Cherry Kiss Cookies
User Reviews
4.1
Cherry Kiss Cookies
Description
This recipe starts with creaming softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt until fluffy before incorporating maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and optional red food coloring to tint the dough a soft pink or red. Flour is then added gradually, and chopped maraschino cherries are folded in, distributing sweet, slightly tart cherry pieces throughout each cookie. The dough is rolled into balls and baked until the edges are light golden and the centers remain soft. Immediately after removing from the oven, an unwrapped milk chocolate kiss is pressed into the center of each cookie so it melts slightly and adheres as the cookies cool.
The resulting cookies have tender, lightly crisp edges that crinkle around the chocolate center. The maraschino cherry flavor and almond extract contribute a classic almond-cherry taste that is fruity and aromatic. The chocolate kiss in the center adds a creamy, sweet focal point in contrast to the fruity dough.
These cookies are made individually on a baking sheet and baked in a single batch. Cooling briefly on the pan allows the chocolate to set without fully hardening, making them easier to handle. They are suited for occasions where a cherry-flavored treat is desired.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 /2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 6 red food coloring optional, drops
- 2-1/4 /4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 /2 cup maraschino cherries chopped
- 30 milk chocolate kisses unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar and salt until fluffy. Beat in cherry juice, almond extract and food coloring. Gradually add in flour and mix until combined. Stir in cherries.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 8-10 minutes or until bottoms are light brown. Press a Hershey kiss immediately into the center of each cookie. The edges will crinkle. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple minutes before removing to a cooling rack.
Notes
- The cookie dough is softened with cherry juice and almond extract providing characteristic flavor.
- Press the chocolate kiss into the cookies immediately after baking while warm for the best melting effect.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.1
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