Cherry Kiss Cookies

Hershey’s Kisses sit atop tender cherry shortbread cookies to create these tasty and adorable little Cherry Kiss Cookies. With their fabulous cherry-chocolate flavor and beautiful pink hue, they’re just perfect for Christmastime, Valentine’s Day, or the sweetest baby-girl baby shower. But we’ll sure take them for everyday snacking, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherry and chocolate creates a delightful taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: This recipe involves simple steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, as well as celebrations like baby showers.
• Cute Presentation: The vibrant pink cookies topped with Hershey’s Kisses are visually appealing and great for sharing.
• Batch-Friendly: Easily double the recipe to make more cookies for parties or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your Cherry Kiss Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Electric mixer: An electric mixer saves time and ensures your butter and sugar are creamed to perfection.
• Cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop helps maintain consistent cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.
• Cooling rack: A cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 c. butter, softened
• 1 c. confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. maraschino cherry juice (from the jar of cherries)
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 6 drops red food coloring (optional)
• 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 2/3 c. chopped maraschino cherries

For Topping

• About 30 Hershey’s chocolate Kisses, unwrapped

How to Make Cherry Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). This ensures that your Cherry Kiss Cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Butter
2. Confectioners’ sugar
3. Salt

Start on low speed until blended, then increase to medium speed and cream until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Step 3: Add Flavors and Cherries

Next, mix in:
1. Maraschino cherry juice
2. Almond extract
3. Red food coloring (if using)

Then, on low speed, incorporate:
1. Chopped maraschino cherries

Gradually add in:
1. All-purpose flour

Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Scoop out about 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of dough and shape it into 1-inch balls. Place them on ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the bottoms start turning light golden brown.

Step 6: Add Hershey’s Kisses

Remove the pan from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie gently. Expect slight cracking around the edges; this is normal!

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the pan for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
• Avoid touching the melted Kisses until cookies have cooled completely as this may warp their shape.

Now you are ready to enjoy your delightful Cherry Kiss Cookies! Perfectly suited for any occasion or simply as a treat with your coffee or tea!

How to Serve Cherry Kiss Cookies

Cherry Kiss Cookies not only taste delightful but also look inviting with their vibrant color and chocolate topping. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, milk complements the sweetness of the cookies while balancing the rich chocolate flavor.

At a Holiday Party

• These cookies make a festive addition to any holiday spread. Their pink hue and chocolate Kisses will catch the eye of your guests.

As a Gift

• Pack these cookies in a decorative box or jar for a sweet homemade gift. They are perfect for birthdays or special occasions.

Alongside Ice Cream

• Serve warm Cherry Kiss Cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent dessert treat.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pairing these cookies with fresh fruit can provide a refreshing contrast to their sweetness. Try serving with strawberries or raspberries.

At a Baby Shower

• Their adorable appearance makes them ideal for baby girl baby showers. Arrange them on a cute platter for guests to enjoy.

How to Perfect Cherry Kiss Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Kiss Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter – This helps in achieving a fluffy texture when creaming with sugar.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies.
• Chill the dough – If time allows, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
• Watch baking time closely – Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking.
• Let them cool completely – Allowing the cookies to cool helps maintain the shape of the melted Kisses.
• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add different extracts or spices for unique variations of flavor!

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Kiss Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Cherry Kiss Cookies can elevate your dessert table or snack time. Here are some delightful options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A creamy accompaniment that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Fruit Salad – Fresh fruits add brightness and contrast to the rich cookie flavors.
3. Chocolate Milkshake – An indulgent drink that echoes the chocolate theme of your cookies.
4. Hot Chocolate – Perfect for colder days, this comforting beverage pairs beautifully with cherry flavors.
5. Cheese Platter – Mild cheeses can offer a savory counterpoint to sweet treats.
6. Tea Selection – Choose fruity or herbal teas that complement the cherry essence without overwhelming it.
7. Nut Mix – A crunchy nut mix provides texture and can balance out all that sweetness.
8. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side that contrasts nicely with cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Kiss Cookies can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes can ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Skipping the Softening Step: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for a light texture.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Overbaking the Cookies: Leaving cookies in the oven too long leads to dryness. Check for a light golden bottom and remove them promptly.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Touching warm cookies can distort their shape. Allow them to cool properly on a rack before handling.
• Forgetting the Cherry Juice: Omitting maraschino cherry juice makes cookies less flavorful. Always measure it accurately for that perfect cherry taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Kiss Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Cherry Kiss Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Cherry Kiss Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers.

How do I make Cherry Kiss Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it’s suitable for baking to maintain texture.

Can I use different types of chocolate kisses?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any kind of chocolate Kisses, like caramel or peanut butter, for a unique twist on your Cherry Kiss Cookies.

What is the best way to decorate Cherry Kiss Cookies?

Try adding sprinkles or icing after placing the Hershey’s Kisses for extra flair. It adds color and fun!

How long do I need to bake Cherry Kiss Cookies?

Bake them at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly golden when done.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Kiss Cookies are not only adorable but also incredibly versatile. Their cherry-chocolate flavor makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy snack at home. Feel free to customize these cookies by experimenting with different flavors or decorations. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite!

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