Cherry Kiss Cookies

There is something instantly comforting about the smell of chocolate cookies baking, and Cherry Kiss Cookies take that feeling to another level. From the moment they come out of the oven, with glossy cherries nestled into soft chocolate centers, the kitchen feels warmer and happier. Trust me, you’re going to love this, because every bite is tender, rich, and just sweet enough to keep you reaching for one more.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from those moments when you want a cookie that feels a little special without being complicated. I remember making these during holiday afternoons, sneaking cherries from the jar while the dough chilled. They always felt playful and nostalgic, like a classic chocolate cookie dressed up for a celebration.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cherry and chocolate have long been paired together in classic desserts, especially in American baking traditions. The combination became popular thanks to chocolate covered cherries and retro cookie recipes that used jarred cherries for color and sweetness. These cookies carry that same charm, blending old fashioned flavors with an easy, modern method.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Kiss Cookies

There are so many reasons these cookies win hearts, and now let’s dive into exactly why they deserve a spot in your baking rotation.

Versatile: They fit right in at holiday parties, cookie swaps, or casual weekend baking sessions.

Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples and a small jar of cherries are all you need.

Quick and Easy: The dough comes together fast, and the baking time is short.

Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or even play with different toppings.

Crowd-Pleasing: The chocolate and cherry combo is always a hit with kids and adults.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared ahead and baked when needed.

Great for Leftovers: These cookies stay soft and delicious for days.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Before we get our hands messy, here are a few insider tips that make a real difference.

• Chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft, this helps the cookies keep their shape.
• Pat the cherries dry to prevent extra moisture on top of the cookies.
• Do not overbake, the centers should look slightly soft when they come out.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Every smooth baking session starts with the right tools, and these are all simple basics.

Mixing bowls: For keeping dry and wet ingredients organized.

Hand mixer or whisk: To cream the butter and sugar smoothly.

Baking sheet: A sturdy sheet ensures even baking.

Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients in Cherry Kiss Cookies

What makes these cookies shine is how each ingredient works together, creating a balance of rich chocolate, gentle sweetness, and bright cherry flavor.

1. All-purpose flour: 1 and 1/4 cups, provides structure and keeps the cookies tender.
2. Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup, brings deep chocolate flavor.
3. Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon, helps the cookies rise slightly.
4. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, balances the sweetness.
5. Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened, adds richness and softness.
6. Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup, sweetens and helps create a soft texture.
7. Egg: 1 large, binds everything together.
8. Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the chocolate notes.
9. Maraschino cherries: 18 to 20 whole cherries, drained and patted dry, add sweetness and color.
10. Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup, used for a light icing drizzle.
11. Milk: 1 to 2 tablespoons, thins the icing to the right consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need a little flexibility, and these swaps work beautifully.

All-purpose flour: Use a gluten free baking blend for a gluten free option.

Granulated sugar: Coconut sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.

Milk: Any plant based milk works just as well.

Ingredient Spotlight

Let’s take a closer look at the stars of the show.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives the cookies their deep chocolate taste without extra sweetness.

Maraschino cherries: Sweet, juicy, and colorful, they create that signature cherry kiss on top.

Instructions for Making Cherry Kiss Cookies

Now comes the fun part, and now let’s dive into the steps that bring everything together.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In another bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Assemble the Dish: Beat in the egg and vanilla, then slowly mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
5. Cook to Perfection: Scoop dough into balls, place on the baking sheet, and gently press a cherry into the center of each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
6. Finishing Touches: Let cookies cool, then whisk powdered sugar with milk and drizzle over the tops.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow icing to set slightly before serving.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These cookies are all about contrast. The outside is soft and lightly set, while the inside stays tender and rich. The cherry adds a juicy pop that cuts through the chocolate, and the light icing brings just enough sweetness to tie it all together.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few extra pointers make baking even smoother.

• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
• Space cookies evenly so they bake uniformly.
• Drizzle icing with a spoon for a rustic look.

What to Avoid

Even simple recipes have a few pitfalls, but they are easy to avoid.

• Overbaking, which can dry out the cookies.
• Skipping the step of drying cherries, which can make the tops soggy.
• Making the icing too thin, which causes it to run off completely.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 18 cookies
Calories per serving: 140

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These cookies are perfect for planning ahead. You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Baked cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or they can be frozen for longer storage.

How to Serve Cherry Kiss Cookies

Serve them on a simple platter with coffee or milk, or add them to a dessert table for a pop of color. They also make a lovely edible gift when wrapped neatly.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you have extras, crumble them over vanilla yogurt, use them as a topping for ice cream, or sandwich two cookies with a bit of frosting for a fun treat.

Additional Tips

For extra shine, add a tiny bit more icing just before serving. If you like a stronger cherry flavor, place a small spoonful of cherry syrup on the cookie before baking.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange the cookies in neat rows and let the red cherries shine. A light dusting of powdered sugar around the platter adds a festive touch.

Variations to Try

Try adding mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra richness. Swap cherries for dried cranberries for a tangy twist. Add a hint of almond extract for a bakery style flavor. Drizzle with dark chocolate instead of icing for a bold finish.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, the dough and baked cookies both store well, making them great for planning ahead.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?

Not always, but chilling helps if the dough feels too soft.

3. Can I freeze Cherry Kiss Cookies?

Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to two months.

4. Can I use fresh cherries?

Maraschino cherries work best because they hold their shape and sweetness.

5. How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

6. Can I skip the icing?

Absolutely, they are still delicious without it.

7. What cocoa powder works best?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder gives the best flavor.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger batches.

9. Why did my cookies spread too much?

Butter that is too warm can cause extra spreading.

10. Are these good for gifting?

Let me tell you, they are perfect for gifting and always impress.

Conclusion

Cherry Kiss Cookies are one of those recipes that feel special every single time you make them. They are simple, charming, and packed with flavor, and this one’s a total game-changer for chocolate cookie lovers. Give them a try, because let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

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