Cherry Kiss Cookies are a perfect blend of sweet, tender shortbread cookies with the delicious combination of cherry and chocolate. These delightful treats are topped with Hershey’s Kisses, giving them a fabulous cherry-chocolate flavor and a pop of color. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or simply in the mood for a tasty snack, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Read on to learn how to make these charming and delectable Cherry Kiss Cookies!
Table of Contents
What Makes Cherry Kiss Cookies So Special?
Cherry Kiss Cookies are not just another cookie; they’re a fun and flavorful treat. These cookies combine the sweetness of maraschino cherries with the creamy richness of Hershey’s Kisses, creating a dessert that’s both visually appealing and delicious. The cherry-chocolate flavor is undeniably irresistible, making them a perfect choice for holiday festivities or a fun afternoon snack. The shortbread base, made with powdered sugar, gives these cookies an ultra-tender texture that just melts in your mouth.
Ingredients for Cherry Kiss Cookies
To make these flavorful Cherry Kiss Cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what’s required:
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookie dough.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Gives the cookies their smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- Maraschino Cherries & Cherry Juice: Adds a delightful cherry flavor and beautiful pink hue to the cookies.
- Almond Extract: Enhances the cherry flavor with a subtle, nutty note.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure to the cookies.
- Red Food Coloring (optional): Amplifies the pink color for a more vibrant look.
- Hershey’s Kisses: The perfect finishing touch, providing a delicious chocolate center on each cookie.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions for Cherry Kiss Cookies
If you’re looking for variations to suit dietary preferences or if you’re missing an ingredient, here are some helpful swaps:
- Butter Substitute: If you’re dairy-free, you can use a plant-based butter alternative for the dough.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Different Chocolate: Try using dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses or Hershey’s Hugs for a twist on the classic flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cherry Kiss Cookies
Making Cherry Kiss Cookies is simple and fun. Follow these steps to create these mouthwatering treats:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare ungreased cookie sheets for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and cream the mixture until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and red food coloring (if using) to the mixture. Mix until everything is incorporated.
- Stir in chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed in the dough.
- Gradually add in the flour, mixing on low speed until the dough is just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, shape the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1½ tablespoons per cookie) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookies will crack slightly around the edges—this is perfectly fine!
- Let the cookies cool on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cherry Kiss Cookies
To ensure your Cherry Kiss Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Consistency of Dough: Make sure your dough isn’t too wet or dry. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. They should have a golden bottom but should not be overly browned.
- Don’t Touch the Kisses: After placing the Hershey’s Kisses on the cookies, avoid touching them until they’re completely cool. Touching the Kisses too soon could cause them to lose their shape.
- Make-Ahead Option: If you’re preparing for a special event, freeze the dough balls and bake them later for a fresh batch of cookies whenever you need them.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Cherry Kiss Cookies
While Cherry Kiss Cookies are delicious on their own, you can also pair them with other treats or variations for an even more delightful experience:
- Toppings: Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
- Variations: For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses instead of milk chocolate.
- Pairing with Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.
Seasonal & Special Occasions for Cherry Kiss Cookies
These cookies are perfect for various occasions. Their soft pink color makes them an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any celebration involving a sweet touch. They’re also perfect for holiday cookie trays, especially during Christmas when the cherry-chocolate combination is a festive favorite.
Conclusion
Cherry Kiss Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that brings together the classic cherry-chocolate combination in the most delicious way. With their soft shortbread texture, bright pink hue, and Hershey’s Kiss topping, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special holiday or just looking for a sweet snack, Cherry Kiss Cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Their simple ingredients and easy preparation make them a go-to recipe for anyone who loves a fun, flavorful, and visually appealing cookie. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch – you’ll be amazed by the irresistible taste and how quickly they disappear!
FAQ
Can I use dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses for Cherry Kiss Cookies?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses for the milk chocolate variety if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor. However, milk chocolate tends to complement the cherry flavor better, offering a sweeter balance.
Do I need to use red food coloring in Cherry Kiss Cookies?
Red food coloring is optional. If you prefer a subtle pink hue, the maraschino cherries and their juice will provide enough color. For a more vibrant, eye-catching look, adding a few drops of red food coloring enhances the pink shade.
Can I freeze Cherry Kiss Cookies?
While it’s best to freeze the dough balls rather than the baked cookies, you can freeze the dough for later. After shaping the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag. Thaw in the fridge before baking for a fresh batch whenever you need it!
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Cherry Kiss Cookies
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat combining tender shortbread cookies with a sweet cherry flavor, topped with Hershey’s Kisses. These cookies are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just everyday snacking, offering a festive pink hue and the delicious combination of cherry and chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 6 drops red food coloring (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 30 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare ungreased cookie sheets.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt on low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and cream until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and food coloring (if using) and mix until incorporated.
- Stir in chopped maraschino cherries.
- Gradually beat in the flour on low speed until the dough is just combined.
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately place a Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a more vibrant pink color, add red food coloring to the dough.
- If you prefer a deeper cherry flavor, add extra maraschino cherry juice.
- You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze, and then store in a zip-top bag.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
