Indulge in the sweet magic of our ‘Cherry Chocolate Kisses’—buttery cookies that are pure delight. These homemade treats feature a subtle blend of maraschino cherry and almond flavors, crowned with a sweet surprise: a milk chocolate kiss nestled at the center. A perfect addition to holiday gatherings or as a cherished family favorite, these delightful cookies are easy to bake and even easier to enjoy. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite
Cherry Chocolate Kisses
"Cherry Chocolate Kisses" are delightful buttery cookies featuring a harmonious blend of maraschino cherry and almond flavors, crowned with a sweet milk chocolate kiss in the center. Perfect for indulging in a delightful combination of tastes and textures.
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon
- spatula
- cooling rack
- Oven
- Timer
- Wrapping optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 tsp maraschino cherry juice
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries chopped
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling the cookies
- 36 milk chocolate kisses unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it's light and fluffy.
- Add the salt, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract to the mixture. Blend well.
- Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. You can use a spatula or your hands for this step.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in granulated sugar to coat. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. The cookies will remain soft and should not brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press an unwrapped milk chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookies will crack around the edges, and the kiss will adhere to them.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, your Maraschino Cherry Kiss Cookies are ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Butter Temperature: It's crucial to use softened but still cool butter as specified in the recipe. This helps create the right texture for the cookies. If the butter is too warm or too cold, it can affect the consistency of the dough.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice: Use the juice from the maraschino cherries for a subtle cherry flavor. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the dough too wet. The 2 teaspoons mentioned in the recipe are a good starting point.
- Chopping Cherries: When chopping the maraschino cherries, make sure to drain them well and pat them dry with a paper towel. Excess liquid can affect the dough's consistency.
- Cookie Size: If you want uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the dough into 1-inch balls. This ensures consistent baking times and a professional appearance.
- Baking Time: Be vigilant while baking. The cookies should be taken out when the edges are just starting to turn golden. Overbaking can result in dry cookies, so keep a close eye on them.
- Pressing the Kisses: When you press the milk chocolate kisses into the center of each cookie, do it immediately after removing them from the oven while they are still soft. This helps the kisses adhere properly.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set without breaking.
- Variations: You can customize your Cherry Chocolate Kisses by using different flavors of kisses or adding a small piece of nut (like a pecan) instead of a kiss for a twist.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for several days. If you need to store them for a more extended period, you can freeze them.
Nutrition
Serving: 1coockie | Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 30mg | Sugar: 7g
