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 is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, anyone can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat at home.
• Beautiful Presentation: Their pink hue and chocolate topping make them visually appealing.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the fun of unwrapping Hershey’s Kisses and placing them on the cookies.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Cherry Kiss Cookies, it’s helpful to have the right tools on hand. They simplify the process and ensure you achieve great results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows you to mix ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter and sugar are creamed perfectly.
• Cookie scoop: It helps shape uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Cooling rack: This ensures your cookies cool evenly without becoming soggy.

Ingredients

Cookie Base

• 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

Topping

• About 30 Hershey’s chocolate Kisses, unwrapped

How to Make Cherry Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt on low speed until blended.
2. Increase to medium speed and cream until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Beat in maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and food coloring (if using).
4. On low speed, beat in chopped maraschino cherries. Gradually add in the flour until just combined.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop and shape dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of dough for each).
2. Place on ungreased cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350℉.
2. Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until bottoms are just starting to turn light golden brown.

Step 4: Add Hershey’s Kisses

1. Remove pan from oven and immediately place a Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie.
2. Press down slightly; cookies may crack around edges.

Step 5: Cool Down

1. Let cookies cool on pan for 2 minutes.
2. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Use this simple recipe as your guide for making delicious Cherry Kiss Cookies that everyone will adore! Enjoy baking!

How to Serve Cherry Kiss Cookies

Cherry Kiss Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a special occasion or just for everyday snacking, these cookies add a touch of sweetness to any gathering.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Parties: Place Cherry Kiss Cookies on a festive platter to brighten up your holiday table.
• Valentine’s Day Treats: Gift these cookies in cute boxes or bags as sweet surprises for loved ones.

With Beverages

• Coffee Pairing: Enjoy Cherry Kiss Cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon snack.
• Milk Dipping: These cookies are perfect for dipping in cold milk, enhancing the cherry and chocolate flavors.

As Dessert Table Additions

• Dessert Buffets: Include Cherry Kiss Cookies alongside other desserts for a colorful dessert spread.
• Baby Showers: Their pink hue makes them an ideal choice for baby-girl-themed celebrations.

How to Perfect Cherry Kiss Cookies

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

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your maraschino cherries and Hershey’s Kisses are fresh for the best flavor.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be light golden brown on the bottom when done.
• Don’t Rush Cooling: Allow cookies to cool completely before moving them to maintain their shape and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Kiss Cookies

If you’re planning to enjoy Cherry Kiss Cookies as part of a meal or snack pairing, consider these delicious side dishes.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that complements the sweet flavors of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can balance the sweetness and create an inviting snack board.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat alongside your Cherry Kiss Cookies.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light accompaniment that contrasts nicely with the cookies’ richness.
5. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae bar with toppings where guests can create their own sundaes to enjoy with these cookies.
6. Nut Mixes: A bowl of assorted nuts adds crunch and protein, making it a hearty complement to your sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Kiss Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your batch. Here are some tips to keep your cookies perfect.

• Skipping the Softening Process: If you don’t soften the butter properly, your cookies will turn out dense. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep them tender.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Baking for too long can make your cookies hard. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they are just lightly golden.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Without parchment paper, your cookies may stick to the pan. Line your baking sheets to ensure easy removal.
• Touching Kisses Too Soon: If you touch the melted Kisses immediately after baking, they may lose their shape. Wait until the cookies cool before handling them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cherry Kiss Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag; they can last up to three months.

Reheating Cherry Kiss Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5 minutes for fresh-tasting cookies.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat for about 1-2 minutes, covering it with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Cherry Kiss Cookies.

How do I ensure my Cherry Kiss Cookies are soft?

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them and consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter.

Can I use different kinds of candy instead of Hershey’s Kisses?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with other chocolates or candies that you love; it will give a unique twist to your Cherry Kiss Cookies.

What if I can’t find maraschino cherries?

You can use any sweet cherry variety or even cherry-flavored extract as an alternative in your Cherry Kiss Cookies.

Are Cherry Kiss Cookies suitable for special diets?

These cookies contain butter and flour, making them unsuitable for gluten-free or vegan diets unless substitutions are made.

Can I decorate my Cherry Kiss Cookies?

Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle colored sugar on top for added flair!

Final Thoughts

Cherry Kiss Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile for various occasions. Their charming pink hue and scrumptious flavor make them perfect for holidays or everyday treats. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite flavors or decorations!

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