Cherry Kiss Cookies

Introduction

Cherry Kiss Cookies are a delightful combination of soft, buttery cookies topped with a sweet maraschino cherry and a Hershey’s Kiss chocolate. The rich cookie base perfectly complements the cherry’s tartness and the creamy chocolate kiss, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

I first made these when I wanted a fun and festive cookie for a holiday gathering, and they quickly became a favorite. The kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of baking cookies, and the sight of the bright red cherries and chocolate kisses made them look as good as they tasted. What’s great about these cookies is how easy they are to make, but they still have a charming, elegant appearance that will impress your guests.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a delicious treat, Cherry Kiss Cookies are sure to be a hit. The combination of buttery cookies, tart cherries, and rich chocolate is a winning combination that everyone will love!

Perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Parties and gatherings
• Gift-giving
• Chocolate and cherry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Kiss Cookies

Here’s why Cherry Kiss Cookies will quickly become one of your favorites:

• Buttery, Soft Texture: The cookie base is light and tender, providing the perfect balance to the chocolate and cherry topping.
• Tart and Sweet Combination: The tartness of the cherry pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate kiss, making for a balanced flavor experience.
• Festive and Fun: The bright red cherry and shiny chocolate kiss make these cookies look as great as they taste, perfect for holiday cookie trays.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these cookies are quick to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: You can experiment with different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses or even try different fruit toppings for a unique twist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-130 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cherry Kiss Cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
• 24 Hershey’s Kisses chocolate (unwrapped)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: Provides the soft, rich texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.
• Maraschino Cherries: Adds a pop of color and tartness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies and chocolate.
• Hershey’s Kisses: A chocolate topping that melts slightly when baked, adding a creamy sweetness to each bite.
• Sugar: A mixture of granulated and brown sugar creates a sweet, slightly caramelized flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cherry Kiss Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
5. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

6. Form the Cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form balls of dough. Roll them between your hands to create smooth balls.
7. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set.
9. Add the Hershey’s Kisses: Once the cookies are out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cherry Kiss Cookies

Cherry Kiss Cookies are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways:

• With a Hot Beverage: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy snack.
• As a Dessert Table Addition: These cookies are visually stunning and make a great addition to any dessert table.
• Gift-Giving: Package these cookies in a cute box or jar to give as a homemade gift to family or friends.
• For Holiday Celebrations: With their festive appearance, these cookies are perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any holiday gathering.

Additional Tips for Cherry Kiss Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Cherry Kiss Cookies are perfect every time:

• Pat the Cherries Dry: Make sure to drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies bake quickly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t get too brown.
• Press Kisses While Hot: Press the Hershey’s Kisses into the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven to ensure they stick.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter helps the dough come together more easily and creates a tender cookie.
• Customize the Chocolate: Experiment with different varieties of Hershey’s Kisses, such as milk chocolate, almond, or caramel-filled for a unique twist.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking.

Recipe Variations for Cherry Kiss Cookies

Here are some variations you can try for Cherry Kiss Cookies:

• Almond Cherry Kiss Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor that complements the cherry.
• Chocolate Cherry Kiss Cookies: Replace some of the flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolatey base.
• White Chocolate Cherry Kiss Cookies: Use white chocolate Kisses instead of milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
• Nutty Cherry Kiss Cookies: Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the dough for an added crunch.
• Minty Cherry Kiss Cookies: Use mint-flavored Hershey’s Kisses for a refreshing twist on this classic.

Freezing and Storage for Cherry Kiss Cookies

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment for Cherry Kiss Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Cherry Kiss Cookies easier:

• Stand Mixer – Ideal for mixing dough evenly and efficiently, especially if you’re making a large batch.
• Hand Mixer – A more portable option for mixing if you don’t have a stand mixer.
• Cookie Sheets – Used to bake the cookies evenly
• .Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats – Helps with non-stick baking and makes cleanup easier.Cookie Scoop – Ensures each cookie is the same size for even baking.
• Cooling Rack – To cool the cookies quickly after baking.
• Measuring Cups – For accurate measurement of ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons – For precise measurement of small ingredients like baking soda or vanilla extract.
• Rolling Pin – Useful if the dough needs to be rolled out before baking.
• Small Paring Knife – If you need to cut or shape the dough, or for precise placement of the cherry on top.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cherry Kiss Cookies

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
   Fresh cherries may not work as well because they have too much moisture, which can affect the dough’s texture. Maraschino cherries are ideal because they are drier and sweeter.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. How do I keep the chocolate kiss from melting too much?
   Press the Hershey’s Kiss into the cookie immediately after it comes out of the oven. This helps it hold its shape without melting too much.
4. Can I substitute the Hershey’s Kisses with another type of chocolate?
   Yes, you can substitute with any chocolate candy that fits the theme, such as chocolate-covered cherries or chocolate truffles.

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Conclusion

Cherry Kiss Cookies are a sweet and festive treat that combines the best of chocolate, cherry, and buttery cookies. With a soft texture and a rich, flavorful topping, these cookies are sure to impress your guests or make the perfect gift. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and absolutely delicious!

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, making it perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to casual snack time. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them all for yourself, these Cherry Kiss Cookies will bring a burst of sweetness to any occasion.

I’d love to see how your Cherry Kiss Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!