Cherry Kiss Cookies are sweet little treats packed with a surprise cherry inside. The base is soft and buttery, topped with a delightful chocolate kiss! Perfect for any occasion!
I love making these cookies because they’re so cute and fun to eat. Plus, who can resist that yummy chocolate on top? They never last long at my house! 🍒🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for a creamy texture. If you’re out, you can substitute with margarine or coconut oil, but the flavor might change a bit.
Granulated Sugar: This gives sweetness and helps create a soft cookie. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or even honey (though you may need to adjust the flour a bit to balance the moisture).
Maraschino Cherries: Check for the best quality cherries! If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you might consider fresh cherries or even a dollop of cherry jam for a unique twist.
Chocolate Kisses: The red kisses are festive! If you can’t find them, regular chocolate kisses work perfectly, or try white chocolate for a fun contrast.
How to Make Soft and Tender Cookies?
To ensure that your Cherry Kiss Cookies are soft and tender, avoid over-mixing the dough after adding the flour. This can make the cookies dense. Just mix until everything is just combined.
- Always cream the butter and sugar well, as this incorporates air for a lighter texture.
- Make sure to bake the cookies until they are just set; under-baking slightly will keep them soft.
- Pressing the cherry while the cookies are warm allows it to meld slightly into the cookie.
Cherry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red sanding sugar (optional, for visual effect)
- About 24 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 24 red chocolate kisses or red candy melts shaped as lips (or regular chocolate kisses dyed red) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to bake. You’ll let the cookies cool after they’re baked, which takes about 15 minutes. In total, you can expect about 40 minutes from start to finish before these delicious treats are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and prevents the cookies from sticking!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air, which helps your cookies be nice and soft!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully blended before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract and give it another good mix. This is where the cookies start to get that delicious flavor!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure everything is evenly distributed in the dough.
5. Mix It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, carefully mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. If you like, roll each ball in a little powdered sugar mixed with red sanding sugar for a fun touch!
7. Arrange the Cookies on the Baking Sheet:
Place the cookie dough balls on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart. They will spread out as they bake, so give them some space!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Put the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You want the cookies to be just set but not too browned. They should feel soft to the touch!
9. Add the Cherries:
Once you take the cookies out of the oven, press a maraschino cherry gently into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. This will create a lovely, juicy center!
10. Cool and Top:
Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, place a red chocolate kiss or a red candy “lip” on top of each cherry and press down gently to secure it in place.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the chocolate to set before serving. These Cherry Kiss Cookies are perfect for any gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself!
Now, enjoy the delightful combination of buttery cookies, juicy cherries, and chocolate kisses—perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Can I Substitute the Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can use fresh cherries instead, just be sure to pit them first. Alternatively, cherry jam or preserves can be used for a similar flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Unsalted Butter?
If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use margarine, coconut oil, or even a vegan butter substitute. Just keep in mind that these alternatives might slightly alter the flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance! Chill it in the refrigerator, then scoop and bake when you’re ready. If you have leftover dough, you can also freeze it for later baking—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling into balls.
