Cherry Blossom Cookies

Cherry Blossom Cookies: Pretty in Pink, Bursting with Flavor!

Hey there, cookie lovers! Chef Jamie here, ready to brighten your day with a sweet little treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let me introduce you to Cherry Blossom Cookies — soft, chewy, and kissed with the flavor of cherries, white chocolate, and just a hint of almond. These cookies look like spring on a plate and taste like a joyful bite of sunshine.

Whether you’re baking for a tea party, a holiday cookie exchange, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a treat, these cookies bring that wow factor without a ton of effort. Ready to bake something that’ll make you (and your kitchen) smell like a dream? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Pretty & Crowd-Pleasing: Pink-tinted dough with a white chocolate kiss on top? Instant centerpiece.
• Soft & Chewy: Perfectly tender inside with lightly crisp edges.
• Easy to Make: No fancy equipment required.
• Flavor Packed: Maraschino cherries, almond extract, and white chocolate play beautifully together.

The Sweet Origin Story

This recipe was inspired by a spring picnic under the cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C. I packed a box of cherry shortbread cookies, but after a sunny day in the park, they melted and crumbled into a sugary mess. Determined to do better, I went home and started testing soft, drop-style cookies that could hold their shape but still melt in your mouth. These were the result—and let me tell you, they disappear fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (don’t skip it!)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (patted dry)
• 24 white chocolate kisses (unwrapped)
• Optional: Pink gel food coloring (for that blossom-pink pop)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream It Up
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

Step 2: Dry Ingredients Join the Party
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Magic
Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. If using, stir in a drop or two of pink food coloring for that signature cherry blossom hue.

Step 4: Scoop & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.

Step 5: Top with a Kiss
Right after removing from the oven, gently press a white chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Chef Jamie’s Pro Tips

• Dry Those Cherries: Excess liquid can make the dough too wet. Use a paper towel to blot chopped cherries well.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): For even puffier cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days (if they last that long!).
• Freeze for Later: These freeze beautifully—just leave off the chocolate kiss until after reheating.

Cherry Blossom Cookie Variations: Pretty Twists on a Pretty Perfect Cookie

Cherry Blossom Cookies are already stunning—soft, pink, and crowned with a chocolate kiss—but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with the formula. Whether you want something richer, tangier, or just themed for a different occasion, here are creative, tasty variations to keep your cookie game strong year-round.

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🍫 1. Dark Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies

Flavor Profile: Rich, bold, and balanced with the sweet cherry flavor.

How to Make It:

• Swap white chocolate kisses for dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate kisses.

• For a deeper flavor base, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

• Optional: Fold in mini dark chocolate chips for extra decadence.

Why You’ll Love It: This version leans into the classic chocolate-cherry combo and brings a touch of elegance with every bite.

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🍰 2. Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Flavor Profile: Soft and creamy with a tangy twist.

How to Make It:

• Add 2 oz of softened cream cheese to the wet ingredients.

• Reduce butter slightly (use about 6 tablespoons).

• Top each cookie with crushed graham cracker crumbs before baking.

• Instead of a chocolate kiss, press in a dollop of whipped cream cheese frosting after cooling.

Why You’ll Love It: These taste like mini cherry cheesecakes but with the convenience of a grab-and-go cookie.

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💖 3. Valentine’s Cherry Kiss Cookies

Flavor Profile: Romantic and festive with a pop of color.

How to Make It:

• Use red or pink sanding sugar to coat each dough ball before baking.

• Add a few heart-shaped sprinkles before the chocolate kiss goes on.

• Use strawberry-flavored kisses or chocolate truffle hearts for the center.

Why You’ll Love It: These cookies are pure eye candy and a total hit for Valentine’s Day parties or sweetheart gifts.

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🥥 4. Cherry Coconut Macaroon Cookies

Flavor Profile: Tropical and chewy with a cherry-kissed finish.

How to Make It:

• Add ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut to the dough.

• Replace the almond extract with coconut extract for a fun flavor flip.

• Press in a white chocolate kiss or a chocolate-dipped cherry on top.

Why You’ll Love It: If you love coconut, this twist turns your cherry blossoms into something beachy and bold.

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🌰 5. Cherry Pistachio Blossoms

Flavor Profile: Nutty, floral, and totally unique.

How to Make It:

• Mix in ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios.

• Use a hint of rosewater or orange blossom extract instead of almond.

• Roll dough balls in crushed pistachios before baking for extra crunch.

Why You’ll Love It: These are elegant, bakery-worthy cookies that pair beautifully with tea and feel a little extra-special.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Blossom Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a celebration of flavor, color, and joy. With their chewy texture, bright cherry taste, and a creamy white chocolate center, they feel like something special even when whipped up on a whim. Bake a batch to welcome spring, spread cheer at a gathering, or just bring a little color into your week.

Because sometimes, all you need is a pink cookie and a hot cup of tea to turn your whole day around. Happy baking!