Cherry Blossom Cookie Recipe

Cherry Blossom Cookie Recipe lovers, you’re going to adore these soft and buttery cherry kiss cookies that have the prettiest natural pink color and a chocolate center. I’ve been playing around with a recipe cherry blossom cookies idea that skips food coloring and uses cherry juice instead, and it gives these chocolate cherry blossom cookies such a delicate flavor and color. They remind me of those classic chocolate cherry kiss cookies, but with a lighter, more homemade feel that’s perfect for spring baking. And of course, you can’t go wrong with that little chocolate center that makes these feel just like Hershey’s chocolate cherry blossoms but even better straight from your kitchen.

Where Did Cherry Blossom Cookies Come From?

If you’ve never heard of a Cherry Blossom Cookie Recipe before, you’re definitely not alone. These cookies feel like they should have a long, old-fashioned history, but they’re actually a more modern twist on a classic American favorite.

The Inspiration Behind Cherry Kiss Cookies

Cherry blossom cookies are inspired by the well-known Peanut Butter Blossoms—those soft peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss in the center. This style of cookie became popular in the 1950s after a baking contest win and quickly turned into a staple on holiday cookie trays.

The famous cookie that started it all, Peanut Butter Blossoms, actually comes from the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest in 1957.

🏆 Who Created It?

The recipe was created by Freda F. Smith from Gibsonburg, Ohio.

📍 Where Was the Contest Held?

The 1957 Pillsbury Bake-Off took place in Chicago.

🥇 Did It Win?

Here’s the interesting part—it didn’t win first place, but it became one of the most popular recipes from the entire contest. Over time, it actually became more famous than many of the winners.

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Why It Became So Popular

• It used a simple, familiar peanut butter cookie base
• The chocolate kiss in the center made it unique and eye-catching
• It was easy for home bakers to recreate
• Perfect for holidays and cookie trays

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How Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Became Popular

Once bakers fell in love with the blossom cookie idea, they started creating new variations. That’s where chocolate cherry blossom cookies and cherry kiss cookies come in. By adding cherry juice or maraschino cherries and pairing them with a chocolate center, this version was born.

These cookies didn’t come from one specific region or tradition. Instead, they grew in popularity through:

• Family baking traditions
• Community cookbooks
• Holiday cookie exchanges
• Food blogs and Pinterest

Where Did Hershey’s Chocolate Cherry Blossoms Originate?

Even though these cookies have that nostalgic, homemade feel, they’re actually a modern twist on a classic American baking idea. They evolved from the popular blossom-style cookies, where a soft cookie base is topped with a chocolate center.

Over time, bakers began experimenting with new flavors, and that’s how chocolate cherry versions came to be. By adding cherry flavor and that signature chocolate kiss, these cookies took on a whole new personality.

Today, they’re loved all across the country and often show up on cookie trays during Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and spring gatherings. They may not be traditional recipes with a long history, but they’ve quickly become favorites in home kitchens everywhere.

Why This Recipe Feels So Classic

Even though this Cherry Blossom Cookie Recipe is a newer variation, it has all the elements of a timeless dessert:

• A soft, buttery cookie base
• That classic chocolate cherry flavor combination
• A simple but pretty presentation

And with the extra cherry juice in this version, the flavor is even more pronounced, giving these cookies a fresh and slightly unique twist on the traditional blossom cookie.

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Let’s Make These Blossom Cookies!

Step 1 – Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create that soft, tender texture.

Step 2 – Add the Extracts

Mix in the vanilla and almond extract. The almond flavor pairs beautifully with cherry.

Step 3 – Add the Cherry Juice

Pour in the cherry juice and mix until combined. The dough will take on a soft pink color and a light cherry flavor.

Step 4 – Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 5 – Shape the Dough

Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll in coarse sugar if you prefer.

Step 6 – Chill the Dough

Chill for about 20 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 7 – Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The cookies should stay pale with just lightly golden bottoms.

Step 8 – Add the Chocolate Center

Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie once they come out of the oven.

Step 9 – Cool and Set

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. The chocolate will firm up as they cool.

Cherry Blossom Cookie Recipe Tips and Variations

Natural vs Bright Pink Color

When making this Cherry Blossom Cookie Recipe, the type of cherry juice you use will affect the final color of your cookies.

• Regular maraschino cherry juice (with dye):
  Creates a brighter pink or slightly red cookie. The color is bold and vibrant, and the cherry flavor is a bit more pronounced.
• Dye-free maraschino cherry juice:
  Produces a softer, pale pink color that gives a more classic cherry blossom look. The flavor is a little more subtle and natural.

Both options taste delicious, so it really comes down to the look you prefer.

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Adjusting the Dough with Extra Cherry Juice

Since this recipe uses extra cherry juice for flavor, your dough may feel slightly softer than a traditional cookie dough.

• If the dough feels too sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour
• Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape
• Don’t skip the chill time if your kitchen is warm

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Chocolate Cherry Kiss Cookies Variations

If you love chocolate cherry blossom cookies, here are a few easy ways to switch things up:

Try Different Chocolate Centers

• Milk chocolate for a classic flavor
• Dark chocolate for a richer taste
• White chocolate for a sweeter, creamy twist

Add a Sugar Coating

Roll the dough balls in sanding sugar before baking for a little sparkle and texture.

Add More Cherry Flavor

Mix in a few finely chopped cherries to the dough for extra bursts of flavor.

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Getting That Perfect Soft Texture

• Bake just until the bottoms are lightly golden
• The tops should stay soft and pale
• The cookies will continue to set as they cool

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A Little Baking Note

I tested this recipe using regular maraschino cherry juice, and it created a brighter pink cookie with a stronger cherry flavor. If you prefer a softer, more delicate color, you can use dye-free cherries instead.

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More Dessert Recipes to Try

If you loved this Cherry Blossom Cookie Recipe, here are a few more favorites from my kitchen:

• Chocolate Thumbprints Cookies – Buttery cookies with a rich chocolate center that feels a little extra special and perfect for any occasion
• Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies – Loaded with chocolate in every bite, these cookies are rich, gooey, and perfect for serious chocolate lovers
• Easy Mochi Recipe – Soft, chewy, and one of my most popular desserts
• Strawberry Mochi Recipe – A fun fruity twist that’s perfect for spring
• Meringue Cookies Recipe – Light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious
• Fluffy Japanese Pancakes – Thick, jiggly pancakes that feel like a treat

Cheers,

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