to the touch, and verify your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Chilling the dough balls for 15-30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Results may vary slightly in texture.

Conclusion

These Cherry Kiss Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a little piece of edible art that brings joy with every bite. Their vibrant color and tender texture make them an instant hit, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness and cheer. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, a special celebration, or just a cozy evening at home, they offer a delightful experience reminiscent of classic comfort, perhaps even inspiring thoughts of delectable Cherry Chocolate Cookies. Get ready to bake a batch that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Recipe Note

For the best texture and flavor, ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This balance is key to achieving that perfect tender crumb and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.