Description
Delicate, pink-hued cookies with subtle cherry and almond flavors, often topped with chocolate or edible blossoms, perfect for springtime or elegant occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or cherry extract)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
- (Optional) 1–2 drops red or pink food coloring
- (Optional) 16–24 Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate pieces for topping
- (Optional) Edible salt-pickled cherry blossoms (sakura) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy.
- Beat in cherry juice and almond extract. Add food coloring if using.
- Gradually add flour and mix until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries.
- Optionally chill dough for easier handling.
- Shape dough into small balls or press into shapes. Place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 7–10 minutes, until edges are just set. Do not brown heavily.
- If using, press a Hershey’s Kiss or chocolate piece into each cookie immediately after baking.
- Cool briefly on baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Garnish with edible cherry blossoms or decorations if desired.
Notes
- Use sakura powder or pickled blossoms for authentic floral flavor.
- Try white or cherry-flavored chocolate instead of Hershey’s Kisses.
- Lemon zest adds a bright contrast to the cherry flavor.
- Swap some butter with cream cheese for a softer texture.
- Cherry icing glaze can add extra flavor and shine.
- Use blossom-shaped cookie cutters for a decorative touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
